Senior Ecologist

This is an exciting new role to develop how we use citizen science to improve the streams and rivers across Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

You will work closely with Environment Agency teams and partner volunteer organisations to establish how citizen science can help us understand the health of our rivers.

• You will lead on developing close working relationships with organisations using citizen science to collect environmental quality data. You will support partners' citizen science initiatives and provide advice on monitoring freshwaters. You'll also be expected to help with our response to drought, flood and pollution incidents.
• The post is part time up to approximately 19 hours/week. Your time will be split between gathering and analysing environmental data and working with partners such as Rivers Trusts and volunteer riverfly monitoring groups. We will provide transport for fieldworking and travelling to meet colleagues and partners. Our working patterns and locations are flexible, and this includes appropriate working from home, but you will need to work at our Chichester office regularly.
• 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.

• Our friendly Analysis and Reporting team are experienced freshwater ecologists who will support your development in this new role. We use a range of environmental data including flow, water quality and ecology, and fish population data to understand the pressures on the freshwater environment. We investigate the environmental issues identified and our data is used to underpin decisions to protect and improve the environment.

• You may have a degree (e.g., biology; environmental science), or other relevant experience and knowledge with a background or a keen interest in aquatic ecology. Experience of working with volunteers and/or carrying out environmental monitoring would be advantageous.

• Great communication and influencing skills.
• Experience of working effectively with a range of stakeholders and partners.
• Able to build positive relationships with a range of partners.
• Able to use Excel and other standard software packages.
• Ability to analyse, understand and communicate data effectively.
• You must be confident or experienced working in and around water.
• You must have a full driving licence or be able to demonstrate how you could perform this role fully without one.

• 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 support flexible working hours and practices.
• We also encourage you to keep developing your skills and professional knowledge throughout your career.
• Interviews will be held remotely by video conference date to be confirmed.