Job Introduction
South West Flood & Coastal is a shared service between East Devon District Council and BCP Council. We work with our partners and communities to address the challenges of flooding and coastal erosion in a changing climate. This has created exceptional professional opportunities to work in both regions on exciting projects. Our geographical areas are renowned for their natural beauty, with long stretches of beaches, complex cliffs, stunning landscapes and expansive national parks.
We are seeking an experienced Principal Environmental Scientist who is a specialist in environmental assessment and consenting, and ideally with knowledge of flood and coastal risk management projects. The role will provide leadership of environmental assessment and consenting across the South West Flood & Coastal portfolio of projects. Key responsibilities will include:
- Taking a leading role in delivering the Jurassic Coast FCERM Mitigation Study, which will develop new guidance on how to undertake environmental impact assessment of potential impacts of current and future coastal defences on the World Heritage Site’s Outstanding Universal Value features, and approaches for how those impacts can be avoided or mitigated.
- Leading the provision of expert environmental inputs to support delivery of capital and maintenance works, including advising opportunities for Natural Flood Management and Ecological Enhancements.
- Supporting the Holes Bay Saltmarsh Restoration Project and seeking the develop this into a broader opportunity to deliver a long-term programme of saltmarsh restoration in Poole Harbour and potentially Christchurch Harbour.
- Developing a programme of environmental monitoring to ensure timely evidence is provided for the forward pipeline of FCERM projects.
- Mentoring and developing junior staff and growing the environmental assessment, consenting and monitoring capabilities of the service.
To deliver the above, we are seeking an individual with excellent knowledge and experience of:
- the relevant environmental legislation and consenting processes and requirements for plans and projects in England;
- the work practices, processes and procedures for undertaking the range of work required of this role;
- delivering environmental assessment for a range of projects, from strategic level studies to schemes, including Strategic Environmental Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment, and Habitat Regulations Assessment; and
- working in areas of extensive environmental designations and gaining approval of statutory bodies.
The role will sit within the Strategy, Policy & Environment Team which currently has 10 members of staff with a diverse range of skills and experience. South West Flood & Coastal has just under 40 staff, ranging from early career professionals through to sector leading subject matter experts covering all areas of flooding and coastal erosion. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other industry experts and share your expertise to help develop flood and coastal risk managers of the future, build a legacy and demonstrate the value of our work nationally.
Applications from professionals across the South West region are welcome. We promote hybrid and remote (with infrequent office attendance) working, have office space available at both BCP (Bournemouth and Poole) and East Devon District Council (Honiton, Exmouth and Sidmouth). The service has an inclusive and positive culture. The role operates under smarter working guidance providing clear objectives and deadlines and giving you the control to find work/life balance that meets service needs and your personal commitments and interests.
The employee benefits include a great pension package, various salary sacrifice and benefits schemes, and a generous leave offer, further details visit: Colleague benefits and support | BCP (bcpcouncil.gov.uk).
BCP Council is currently simplifying terms and conditions of service and creating a single equitable pay structure which all employees will move on to as from 1 Dec (and as advertised). The employee benefits package is enhanced – please make contact if you wish to discuss.
If you have any questions, please email Alan Frampton (South West Flood & Coastal Strategy, Policy & Environment Manager) at alan.frampton@bcpcouncil.gov.uk who will be happy to arrange a call to discuss this opportunity.
About BCP Council
BCP Council provides services to a diverse community of 400,000 residents and employs more than 5,000 people. Our area includes over 15 miles of beautiful world-renowned coastline. We can offer career defining roles to transform and improve services. By working with us, you can help deliver a vision of a thriving, word-class, prosperous and inclusive place for generations to come.
Our Benefits
We offer an excellent benefits package to colleagues. Find out more on our website.
As a result of the creation of BCP Council in 2019, we are working on simplifying our terms and conditions of service and will be creating a single pay structure which is to be applicable for all employees. It is important to us that we offer benefits that our colleagues value as part of their total employment package and we are reviewing these to make sure we have it right. We have been in a process of collective bargaining since 2019 and have positively worked forward to reach an agreed position with the unions for the new contractual offer. This has taken longer than we hoped and therefore we are having to consider all alternative avenues available to enable us to remove inequality in the organisation as a result of bringing together 3 councils.
We are in the process of establishing a timescale for implementation, and all colleagues joining us will be included in these changes. We want to reassure everyone that whichever route is taken to reach the new terms and conditions, we can honour continuous service and there will not be any job reduction as a result of the implementation of Pay and Reward. If you have any questions at all about this process, please feel free to raise this with the hiring manager.
