We are seeking a highly enthusiastic self-motivated team member to join the Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire Area Groundwater & Contaminated Land team based in Lincoln. Our Area heavily depends on groundwater for potable drinking water supply and watercourse base flow. You will play a critical role in safeguarding and improving this important resource. The individual needs to be a confident and effective communicator as the role will require them to regularly speak with internal and external teams/organisations on technical matters relating to water quality, water resource and landfill engineering.
Primary accountabilities of the role are:
Develop, maintain and enhance effective partner relationships with other organisations to share information on groundwater quality and levels to further improve our network coverage.
Provide technical comments internally and externally on groundwater/contamination matters for Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR) permits.
Respond to planning applications and redevelopment proposals to identify and quantify risks to groundwater and the wider environment. Influence planning authorities and developers to deliver environmental benefits.
Support other teams on groundwater abstraction licence reform and groundwater abstraction licence variations and applications, and the move of water resources into EPR.
Support the Strategic Review of Charges for Water Resources funding.
Handling external enquiries from customers such as general public, consultants, farmers, local authorities MPs etc.
Help deliver the Water Framework Directive Classification and Safeguard Zone action plans for the Area.
Gathering and inputting data to the catchment planning system in connection with the River Basin Management cycles.
We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment. As an organisation we strive to reflect the communities we serve and continue to develop diversity throughout our workforce. We welcome applications from don’t all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, or religion.
The team
The Groundwater and Contaminated Land Team is a multifunctional team focused on protecting our groundwater resource and dealing with the legacy of land contamination. The team provides technical support to other operational teams including the National Permitting Service, Environment Management teams and many others. Our primary goal is to protect groundwater as a vital resource for current and future generations.
Experience/skills required
We are seeking an experienced technical officer with good understanding of water quality and resource, the Water Framework Directive and Environmental Permitting Regulations. In addition, someone with good project management skills would be beneficial. You’ll be qualified to at least degree level (or equivalent) in a Geoscience related discipline, a member of a professional body (or working towards this) and possess proven ability/knowledge of:
• hydrogeology/contaminant hydrogeology;
• groundwater chemistry;
• groundwater quality and protection;
• applying a risk-based approach to your work;
• influencing others and securing commitment from others who you do not manage;
• managing complicated projects to secure efficient and appropriate delivery; and
• delivery of positive environmental outcomes.
Should you not have the desired experience/skills then training will be provided to the right candidate.
Other key requirements for this job include excellent communication skills, proficiency in GIS, data handling and management and developed organisational skills.