E&B Advisor Biodiversity (Beaver Project Team)

We are looking for an experienced specialist to support the technical aspects of a high-profile beaver project within AFNE Biodiversity. In 2020 Defra commissioned Natural England and Environment Agency (EA) to explore the desirability of reintroducing beavers in England. We have developed a collaborative project-based approach with Natural England to shape and inform beaver policy, future reintroduction and to embed management of the species. Shaping and implementing policy on the future of beavers in England is nationally significant and potentially contentious. Timescales are extremely tight given the scale and complexity of this task, which has multiple dependencies, and requires substantial input from staff across our organisation and Natural England.As an Advisor, you will support the Technical Lead in developing and leading technical areas of work relating to Beavers across the Environment Agency, as well as with government and external partners. You will support the provision of expert and specialist advice and training on impacts, risk management and approaches to shape strategic direction. You will support the development of approaches to improve our business readiness, working with different parts of the EA business and external bodies. As well as the expected skills and experience required of a national Advisor role (AS05), you should also have:• Demonstrable relevant expertise and experience of working in the field of biodiversity, conservation and ecology (Essential);• Experience of developing policy and/or practice in biodiversity, working with a range of internal and/or external stakeholders (Essential);• An excellent working knowledge of national and/or local biodiversity matters and applied ecological knowledge and understanding across key functions (Essential);• Evidence of on-going learning and development/CPD on policy and practice (Essential);• Graduate and/or Post-Graduate Qualification in which ecology and/or environmental management was a major component of study (Desirable);• Knowledge or awareness of beaver ecology and impacts (Desirable)• Membership of an appropriate professional organisation (Desirable). Please ensure you highlight how you meet these additional criteria in your application (employment history and education/training) as well as in any relevant capabilities answers.