Fisheries Technical Assistant

There is an exciting opportunity to join the to join the Fisheries, Biodiversity and Geomorphology Team in Wessex area. You will have a good knowledge and interest of fisheries ecology and be able to demonstrate your ability to communicate to a range of internal and external customers. Most importantly you will have a passion for driving environmental improvements and maximising the potential of fisheries in our area.
- Your role will support experienced fisheries officers delivering a mix of strategic and operational work. The role will focus on assisting fisheries permitting and regulation across the area. You will contribute to our work meeting the challenges of the DEFRA 25-Year Environment Plan and our own local environmental priorities.
- Key roles:
- Assist with technical input into statutory consultations, including fisheries and flood risk activity permits
- Assist with the provision of fisheries advice into relevant Environment Agency projects to ensure compliance with legislation as well as habitat creation
- Assist with fisheries management advice to customers
- Work with customers and partners, as well as internal colleagues, to identify opportunities to enhance fisheries
- Work with Biodiversity and Geomorphology colleagues to identify and influence opportunities to deliver multiple benefits for the environment
- Respond to environmental incidents

The team
- We cover an area that is diverse in wildlife and has numerous nationally important designated sites. We work in partnership both internally and externally to advise on environmental impacts and improvements. You will join a friendly, supportive and experienced group of ecologists, fisheries and geomorphology experts. The two teams are based in Blandford (DT11 8ST) and Bridgwater (TA6 4YS). Mentoring and development will be offered by those in the team.

Experience/skills required
- We are seeking someone with a passion for protecting and improving the diverse fisheries of the Wessex rivers and still waters. While we will aim to shape the job in a way that builds on your strengths and interests, the following will be important for the role:
- An awareness of fisheries permitting and the requirements of relevant fisheries legislation.
- An effective communicator, engaging with customers and staff over the phone or in person and be able to manage customer expectations.
- Sound technical knowledge: know what fisheries science is and why it matters.
- Preferably hold a recognised fisheries qualification.
- Be IT literate and confident in the use of digital data and systems.
- Operate and maintain data and information systems with the ability to interpret data and prepare basic reports.
- You'll be well-organised and have the confidence to work independently.

Contact and additional information
- The post is full-time although requests for other work patterns will be considered.
- A full UK driving licence is essential.
- The Environment Agency take part in incident response. You’ll be encouraged to get involved and support depending on your role and circumstances. Full training will be provided-
- For more information about working for the Environment Agency visit our careers page environmentagencycareers.co.uk