29759 - Freshwater Ecologist (Environmental Monitoring Officer)

We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment. As an organisation we strive to reflect the communities we serve and continue to develop diversity throughout our workforce. We welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, or religion. We are the Environment Agency. We work with government, local councils, water companies, businesses, and communities to make our environment cleaner, safer, and healthier for people and wildlife. The team investigates how water "quality" and "quantity", and habitat and anthropogenic factors are impacting on ecological communities and communicate this information to a range of audiences. We have an exciting opportunity to join our team and develop your career in environmental monitoring and data analysis and interpretation. This role will involve:

• Laboratory analysis of biological samples, including aquatic invertebrates to species level. This will be based at the Spalding laboratory and will form a large part of this role.
• Seasonal field based ecological, water quality and/or fisheries survey work across the whole area (Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire).
• Interpretation of field and laboratory data to report findings to our customers using both standard and bespoke computer applications.
• Supporting investigations into impacts of environmental pollution incidents.
Training in survey techniques and identification will be available, although some experience is desirable. Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role. The team Our friendly and dedicated Analysis and Reporting team collect, analyse and interpret freshwater environmental data to inform a range of legislative, national and local requirements. The team are skilled in environmental monitoring fieldwork and lab work and use their expertise to assess a wide variety of ecology, water quality and fisheries data from a range of sources.

You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person with a genuine passion for the environment. You will be keen to use and develop knowledge and skills to help support environmental outcomes and be willing to undertake specialist training when necessary. You will need:
• An enquiring mind and enthusiasm for collection and use of environmental data
• An understanding of what environmental monitoring is and why it matters as well as an appreciation of current environmental challenges and topics
• You will have a minimum of two years' experience in a relevant discipline (e.g. ecology, environmental sciences, biology). This experience can have been gained in a voluntary capacity.
• You will be qualified to at least 'A' level. You may have the opportunity to gain qualifications as part of our apprenticeship scheme.
• You must possess a full driving licence.