Biodiversity Technical Specialist

Number of jobs available- 1
- Region- London, South East
- City/Town- Welwyn Garden City
- Building/Site- Alchemy, Bessemer Road, AL7 1HE
- Grade- Staff Grade 5
- Post Type- Permanent
- Working Pattern- Full Time, Part Time
- Role Type- Environment & Sustainability, Operational Delivery
- Salary Minimum- £37,462
- Job description- We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated Biodiversity Technical Specialist to join the Biodiversity and Geomorphology Team in Herts and North London.
Our conservation duties extend to all aspects of the Environment Agency’s work including Capital schemes, flood defence maintenance works, consents, authorisations, planning consultations, advisory work, partnership working and enhancement projects.
The primary focus of this role will be supporting the Area’s work related to Water Resources, leading and co-ordinating Biodiversity and Geomorphology liaison and input to ensure water company business planning and delivery through PR 24, and Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) measures protect and enhance the water environment and deliver wider benefits for society and the economy. You will support Area drought planning, the review of water company drought plans and Water Resource Management Plans.
Act as technical lead providing expert opinion and advice to customers/partners on scientific and technical issues relevant to Biodiversity in order to help protect, enhance and restore the environment and deliver on WFD and EA business plan objectives.
Support in developing Environment Agency capital/revenue schemes and activities to ensure compliance with wildlife legislation and deliver more for the environment.
Provide interpretation and explanation of complex technical principles, procedures and policy to enhance our work and to deliver and develop best practice in Area.

Act as a mentor to support staff by coaching and encouraging continued professional development ensuring knowledge is shared and capability developed within the team.
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.
- The team- You’ll join a dynamic team of ecologists and geomorphologists. We deliver technical advice and guidance to all aspects of the Environment Agency’s work including our capital schemes, operations, incident response, regulation, strategies and plans, Local Authority planning consultations, advisory work and habitat enhancement projects. We deal daily with the public, NGOs, Local Authorities, Water Companies, developers and landowners assessing ecological risks and collaboratively delivering ecological benefits.
- Experience/skills requiredQualified to at least degree level/equivalent in a relevant discipline.
Excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external partners.
Proven ability to act as a coach or mentor to support the technical development of less experienced staff.
The ability and confidence to understand and take reasonable risks.
An in depth technical knowledge of biodiversity issues and legislation, with freshwater experience.
Excellent planning and organisational skills.
The ability to work proactively and lead work on biodiversity for the Area.
Membership, or working towards membership, of a professional institution (e.g. CIEEM, CIWEM)
- Contact and additional information- A full UK driving licence is required for this role.