Fisheries Technical Specialist

Job Description

We have a Technical Specialist Vacancy in the Fisheries, Biodiversity & Geomorphology (FBG) team in the Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire Area. This role is responsible for working hard to create a better place by protecting and enhancing our diverse habitats and wildlife. With respect to our LNA Fisheries, like the rest of the UK fisheries are under a wide range of pressures with increasing cumulative pressure that’s exacerbated by climate change.

As the Fisheries Technical Specialist in the team, you will lead and co‑ordinate our Fisheries input into a wide range of Environment Agency activities, including Water Company planning, FCRM programmes, environmental permitting, Environment Programme and Water Framework Directive activities.

Working with a wide range of teams both at a local and National level, as well as external partners, you will proactively identify and influence opportunities to deliver Fisheries benefits. You will provide specialist input into projects and programmes managed by others.

You will provide technical leadership and support to colleagues, as well as support for the Team Leader on technical direction and priorities.

Your ability to build close working relationships in and outside of the team will be key.

The Environment Agency is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve.

You will join a passionate supportive team of Fisheries experts, with wide ranging knowledge and experience.

The role is in a part of the country with a mix of rural and urban areas, fenland and lowland rivers, and varied species and habitats.

You will have a degree in a relevant discipline or over 3 years of relevant experience.

• Considerable knowledge and experience of current Fisheries issues and legislation.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence internal and external customers.
• The ability to build an appropriate evidence base to support recommendations and decisions.
• Confidence to take decisions.
• Ability to manage conflicting demands.
• Detailed understanding of the Water Framework Directive objectives, as well as protected habitats and species.
• Excellent motivation and adaptability in delivering priorities.
• The ability to provide support and leadership to others.
• Good IT skills in Word, Excel, GIS and database management.
• Knowledge of biodiversity and geomorphology would be an advantage.

The role is office based but involves travel across the Area and work in the field; therefore, a full driving licence is required.

You will need to apply and achieve NPPV2 vetting to support officers undertaking regulatory work.

You must be able to swim and be prepared to work in all weather conditions.

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given.

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel; some travel and overnights may be required.

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact James Hooker, LNA Fisheries FBG Team Leader by email at james.hook
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Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.

Interviews will likely take place face to face in Spalding in middle of April.

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.

Feedback is generally not available at sift stage.

QUESTION HERE:
Working as Fisheries Technical Specialist within the FBG team, you will be required to provide guidance to colleagues & partners based on any information provided to you. Please give an example of a time where you’ve had to make a decision or solve a challenging issue based on limited information.

QUESTION HERE:
Working as Fisheries Technical Specialist…