Environment Agency
Nature Recovery Peatland Advisor (Environment & Business) - 36366
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Job Description
We are looking for a range of experience and skills as set out. However, you will be asked during the interview if you have a specific preference or particular interest in any of the focus areas above.
Job Description
The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. 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.
The Environment Improvement Plan and Land Use Framework include commitments to deliver actions for peatlands which contribute towards the Government’s net zero targets.
We are looking for an organised and enthusiastic advisor with a good understanding of England’s Peat Agenda. You will be an experienced specialist who will support the technical and/or the project management aspects of the programme.
The role will focus on aspects of the peat programme including supporting:
- The provision of specialist advice on upland and lowland peat restoration. This will focus on maximising the benefits and minimising the risks of the management of water within specialist bog and fen habitats, and their catchments
- The provision of sound, evidence-based advice required for the Lowland Agricultural Peat Agenda, ensuring that water management issues and benefits are fully explored
- Development of approaches to improve our business readiness, including on the Research and Development framework
- Environment Agency staff, acting as the point of contact for the peatland leads in both area and national teams in their work with delivery partners
- Leading on specific workstreams which may include, developing strategic tools, communications, contract/project management, green finance and identifying training needs, developing, and delivering training materials.
We are looking for a range of experience and skills as set out. However, you will be asked during the interview if you have a specific preference or particular interest in any of the focus areas above.
The Team
You’ll join our National Peatland Team in Nature Recovery, part of Environment & Business Directorate. We lead on strategic / technical advice for peatland restoration and sustainable management of peat soils. Working with others to deliver integrated outcomes.
We’re a dispersed team working across the country.
We promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued. We use evidence/expertise/engagement, and innovation to enhance and support delivery, influence policy, legislation, and secure resources.
Experience/skills Required
We are looking for a competent environmental advisor, qualified to degree or equivalent in a relevant technical discipline with an understanding of peatland issues and opportunities.
In your answers please demonstrate:
Essential:
- ability to work effectively across a variety of backgrounds and cultures, actively encouraging others to consider diversity issues;
- relevant experience of working in at least one of the following: eco-hydrology, biodiversity, conservation or ecology;
- experience developing policy and/or practice in peatland conservation and/or responsible management of lowland peatlands, working with a range of stakeholders;
- an excellent working knowledge of national and/or local peatland matters and applied ecological or hydrological knowledge and understanding across relevant disciplines;
Desirable
- knowledge or awareness of the England Peat Agenda;
- expertise in coordination and/or development of training/guidance;
- knowledge and skills/expertise of project management, communication planning, engagement, applied research or green finance;
- membership of an appropriate professional organisation.
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Appropriate training will be provided.
Contact and Additional Information
You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible / hybrid.
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 judith.bennett@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.
If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.
Length of Contract
Up to 12 months
Competence 1
Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Description: Influences and persuades others is about presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
Indicators
- Gathers relevant data, marshals facts and prepares sound arguments
- Listens to other’s opinions, understanding their viewpoints, needs and concerns; responds appropriately; lobbies others in advance
- Presents a credible case and explains the benefits to the audience/listener; anticipates the main objections/arguments
- Responds to the needs and style of the listener when influencing.
- Seeks to achieve a “win-win” outcome and develop the relationship with the person(s) being influenced.
- Prepares convincing written arguments on complex issues, presenting information logically, concisely and persuasively.
- Able to modify and reformulate case, read the listener’s mood and adjust accordingly
- Plans and prepares influencing strategies for key players and opinion leaders.
Question: Describe a time when you have successfully influenced key players to deliver to agreed deadlines, in the face of considerable challenge. Please provide a peatland relevant example where possible.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack. in DNI
Competence 2
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
Description: Takes decisions and solves problems is about finding and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.
Indicators
- Uses previous experience and careful analysis to identify potential problems, effective solutions and arrive at sound decisions.
- Identifies and asks appropriate questions to explore and detect root causes of problems or sources and quality of evidence.
- Applies sound techniques to analyse problems, generate options and select best course of action.
- Seeks out and considers the best available information before making decisions. Probes, checks and confirms veracity of data as appropriate.
- Confronts head-on difficult situations where major decisions have to be made quickly.
- Makes sound decisions based on complex or incomplete information and/or within limited timescales.
- Escalates issues when they are beyond own limitations and/or have consequences further than own responsibilities.
Question: Give an example of when you have had to make a decision quickly, based on the information to hand. Please provide a peatland relevant example where possible.
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Competence 3
Communicates Effectively
Description
Description: Communicates effectively is about listening and questioning to understand and engage. You need to demonstrate how you convey information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
Indicators
- Is an active listener, has time for people; seeks their contribution.
- Uses full range of communication methods to ensure effective understanding.
- Considers needs of and impact on audience, anticipates reactions and uses appropriate communication method and style.
- Prepares written reports and data in clear, readable and accurate manner, using appropriate grammar, syntax and style.
- Ensures communication is two-way; responds and acts on feedback
- When presenting is easily understood and inspires attention from an audience.
- Is clear and to the point when speaking.
- Anticipates the main issues and prepares responses.
Question: Tell us about a time when you have had to explain complex technical information to a non-technical person. Please provide a peatland relevant example where possible.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
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