Job Purpose

Full Time 37 hours per week.   Home Working with operational base at Milton Keynes or Little Venice (Paddington)

The Canal & River Trust is a charity entrusted with the care of over 2000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs in England and Wales. These historic, natural and cultural assets form part of the nation’s strategic and local green infrastructure network, linking urban and rural communities as well as habitats. Our waterways contribute to the health and well-being of local communities and economies, creating attractive and connected places to live, work, volunteer and spend leisure time.  We believe that life is better by water. Every role across the Trust plays it's part in transforming our canals and rivers into spaces where local people want to spend time and feel better, bringing wellbeing benefits to millions.

We have a vacancy for an experienced Environmental Scientist to work join our London & South East Heritage & Environment Team.  

Find our more about our London & South East Regional team and the work we do here (click on the link): https://cahttps://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/where-we-work/london-and-south-eastnalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/where-we-work/london-and-south-east

The successful applicant will be working from home, however should expect to attend their local hub at either Milton Keynes or Little Venice/Paddington regularly for team meetings and collaborative working.  You will also be required to travel regularly across the London & South East region to conduct your work out on location - car cash allowance is provided.

Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience

About the role

Reporting to the Heritage & Environment Manager, as Environmental Scientist you will play a varied role within the London & South East Heritage and Environment Team, working with a diverse range of colleagues across the Trust including; environment, operational, asset management, engineering, estates, planning and third party works.  You will provide your technical expertise in Environmental Science, supporting the delivery of the Trust’s significant and impactful projects driving the protection, improvement and promotion of the natural environment of our waterways.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the implementation of relevant Asset Management Strategies (dredging, environmental assets) to protect, maintain, and where appropriate, enhance condition of the assets and their performance for the customer.

Lead the dredging programme for the region

Competent advisor on matters of water quality, waste and pollution prevention

Contribute to national and local programmes of engagement with customers, volunteers, stakeholders and the general public to promote the value of waterways and the work of the Trust to increase the Trust’s reputation and influence and secure additional resources for our work, focusing on our key environmental priorities.

Implement relevant inspection/monitoring and maintenance programmes

Contribute to corporate targets on raising public awareness of and support for the Trust especially through interest in our environmental assets, vegetation management & dredging

Contribute to the implementation of the Trusts Environmental Management System (EMS) including its environmental appraisal procedures

Monitoring and reporting on compliance with regulatory requirements and corporate environmental standards

Identify implications of environmental legislation for the Trusts activities and provide practical advice on necessary measures to protect the Trusts interests and the waterway environment

Undertake environmental surveys (water & sediment sampling) implementing consistent standards for data management

Work with other colleagues within the environment team and others to respond to environmental issues and incidents

Liaise with external regulators and stakeholders (including Environment Agency and Local Authorities and water companies) in relation to environmental protection and management

Provide technical comments on planning consultations affecting the Trust’s assets and interests;

Deliver training on aspects of environmental protection and management to Trust employees, contractors and volunteers

Contribute to marketing & media opportunities to generate positive publicity for environmental management activities carried out by the Trust

Work with volunteers on a variety of environmental initiatives

About you

In addition to the specialist expertise and professional qualifications you bring, it is also essential that you have an ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders across the organisation and wider, and communicate effectively to protect and promote the Trusts’ waterways heritage.  It is essential that you love to work with others, and particularly with with community groups and volunteers who give their time so generously to get involved and make a valuable contribution to our Heritage & Environmental successes . Your approach is collegiate and you will enjoy working with your nearest colleagues and team members to define and manage critical priorities in a busy and demanding environment. As an advocate of the Trust you need to have a real passion for your subject, and apply that to the context of our complex national organisation ensuring that our rich heritage remains protected, appreciated, understood and relevant both in the present, and for future generations.

Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications

Degree or equivalent in relevant discipline

Associate member of relevant professional institution, e.g. CIWEM

Proven postgraduate experience in application of technical knowledge within a business environment.

Practical understanding and experience operating within UK & European environmental policy and regulatory frameworks

Broad knowledge of environmental good practice

Experience working and delivering projects with volunteers

Experience of operating within a customer service environment

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Valid UK driving licence is essential - regular travel across London & South East Region is required.

If you are interested in this role and have any questions at all please contact Katherine on CRT.Recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk

Closes: 6 January 2021 at 23:59

Interviews:  First stage interviews are expected to be held virtually mid January 2022

What We Offer

In addition to your annual total salary of up to £37,000 (includes London allowance & car cash allowance)  we offer great holiday entitlement,  a generous DC contributory pension scheme and other benefits. Further details can be found here (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits).

At the Trust we care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do as a Trust. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community. All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job.

When you join the Canal & River Trust you become a member of an engaged team working to preserve our heritage for future generations.  Come and share your passion and knowledge with a team that makes a difference to millions of people every day.