Are you interested in protecting marine biodiversity and helping society use the marine environment in a sustainable way? Do you have a scientific background and the ability to apply your skills and knowledge to working as an independent advisor to the UK Government and the Devolved Administrations?

Who are JNCC?

Established in 1990, we’re the UK’s statutory advisor on issues affecting the natural environment across the UK and internationally. Our primary role is advising all four Governments of the UK. JNCC is led by the Joint Committee, which brings together members from the nature conservation bodies for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and independent members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under an independent Chair. Support is provided to the Committee by almost 200 people who bring together scientific and technical expertise, extensive knowledge of policy at global, European and national levels, and skills in working with other organisations. Staff are based in two main offices in Peterborough and Aberdeen.

What’s the role?

JNCC are looking for 3 Marine Ecologists to join the Marine Monitoring and Evidence team, based in Peterborough or Aberdeen. You will work collaboratively with members of your own team, and other teams within JNCC to develop standards and deliver robust evidence and advice to support JNCC’s conservation work. You will also work with colleagues in the country nature conservation bodies (Scottish Natural Heritage, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Northern Ireland) and other public bodies (e.g. Cefas, Environment Agency).

You will undertake the analysis of monitoring data to inform reporting on Marine Protected Areas and further development of our monitoring strategy to ensure our data are able to meet the needs of multiple drivers. You will also develop sensitivity assessments of marine habitats and species to pressures exerted by anthropogenic activities and contribute to the improvement of the Marine Habitat Classification for Britain and Ireland and the marine part of the European habitat classification system, EUNIS. You will also provide ecological and statistical expertise to marine teams across JNCC.

Who are we looking for?

You will either be an expert in UK benthic ecology and seabed survey or have expertise in the use of statistical analysis packages as well as a broad knowledge of UK marine nature conservation theory and practice.

Full details of the role are included in the job description.

Why JNCC?

 We have a very flexible and welcoming organisational culture.  Our Executive Management focus on supporting advisers with the freedom and tools they need to get their jobs done.  You will benefit from our supportive workplace culture, excellent holiday and pension benefits (which in many cases exceeds the statutory minimum, including the opportunity to join the Civil Service pension arrangements), as well as an exciting job in a unique environment. 

Assessment

We will assess you against the Behaviours listed below, and the Experience and Technical requirements outlined in the Post Details. Please see the CS Behaviours framework for more details at this grade (Level 3 – HEO and SEO or equivalent) Please see the CS Behaviours framework for more details at this grade (Level 3 – HEO and SEO or equivalent)

Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions
•  Changing and Improving
•  Communicating and Influencing
•  Working Together
•  Delivering at Pace

Interviews

The closing date for this post is 09:00 on 31^st August 2020

The interview date is 15^th September 2020

To apply please visit our website at https://jncc.gov.uk/about-jncc/careers/ where you can download the Application Form, Equality & Diversity Form and Job Description, and find further information on How to apply.

A secondment opportunity from within the Civil Service may be considered for the right candidate.

Please be aware that at this time interviews may take place either over the phone or by video conference. We will aim to give you a minimum of 5 days’ notice before inviting any candidate for interview but please be aware that this may not be possible, and interviews may have to be changed at short notice.