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Title

DIO Technical Services – Ecologist

Posted
Reference
Sectors Conservation & Ecology
Location England (Yorkshire & Humberside) - UK
Type Fixed Term and Permanent Roles
Status Full Time
Level Mid Level
Deadline 16/07/2019
Company Name Ministry of Defence
Contact Name
Website Further Details / Applications
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Description

The Ecologist operates within the Environmental Support & Compliance Team (ES&C). It will provide Subject Matter Expert (SME) advice on ecology and natural environment issues primarily in the North of England but potentially on other parts of the defence estate in the UK or overseas to support MOD infrastructure developments and operations; act as Competent Authority for Habitats Regulations Assessments; secure Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) assents for a range of defence activities; develop and maintain a costed and prioritised SSSI Programme; support develoment of natural environment and designated site management plans; undertake audit, assurance and incident investigations of land management and project planning and delivery; undertake stakeholder engagement at a local, regional and where appropriate national level.

Main Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Management
Manage and prioritise a busy workload. Understand how your work contributes to DIO’s aims and objectives and supports defence activities. Plan and undertake appropriate personal development to ensure core competences and specialist skills are kept up to date. Promote strong working relationships both within the DIO Ecology Team and with other teams across DIO and MOD.

2. SME Advice and Policy
Provide advice on delivery of the MOD’s natural environment legal and policy obligations to support MOD objectives across the defence estate, and to ensure that the line managers and other appropriate staff are aware of any serious issues so that they can alert DIO senior management. This to include advice to the Senior Ecologist on the development, and future direction, of policy and legal compliance; development of policy in response to formal tasking, assist with drafting responses to Parliamentary, Ministerial and FOI correspondence; and support MOD reviews and responses to 3rd party proposals such as new or amended designated sites, management proposals and policies.

3. Compliance and Assurance
Monitor compliance of MOD operations, estate development and estate management activities with wildlife and natural environment legislation and policy, instructions and guidance, support incident investigations, make recommendations on actions to improve compliance, operational efficiency and the policy framework, escalating significant risks and issues up the policy Governance chain.

4. Support to MOD Infrastructure Developments and Operations
Support MOD infrastructure development projects and operational activities through: a) advising project staff and engaging with regulators and NGOs on statutory approvals and assessments throughout the project lifecycle; b) contributing to or reviewing sustainability appraisals or other studies identifying the need for ecological assessments and approvals; c) scoping, commissioning and quality assurance of a prioritised programme of ecological surveys and impact assessments; d) undertaking ecological surveys and impact assessments where appropriate; e) providing technical support to commercial tendering processes.

5. Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Management Plans
Support the wider Ecology team’s SSSI and management planning casework, including development and delivery of a costed and prioritised programme of required works to improve and maintain 'favourable condition' of the MOD SSSIs in compliance with statutory duties and government policies; monitor compliance and implementation; and support delivery of a prioritised programme of management plans, agri-environment schemes and liaise with tenants and contractors across the defence estate.

6. Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain effective relationships with key external partners such as Natural England at a local, regional, and where appropriate national level. As a MOD SME on the natural environment, assist in the drafting and review of publications, and undertake presentations and briefings within the MOD and to external stakeholders to raise awareness of natural environment responsibilities and achievements and ensure that effective liaison is developed and maintained.

Travel Requirements

Travel between MoD sites will be expected of this role. Due to the remote location of some sites overnight stays away from home may be required. Some sites are difficult to access via public transport.

Desirable Requirements

A full UK driving licence

About our Team

Technical Services (TS) comprises the following core areas:

• Engineering and Construction,
• Programme Support Team
• Security Services Group,
• Safety, Health, Environmental Protection and Sustainability (SHEPS)

Technical Services (TS) provides in-house consultancy to DIO and the wider MOD; the specialist skills available through the Technical Services team span construction, engineering, electronic and physical security requirements, safety systems, environmental management, sustainable development, access and recreation, historic environment and natural environment.

DIO TS SHEPS is responsible for providing the Department’s technical expertise and intelligent customer capability for the specialist subject areas of: environmental support and compliance; environmental and ordnance liability management; byelaws; and sustainability and environmental planning. TS SHEPS teams develop policy, standards and guidance; and they supervise, monitor and assure that DIO deliverables and the activities of contractors meet the requirements of the contract, legal duties and MOD policy.

Environmental Support and Compliance (ES&C):

DIO SHEPS ES&C provides advice and guidance on forestry, public access and historic and natural environment matters relating to defence activities and estate management, development and disposals. The team manage the MOD’s Conservation Stewardship Fund and SSSI Improvement Programme. The team supports the development and delivery of Integrated Rural Management Plans (IRMPs) and other environmental management plans across the estate and provides independent assurance and reports performance on those matters related to the ES&C specialist subject areas. The team also has oversight of the MOD’s Conservation Groups and produces the MOD’s Sanctuary Magazine and Award Ceremony.

About DIO

DIO is part of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). We play a vital role in supporting Defence by leading and managing the delivery of what the Armed Forces need to live, work, train and deploy on operations. Our people share the common goal of supporting our Armed Forces through management of the military estate. See more on Defence Infrastructure Organisation - GOV.UK

To find out more about us, take a look at the attached Quick Guide to DIO or you can view our YouTube video to see more about our work

To help achieve our objectives, we believe in six important values (Safety first, Collaboration, Integrity, Agility, Accountability and Enthusiasm) that underpin our vision and mission. These values equip us for the future and shape how we work together. These values are designed by DIO for DIO.

Person specification

Candidates are asked to provide a total of up to 500 words in the space provided on the application form summarising their experience against the following essential criteria:

Essential criteria

• A good understanding of UK nature conservation law and policy for designated sites and protected species.

• A good understanding of UK nature conservation professional standards for ecology surveys, impact assessment and planning.

Please use the CV section of the application to add details of your experience where the desirable criteria listed below may be met.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in ecological survey and report writing and review.

• Experience in protected species survey, mitigation and licensing.

• Experience in writing and implementing conservation management plans.

• Experience in Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA).

Qualifications

A relevant degree in ecology, zoology, botany, natural resource management or a related topic and at least three years post qualification employment (or equivalent combination of skills and experience)

Memberships

Associate membership of CIEEM – see link below - or equivalent eligibility: http://www.cieem.net/eligibility-information

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

  • Leadership
  • Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

  • Government Property Profession (GPP) Competence Framework - Interpretation and analysis of data to inform decision making
  • Government Property Profession (GPP) Competence Framework - Understanding and complying with Statutory, Regulatory & Professional requirements

Benefits

Pensions

Civil Service pension schemes may be available for successful candidates.

Benefits

We are passionate about delivering great things for our customers. But we also know you will have a life outside of work; we respect your priorities and our industry leading flexible working practices will give you real freedom to balance work and life.

We employ talented people who challenge and guide each other. At DIO you will work within a highly capable team who will support you to develop your skills, knowledge and experience.

Further main benefits include:

• Professional and Personal Development of skills
• Flexi-time scheme upon completion of 6 months service
• Alternative working practices
• 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• In addition to 8 public holidays per year you will also receive leave for HM The Queen’s birthday
• Special Paid Leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
• Highly competitive pension scheme
• Most sites have good travel links with free car parking; many also have other facilities such as a Gym and / or site shops

Allowances

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

This post does not offer any assistance with relocation allowances.

Things you need to know

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.

Nationality statement

Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules.

If you're applying for a role requiring security clearance please be aware that foreign or dual nationality is not an automatic bar. However certain posts may have restrictions which could affect those who do not have sole British nationality or who have personal connections with certain countries outside the UK.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Please ensure that at the application and interview stages of the campaign you use the information in the attached Quick Guide to DIO, Success Profiles Frameworks (all linked to the advert) and Government Property Profession Competency Framework to assist you in the demonstration of your skills and experience.

Your suitability for the role will be assessed using the Success Profile elements that have been chosen for this campaign, each element will be scored accordingly and the candidate with the highest score will be offered the position(s).

The two Success Profile elements you will be assessed against at application are listed below. At this stage equal weighting will be given to the Behaviours and Experience. The latter includes skills, qualifications and experience:

• Behaviours (50%)

Leadership

• Ensure colleagues and stakeholders have a clear understanding of objectives, activities and time-frames. Take into account different individual needs, views, and ideas, championing inclusion and equality of opportunity for all. Consider the impacts of own and team’s activities on stakeholders and end users. Role-model commitment and satisfaction with role. Recognise and praise the achievements of others to drive positivity within the team. Effectively manage conflict, misconduct and non-inclusive behaviour.

Communicating and Influencing

• Communicate in a straightforward, honest and engaging manner, choosing appropriate styles to maximise understanding and impact. Ensure communication has a clear purpose and considers people’s individual needs. Share information as appropriate and check understanding. Show positivity and enthusiasm towards work, encouraging others to do the same. Ensure that important messages are communicated with colleagues and stakeholders respectfully, taking into consideration the diversity of interests.

• Experience (50%)

See person specification

The three Success Profile elements you will be assessed against at interview are listed below. At this stage there will be greater emphasis placed on Experience with the weighting of the three elements shown in brackets:

• Technical (20%)

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate at interview at least Practitioner level competence appropriate to a specialist ecologist in the following areas:

Government Property Profession (GPP) Competence Framework - Interpretation and analysis of data to inform decision making
• interpreting and presenting clearly to colleagues and stakeholders diverse and detailed information from a wide range of sources and making reasoned recommendations
• identifying options for action, providing an evaluation of options and making reasoned decisions

Government Property Profession (GPP) Competence Framework - Understanding and complying with Statutory, Regulatory & Professional requirements
• being conversant with a range of statute and case law underpinning the particular area of specialism
• showing detailed understanding and knowledge of appropriate Codes of Practice and ensuring delivery outcomes are in accordance with relevant professional standards

• Behaviours (30%)

• Experience (50%)

At interview candidates will be expected to deliver a short presentation. The subject matter will be disclosed upon invitation to interview.

To assist with your application please find attached below:

1. Quick Guide to DIO
2. Success Profiles Framework
3. Government Property Profession Competency Framework

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK, Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA) and certain non EEA nationals. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.

Eligibility

Candidates in their probationary period are not eligible to apply for vacancies within this department.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Apply and further information

Contact point for applicants

For further information regarding this vacancy please contact:

Name: Moira Owen
Telephone: 01748 875068
Email: Moira.Owen443@mod.gov.uk

Sift/interview dates and location

Interviews will take place at DIO Building 18, Piave Lines, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, DL9 3LR within 3 weeks of the closing date.

Further information

Applicants should monitor their Civil Service Jobs application centre regularly for updates.

Some of MoD’s Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) changed from 3 February 2014. Those TACOS changes applied to Broader Banded and Skill Zone staff who were new recruits to MoD or who were appointed to a post on substantive promotion, progression or advancement. On the same basis, the TACOS for Departmental Retained Grades changed with effect from 01 September 2014. The document attached to this advertisement provides more information.

All employees joining MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a 6-month probation period (unless otherwise advised) effective from the employment start date.

Following the introduction of the new Government scheme Tax Free Childcare, the Childcare Voucher scheme has now closed to new entrants. Applicants should be aware that any move across the Civil Service on or after 5 October 2018 may have implications on an employee’s ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You can find out more about Tax Free Childcare at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

If you need to contact Defence Business Services (DBS) regarding this vacancy, please contact the DIO Enhanced Recruitment Team on DBSCivPers-DIOResourcing@mod.gov.uk

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