Soil and Peat Scientist Newcastle upon Tyne, England
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Location
About the job
Job summary
An exciting science specialist opportunity has become available in Soil and Peat science team in Defra. DEFRA is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
The Natural Environment, Trees & Landscape Directorate (NETL) delivers on the ambition for the environment to be a healthy and a beautiful place to live, work and enjoy. We are a diverse, multi-site team leading the delivery and policy thinking across a wide range of issues. Our teams deal with a huge range of issues affecting this country’s natural environment. NETL has an inclusive approach to work that recognises the skills, endeavour, needs and well-being of all our staff.
The Access, Landscapes, Peatlands and Soil (ALPS) division is within the NETL Directorate that leads on a range of policy areas for UK nature, soils and landscapes, including in the UK Overseas Territories. The ALPS division offers a friendly, collaborative and supportive environment in which to develop. We attach importance to what we do, as well as how we do it, by valuing learning and development and rewarding success.
The Soil and Peatland Science and Evidence team supports the several policy teams responsible for delivering ambitious targets as laid out in the recently published EIP and Net Zero Strategy. Both soils and peat are recognised by the government as natural assets which deliver a range of ecosystem service benefits from flood mitigation to carbon storage, and which have key roles to play in meeting Defra’s Net Zero, and other, objectives. As a result, the scale and complexity of delivering the governments ambition makes this is an exciting and high-profile area to be working in. We are seeking a Senior Scientific Officer to join the evidence team who has experience in soil science or a closely related discipline.
Job description
We are a small, friendly team of natural scientists whose role is to deliver scientific evidence and support the soil and peat policy teams. The post holder will lead the development, management and delivery of scientific research activity supporting soil and peatland policy and its contributions to England's environmental and Net Zero goals. Policy must be based on the best available evidence and analysis and so it is essential that the post holder is able to effectively communicate with expert and non-expert audiences, can critically assess the evidence available, is able to build and maintain networks with the research community, can guide and advise policy as a subject matter expert, and work effectively within a larger evidence and analysis community. Scientists in this team work alongside other evidence teams across the department, and indeed Whitehall, regularly feeding into policy or bringing their knowledge to bear on a diverse range of issues affecting soils and peat both domestically and internationally.
This role will be largely focused on the soils evidence portfolio. Soils policy is focused on improving soil health and the resilience of our soils. The science team will therefore be delivering supporting evidence that considers the biological, chemical, and physical attributes of soil. Policy areas currently supported include developing a robust soil health baseline and soil health indicator, improved soil mapping products, carbon sequestration and storage potential in agricultural soils, and alternative farming models for improved soil health.
The post holder will drive the delivery of research projects to fill evidence gaps including the development of research proposals, managing relationships with project partners, quality assuring outputs and feeding results into policy. The post holder will be required to work closely with a diverse range of stakeholders including other organisations in the Defra Group (Natural England, the Environment Agency, JNCC etc), academic institutions, research organisations, and third sector groups.
Person specification
Responsibilities:
- Support, guide, and critique policy as it is developed drawing on the best available evidence from a range of sources
- Design, procure and manage research projects to address evidence gaps
- Act as a key point of contact for soil and peatland science relevant activities and developments across Defra
- Build effective relationships and networks with leading academics and researchers, engaging with external research projects relevant to Defra, representing Defra on relevant project advisory boards and steering groups
- Provide expert input into official correspondence, briefings, and ministerial submissions
Essential criteria:
- In addition to a scientific understanding of soil dynamics, the post holder will need to demonstrate a good general awareness of the broader issues affecting soil and peatlands in England
- A good understanding of issues relevant to the practice and management of research
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to swiftly distil complex information and provide clear and succinct advice to senior officials and non-scientists
- Good management skills, including the ability to lead, direct and motivate others through periods of rapid change and uncertainty and deputise where necessary
- Ability to foster collaborative working relationships, across Defra directorates, the Defra group, devolved administrations, and the UK’s science research community as well as other stakeholders
Qualifications
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Providing and Handling Evidence drawn from the Goverment Science and Engineering profession career framework.
Benefits
Learning and development tailored to your role:
We are committed to investing in our staff and providing all staff with opportunities to maximise their skills and achieve their potential. We offer a range of work-based training and development opportunities including access to coaching and mentoring, and five days volunteering per year
An environment with flexible working options:
We promote flexible working that balances professional and personal commitments. We support virtual and smart working, making best use of our technology and building collaborative working models to help all staff to work in a ‘hybrid’ way. Defra continues to support a blended working model and candidates are currently expected to attend their office base for 40-60% of the week.
A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity:
We have strong staff networks covering mental health, disability and other needs. We also have a range of special leave policies and will put reasonable adjustments in place for people who need them.
The department places significant emphasis on talent programmes that help everyone to achieve their full potential.
The Civil Service as a whole is committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation. Support available includes a bullying and harassment network and mediation services.
Generous annual leave and bank holiday allowance:
Defra offers 25 days’ annual leave (rising, over 5 years, to 30 days) for full time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year and a privilege day.
Blended Working
Defra operates a blended working policy subject to business need, giving people the flexibility to choose when and where they work and collaborate with others.
Individuals are expected to work from one of the office locations stated in the advert to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs. There is flexibility to split the working week, spending minimum of 40-60% in the workplace, unless exceptional circumstances apply and/or you are a contractual home worker.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process, you will be asked to submit a Personal Statement, a Technical Skills Statement and a 250 word statement for each of the behaviours listed above.
Your Personal Statement should be no more than 750 words and should briefly outline your skills, qualifications and experience relevant to this role referring to the essential criteria.
The Technical Skills Statement should be no more than 250 words.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
For guidance on how to construct your personal statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Links – Statement
For guidance on how to construct your behaviour examples, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Links –Behaviours
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted on the Personal and Technical Skills Statements. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sifting will take place after the closing date. Interviews dates will be confirmed..
Interview
Candidates invited to interview will be assessed on Behaviours, Experience, Technical skills and Strengths. You will be asked to prepare a short presentation, details of which will be issued prior to the interview.
Please note that interviews will be via video using Microsoft Teams and you will need to use your device to access the video link. You will receive a link to join the interview at the appointed time through the email account you provide us with on your application.
Location
Please be aware that this role will be contractually based in a Defra group workplace/office. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Candidates applying for these roles will be based at one of the Defra hubs as advertised.
For information, our core Defra hub locations are:
- Bristol – Horizon House (Please note that space at this office is limited and it may not be possible for all Policy roles to be recruited to this location)
- London – 2 Marsham Street
- Newcastle – Lancaster House
- York – the Kings Pool
Internal (core Defra) employees can apply for this role and choose to remain in their current location or to be based in one of the advertised locations.
All other applicants will be based in one of the advertised locations.
Defra continues to support a blended working model and candidates are currently expected to attend their office base for 40-60% of the week.
Travel and subsistence will not be paid for travel to a base office location.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Near miss
Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Defra which may be at a lower grade, but have a potential skills match.
Merit Lists
Where more than one location is advertised, candidates will be posted in merit order by location. You will be asked to state your location preference on your application.
Salary
Existing Civil Servants moving on level transfer will retain their current salary or move onto the pay range minimum, whichever is the higher. Staff moving on promotion will have their pay increased by 10% or move onto the pay range minimum, whichever is the higher. As a general rule allowances and supplements will not be recognised.
This post offers the successful candidate the opportunity to receive an additional pay supplement of £3,000 upon appointment (pro rata). In addition to this, there is a further pay supplement of up to £3,000 (pro rata) which may be offered based on candidate's annual competency assessment.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Higher Security Clearance:
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter.
All of these posts require the successful candidate to hold basic security clearance. Candidates posted to 2 Marsham Street, London may be subject to a higher level of clearance because of the security requirements for that location. Job offers to these posts are made on the basis of merit. Security vetting will only take place after the receipt of a job offer.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: [email protected]
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission.
