At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in protecting freshwater fisheries through scientific research and diagnostics.
- Company: Be part of the National Fisheries Laboratory, a leader in environmental protection.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, inclusive employment, and various employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on fish health and ecosystems while working with experts.
- Qualifications: Ideal for those with a background in fish biology, ecology, or lab experience.
- Other info: Roles based in Brampton with occasional travel; interviews scheduled for mid-June.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking Technical and Scientific Officers to join the National Fisheries Laboratory in Brampton, Cambridgeshire. We are a high-achieving, innovative national team that contributes to the protection and development of freshwater fisheries across England. These roles involve work across various scientific disciplines to support our services to Environment Agency operational teams and external fisheries customers. Candidates with experience in fish biology, fisheries ecology, or laboratory diagnostics are particularly encouraged to apply.
Our officers work to high standards across laboratory diagnostic areas, supporting fish disease investigations, fish ageing, parasitology, histology, bacteriology, microbiology, and molecular disciplines. They perform fish health checks, support non-native fish investigations, and contribute to fisheries management projects. The roles support detection, monitoring, and management of fish pathogens and non-native fishes, including fish dissection, sample collection, management, and processing in state-of-the-art laboratories, along with reporting responsibilities. Additional duties include operational laboratory support, maintaining accurate records, managing supplies, assisting with maintenance contracts, and ensuring proper waste management. Embodying high health, safety, and wellbeing standards is essential. Incident response related to fish disease and non-native species is also part of the role.
The NFL team consists of national experts protecting the environment from fish disease and non-native species threats. Their work supports monitoring, regulation, and the mitigation of risks to fisheries and aquatic environments through diagnostics and technical advice.
Experience/Skills Required
- Background or interest in fish biology, ecology, disease, fisheries management, or laboratory experience.
- Self-motivated, organized, with excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Experience in customer service, effective communication, and ability to convey information to diverse audiences.
- Ability to prioritize workloads, work under tight deadlines, and work independently or in a team.
- Knowledge in fish ageing, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, parasitology, histology, or dissection is advantageous.
- Excellent IT skills for data communication, storage, analysis, and interpretation.
- A full UK driving license is beneficial.
Additional Information
The roles are based in the National Fisheries Laboratory, Brampton, with occasional travel. Working hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, with incident response duties outside these hours. We promote inclusive employment, flexible working, and offer various employee benefits. Interviews are scheduled for mid-June.
Competencies
- Achieves Results: Demonstrate efficiency under pressure, prioritization, and high standards in your work.
- Works in Teams: Show ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and support colleagues.
- Applies Analytical Knowledge and Experience: Provide examples of applying scientific knowledge in relevant areas such as fish health, ecology, or diagnostics.
We value diversity and encourage flexible working arrangements, including job sharing. We guarantee interviews for applicants with disabilities meeting minimum criteria.
Technical and Scientific Officer - 30911 employer: Environment Agency
Contact Detail:
Environment Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical and Scientific Officer - 30911
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest research and developments in fish biology and ecology. This will not only enhance your understanding but also allow you to engage in informed discussions during interviews, showcasing your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fisheries and aquatic sciences community. Attend relevant conferences or workshops, and connect with current employees at the National Fisheries Laboratory on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights and potentially get referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your problem-solving skills and how you've applied scientific knowledge in practical situations. Think about scenarios where you've worked under pressure or collaborated effectively with a team, as these are key competencies for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to health and safety standards in your previous roles. Be ready to share experiences that highlight your attention to detail and adherence to protocols, as this is crucial for maintaining high standards in laboratory environments.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical and Scientific Officer - 30911
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in fish biology, fisheries ecology, or laboratory diagnostics. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements in these areas.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to the Technical and Scientific Officer position. Mention how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the role and express your enthusiasm for contributing to the National Fisheries Laboratory.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information to diverse audiences.
Prepare for the Interview: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your analytical knowledge and experience in fish health, ecology, or diagnostics. Prepare examples that showcase your teamwork and collaboration skills, as well as your ability to manage workloads effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Environment Agency
✨Showcase Your Scientific Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your background in fish biology, ecology, or laboratory diagnostics. Highlight specific experiences where you've applied your scientific knowledge, especially in areas like fish health or disease management.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Think of examples where you've successfully solved problems in a lab or field setting. The interviewers will be looking for your ability to handle challenges, so share how you approached these situations and the outcomes.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since the role involves working with various teams, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Provide examples of how you've communicated effectively with diverse audiences and supported your colleagues.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions or scenarios related to fish health checks, sample collection, or incident response. Brush up on relevant procedures and be ready to explain how you would handle specific situations that may arise in the role.