Senior Coastal Processes Scientist – Lowestoft

Job Purpose:
To lead and deliver coastal oceanography and geomorphology projects within Cefas’ portfolio for commercial and governmental clients, and coastal processes advice on a wide range of issues to assist regulatory decision making processes. The focus of the work is to develop and deliver science based evidence programmes to specific coastal sites and assessment of environmental risks to proposed developments as well as their potential impacts on coastal processes during the full lifetime of these developments.

Main responsibilities and skills:

Cefas is seeking a highly-motivated coastal scientist to produce high quality evidence based deliverables for Cefas’ nuclear portfolio and government regulatory clients. This will involve developing and/or contributing to coastal projects that gather EIA baseline and impact evidence associated with the construction and operation of nuclear power stations (e.g., coastal change, navigation dredging, impacts of marine structures). It will also involve developing proposals and bids for new work, both in the UK and abroad.

Cefas requires delivery of professional and impartial scientific advice to key customers (Marine Management Organisation, NRW, PINS and commercial clients) on coastal energy projects (e.g., tidal, wind-power), coastal construction, aggregate extraction, marine pipelines and other coastal/marine developments. This expert advice will be based on a balanced and critical examination of data and reports on coastal processes including seabed stability, coastal erosion, sediment transport patterns, coastal geomorphology and oceanography. The successful applicant would be expected to develop quickly into the role, and would be responsible for co-ordinating a small team of coastal processes advisors. Experience of the UK regulatory framework will be beneficial.

The new nuclear work involves contributing to an integrated programme of marine physical, chemical and biological studies, addressing issues ranging from the effects of construction, cooling water abstraction and thermo-chemical discharges on the marine environment, to advice on the siting of infrastructure and environmentally-derived operational risks. The coastal geomorphology and oceanography component of the portfolio considers how developments and associated coastal defences will impact the nearshore zone, including potential impacts on ecology, sediment transport and coastal configuration. It also examines changes to coastal processes and coastal morphology, including extreme events (> 100 years) to inform safe and efficient engineering design and regulatory planning applications.

You will have analytical/interpretive skills and clear evidence of experience in the field of coastal dynamics and geomorphology, including the application of coastal area models (e.g, TELEMAC, DELFT3D); knowledge of coastal engineering is also desirable.

You will have a good track record as lead author in the production of high-quality professional reports and/or peer-reviewed publications, and be able to communicate effectively with project colleagues (numerical modellers, ecologists), our clients, other environmental consultants and regulators.

We require a colleague that can work effectively within our team structure and also develop and/or lead new work as required.

Your skills and general outlook will permit you to confidently expand into new areas and/or undertake new tasks that are beyond your present field of experience.

Excellent report/paper writing and effective communication skills are essential. An ability to speak or read Mandarin would be advantageous.

The post offers the opportunity to develop new scientific approaches to acquire new evidence, perform field work and disseminate scientific outputs.

Essential Skills and experience:

1 Strong understanding of coastal systems and coastal processes

2 An ability to use and/or interpret the results from coastal area numerical models

3 Demonstrable leadership qualities

4 Demonstrable effective communication skills with clients, scientific colleagues and regulators in writing (scientific articles and technical reports), presentations and at meetings

5 Demonstrated ability to provide professional and impartial advice to commericial and regulatory customers

6 Strong data analysis, interpretation and programming skills

7 Demonstrable effective and harmonious working with inter-disciplinary groups; the successful applicant must be adept at working collaboratively in a team, as well as on their own and under instruction.

8 Understanding of the science need for commercial or applied projects

9 Willingness to prioritise customer needs.

The ability to design and conduct research to solve interdisciplinary and non-standard problems, a full UK/European driving licence and the ability to communicate in Mandarin would all be desirable.

Please give details of how you meet the criteria written in the job description

Higher Degree and relevant experience in an appropriate coastal dynamics, geomorphology or coastal engineering discipline

We’ll assess you against these competencies during the selection process:

• Achieving commercial outcomes
• Delivering at pace
• Science and Engineering – Securing, Maintaining and Developing Relevant Technical Expertise
• Science and Engineering – Applying Scientific and Technical Knowledge
• Science and Engineering – Understanding and Complying with Statutory Requirements and Standards

Civil Service Competency Framework

Civil Service pension schemes may be available for successful candidates.

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.

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV section. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Please note depending on volume of applications an Initial Sift may be conducted on the Lead Competency: “Achieving Commercial Outcomes, candidates must pass this competency for their application to be progressed.

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

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.

Higher Degree and relevant experience in an appropriate coastal dynamics, geomorphology or coastal engineering discipline

Sift date to be confirmed.

Interviews are anticipated to take place during the week commencing the 3rd July 2017.

Interviews will be held at Cefas, Pakefield Rd, Lowestoft,NR33 0HT.

Cefas is unable to contribute to interview expenses.