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Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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About the job
Job summary
The UK government and Cefas are committed to securing a sustainable future for rivers, seas and oceans. Many of the objectives of the Fisheries Act 2020 are dependent on collection of data during fishing activities. To meet increasing demand for fisheries data to underpin management, new technologies are being employed alongside existing programmes. This role will employ two data collection methods to contribute to these objectives.
This fisheries observer role will combine the skills and knowledge of an onshore observer, with those required to undertake data collection using Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) technologies. You will be part of a highly skilled team, who specialise in collecting high quality fisheries data. Onshore data collection will involve travel to fishing ports and merchants around the UK, to collect biological samples from fish and shellfish. Generation of catch data from REM will require review of video using specialist software. Both elements of the role will be subject to a comprehensive training programme. The skills gained through this role will provide opportunities to contribute to R&D projects within a similar work area.
Cefas is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, backgrounds, ways of working and thinking, makes us a stronger organisation, better at reflecting the communities we serve. We embrace different views and experiences and value the fresh perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age, ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status.
Job description
The main duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Carrying out detailed biological sampling of fish landings in port.
- Autonomously conducting detailed analysis of REM data acquired from UK fishing vessels.
- Generating high quality fisheries data, both from landed samples and from REM information (e.g. catch estimates from video footage).
- Establishing and maintaining good relations and communication with fishing industry.
- Adhering to and promoting safety measures in the field and office.
- Recording and storing data appropriately, according to protocols.
- Managing timely delivery of data, to data managers.
- Assisting in the delivery of fieldwork, including to the other programme as required.
Person specification
The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:
- Self-motivated, reliable and autonomous, with a keenness to meet delivery goals;
- Good interpersonal communication skills both verbal and written;
- Ability to conduct physical and precise scientific fieldwork with good attention to detail;
- Willingness to work unsociable hours, sometimes in difficult environmental conditions;
- Ability to systematically and accurately collect, process and record data;
- Excellent IT skills, including but not limited to, all Microsoft Office programmes;
- Ability to follow protocols to consistently record and generate accurate data; and
- Full Driving Licence valid for driving in the UK (you will need to drive the equipment needed for this position to various locations on the coast to complete the work required, these can be remote locations and at unsociable hours).
Licences
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Delivering at Pace
Benefits
£6,997 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Generous annual leave entitlement Cefas offers 25 days’ annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the late Queen’s birthday
- Access to learning and development tailored to your role
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme more information can be found on the CSP website http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/
- Staff recognition vouchers
- In-year award scheme
Blended Working
Defra operates a blended working policy subject to business need, giving people the flexibility to choose when and where they work and collaborate with others.
Individuals are expected to work from one of the office locations stated in the advert to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs. There is flexibility to split the working week, spending minimum of 40-60% in the workplace, unless exceptional circumstances apply and/or you are a contractual home worker.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience), a 750-word personal statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section and a 250-word statement on how you meet the advertised lead behaviour – Delivering at Pace.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
- For guidance on Civil Service Success Profiles, this video tells you what youll need to provide throughout the assessment process with supporting guidance on each step. Link Success Profiles
- For guidance on how to construct your CV, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – CV
- For guidance on how to construct your personal statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link Statement
- For guidance on how to construct your lead behaviour statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link Behaviours
Sift
The sift panel will use the information in your CV and personal statement to assess your experience and how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section. The sift panel will also assess the lead behaviour statement – Delivering at Pace.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Delivering at Pace.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates are to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on your previous experience and behaviours.
You may also be asked to prepare a presentation or undertake an exercise as part of the interview process. If this is the case, you will receive further information with your invite to interview.
If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead behaviour, Working Together, will be used by the panel.
Please be aware at this time, interviews may take place either in person or remotely via MS Teams.
A date has not yet been confirmed for the interviews to take place.
Location
Please be aware that this role is based in Scarborough.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Cally Wiles or Alec Wilson
- Email : resourcing@cefas.co.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission.
