Antarctic Modernisation – Sustainability Manager

Over the last 5 years, the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC, part of UKRI) and British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have invested in an initial phase of projects, to modernise its Antarctic infrastructure. This investment has delivered a new polar research vessel, the RRS Sir David Attenborough, new wharves at King Edward Point in South Georgia, and at Rothera, and building improvements at Rothera and on Bird Island. We are also currently building a new science and operations build, the Discovery Building, which will complete in 2023.

NERC/BAS are shortly to embark on the next exciting phase of modernisation, which will see the acquisition of a new long-range transport aircraft, hangar and runway enhancements which are needed to support it, and the trial and scale-up of renewable energy generation. Further projects are likely to include new waste management facilities, domestic accommodation and a marine facility, all at Rothera. We also intend to look at further infrastructure requirements for our Island stations and that required for our future work in East Antarctica. These projects are all being delivered under the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) Phase 2.

The AIMP projects are part of a Government capital investment for the development of sustainable and efficient infrastructure. In addition, BAS is embarking on an extensive programme of transformation to achieve a number of objectives including using resources more effectively, realising the benefits of capital investments and the integration of BAS business systems and capability with other BAS functions.

To support us in our work, NERC/BAS has entered into long term partnering contracts with a Technical Advisor and a Construction Partner in order to deliver this challenging programme and BAS has set up a Programme Management Office.

This role is responsible for ensuring that AIMP makes a significant contribution to the de-carbonisation of the BAS Estate and enables future operations that can fully comply with the BAS and UKRI sustainability strategies.

Purpose

To lead on the integration of the UKRI, NERC and BAS Environmental Sustainability Strategies into the AIMP projects. This role will work alongside the BAS Environment Office and BAS Estates to help reduce our overall environmental impact including achieving our 2040 Net-zero Carbon Strategy.

Qualification

Environmental Science or Engineering related degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent is essential.

Professional membership with an Environmental body is desirable.

Duties

• Lead on the integration of UKRI and other Environmental Sustainability Strategies into the AIMP projects focussing on the six priority areas namely:
- Decision making and engagement
- Carbon
- Procurement
- Efficient use of resources
- Fostering a healthy living environment
- Interactions with the physical environment

• Liaise and work alongside the UKRI and NERC Sustainability Teams to deliver the associated objectives from within the AIMP projects.

• Lead on the implementation of the AIMP Sustainability Strategy by working with the AIMP Sustainability Assurance Group (internal parties, construction partners and technical advisors) to set objectives and targets for each project.

• Manage a sustainability assurance function through performance analysis and reporting. This will involve collating and analysing data submitted as evidence to achieve targets and producing reports and presentations to communicate progress to working groups and senior management.

• Coordinate the BREEAM & CEEQUAL project assessment for all AIMP projects.

• Support the BAS Environment Office in achieving the organisation’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy objectives namely to;
- Lead on Antarctic environmental affairs;
- Continually improve environmental performance;
- Conserve biodiversity, science and heritage values; and
- To exceed compliance and drive best practice.

This will involve supporting in the areas of EIA, waste management, biosecurity, protected area management, hazardous materials storage and pollution prevention.

• Support the BAS Energy and Carbon Reduction Manager in achieving the organisation’s 2040 Net-zero Carbon Strategy.

• Provide advice and share best practice to the AIMP projects on energy efficiency, environmental management and sustainability.

• Understand & work to current legislation, British Standards and Antarctic Treaty requirements.

• Work as part of multidisciplinary team. Attending, organising and chairing meetings.

Please quote reference: BAS 20/69
Closing date for receipt of application forms is: 5 July 2020
Interviews are scheduled to be held: 22 July 2020

BAS is an Equal Opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and promoting equality in careers in science, we hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award and have an active Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme of activity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from ethnic minorities and disabled people are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the job. We are open to a range of flexible working options, including job sharing, to support childcare and other caring responsibilities.

Antarctic deployment involves working in a remote and harsh environment where adaptations to working, living and recreation areas are not achievable to a level that might be expected in the UK. There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement to be physically capable of negotiating rough, icy and snowy terrain as well as being mentally resilient and medically fit.