Environment Agency
Nature Recovery Peatland Senior Advisor (Environment & Business) - 35661
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Desirable:
- graduate and/or post-graduate qualification in which biodiversity/ecology and environmental management was a major component of study
- membership of an appropriate professional organisation
- experience of line management
You'll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
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.
We are looking for an experienced and dynamic specialist to join the national Peatland team, within Nature Recovery in the Environment & Business Directorate.
The Environment Improvement Plan and Land Use Framework include commitments to deliver actions for peatlands which contribute towards the Government’s net zero targets. As a Senior Advisor, you will provide technical leadership and lead specialist work to influence and shape these strategic approaches, provide strategic direction and advice on relevant funding programmes, working across the Environment Agency, as well as with government and external partners. You will embed policies and delivery within EA processes to maximise our contribution to relevant targets and ambitions; inform the development of strategic tools and guidance and work with our existing networks to facilitate the development and delivery of peat restoration and sustainable management of peat soils. This is a great opportunity to maximise the benefits for nature, the net zero carbon agenda and for managing the risks to the water environment.
You need to be able to work with a range of different audiences, including government officials, senior leaders, operational teams and stakeholders. You will be required to work at pace, preparing senior level briefings and supporting national level engagement.
The team
You’ll join our National Peatland Team, in Nature Recovery, part of the E&B Directorate. We lead on strategic and 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
In your capability-based answers please demonstrate:
Essential:
- ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures actively encouraging others to consider diversity issues in their work
- demonstrable relevant technical expertise and experience of working in the fields of peatlands, peatland hydrology, biodiversity, nature conservation and/or ecology
- experience of developing policy and/or practice in nature recovery or land use related themes, working with a range of internal and/or external stakeholders
- an excellent working knowledge of national and/or local biodiversity and/or land use matters and applied ecological knowledge and understanding
- evidence of on-going learning and development/CPD, relevant policy and practice
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Desirable:
- graduate and/or post-graduate qualification in which biodiversity/ecology and environmental management was a major component of study
- membership of an appropriate professional organisation
- experience of line management
You'll have a range of development opportunities and 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 two years
Competence 1
Influences and Persuades Others
Description
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.
Question
Describe a time when you have successfully persuaded a key stakeholder to follow your advice on the direction of a major project or piece of work. Please provide a peatland relevant example where possible.
This role is for EA ONLY staff.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Competence 2
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.
Question
Describe a time when you have been faced with an especially complex issue at work and have had to decide the correct course of action. Please provide a peatland relevant example where possible.
Competence 3
Shapes organisational approach & delivery
Description
Informs Government Policy and / or designs, implements and supports an approach to translate it into cost-effective operational activity delivering outcomes for people and the environment.
Question
Describe a time when you have developed an approach to new duties/challenges, which consider social, economic and environmental factors in order to deliver the right balance of outcomes for people and wildlife.
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Competence 4
Achieves Results
Description
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
Question
Describe a time when you had to adapt a project plan to take into account changed parameters or a sudden change in project scope.
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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