Edinburgh or Dingwall
Salary £31,389
35 hours per week

At the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), our Water Resources Unit provides scientific support for the sustainable management of Scotland's surface and groundwater resources. In simple terms, this specialist team evaluates the water resources available, shares the results and advises on the mitigation of any possible risks. As an experienced hydrogeologist, that's where you come in.

Your role

Our work is split across three key skillsets: surface water flow; groundwater flow; and groundwater contaminant fate and transport. Focusing primarily on the last of these but with some crossover into groundwater flow, you'll provide the expert analysis and advice that enables Scotland to make the fullest and safest possible use of its valuable water resources. This will involve:

• Sharing your expertise and delivering hands-on technical to advise on the mitigation of risks on complex issues such as landfill and contaminated land.
• Supporting a wide range of investigative, research and emergency response projects. This increasingly includes expert witness work to support SEPA's prosecution of illegal operators
• Leading in the development of new processes and techniques that could improve the way we work
• Participating in a variety of unit, functional and external task and working groups, often as the recognised expert in your field
• Some out of hours emergency response work, plus frequent travel within Scotland and occasionally elsewhere across the UK

Your background

To meet that challenge, you'll certainly need a degree (or equivalent) in relevant science discipline. Ideally, you'll also have a postgraduate qualification and/or membership of an approved scientific body. More specifically, we'll be looking for:

• Specialist knowledge in hydrogeology and practical experience of evaluating and mitigating risks in a relevant industry sector such as agriculture, unconventional gas, open cast mining or waste management,
• A clear understanding of how to combine that knowledge and experience with monitoring and modelling data to deliver practical and proportionate advice.
• Experience of working closely with other scientists and research specialists in a similarly fast-paced operational environment
• Excellent problem-solving capabilities and experience of developing and delivering new initiatives
• Natural communication and presentation skills and the ability to build relationships at every level
• A degree of flexibility with regard to travel and the hours you work

About us

SEPA is Scotland's environmental watchdog. Ministers, businesses and the public all rely on us. As well as tackling threats, we regulate, report and advise on activities nationwide. Our team of experts is committed to protecting and improving Scotland's unique and beautiful environment. In return, they enjoy competitive salaries, flexible working options and an attractive benefits package.

Closing date: 9^th August 2013

To discover more and apply, visit jobs.sepa.org.uk, quoting reference number SS403981