Academic internship: The natural capital of catchment sensitive farming: development of a farm case study - 25453
1
South East, South West
Bristol , Reading
Horizon House, Kings Meadow House
Staff Grade 2
Internship
Full Time
Science
£20,507 pro rata
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) is a government-led partnership which provides advice that enables farmers to reduce pollution and manage flood risk. We currently undertake robust monitoring and modelling to evaluate the impact of CSF (http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/4538826523672576) and are developing a natural capital assessment approach to compliment this evaluation.
Natural capital (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/enabling-a-natural-capital-approach-enca-guidance) is being established as an approach to thinking about nature, how we value our natural assets and the social and economic benefits derived from the ecosystem services.
This internship will involve working with researchers across natural capital and agriculture to test the application new tools and approaches to assess the natural capital of a farm which has received Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) advice.
Specifically, the intern will:
• review the advice received and implemented by the farm(s) and test application of natural capital assessment tools to evaluate the impact of this advice;
• develop a farm-level case study using these assessments; and
• communicate their findings in a report which identifies research gaps and makes recommendations for future analytical approaches.
Natural capital (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/enabling-a-natural-capital-approach-enca-guidance) is being established as an approach to thinking about nature, how we value our natural assets and the social and economic benefits derived from the ecosystem services.
This internship will involve working with researchers across natural capital and agriculture to test the application new tools and approaches to assess the natural capital of a farm which has received Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) advice.
Specifically, the intern will:
• review the advice received and implemented by the farm(s) and test application of natural capital assessment tools to evaluate the impact of this advice;
• develop a farm-level case study using these assessments; and
• communicate their findings in a report which identifies research gaps and makes recommendations for future analytical approaches.
We are a small, friendly multidisciplinary team of scientists at the Environment Agency who have wide-ranging expertise in water quality, air quality and natural flood management. We utilise monitoring and modelling to provide evidence on agriculture to support policy development and implementation. Based at various locations around England the team operates flexibly, our work is readily accessible and makes a real difference, influencing colleagues within the Environment Agency as well as Natural England and Defra.
Applicants might have a background in environmental science, geography or agriculture.
Additionally, you will:
• be studying towards, or have recently completed, an undergraduate or higher degree;
• be comfortable visiting a field site and speaking with the agriculture community;
• have good writing and communication skills;
• be confident working with quantitative and qualitative data and information and be able to draw reliable conclusions;
• be able to demonstrate a variety of communication methods used to convey ideas and present complex information in an understandable way;
• be naturally inquisitive, and a logical and analytical thinker;
• be comfortable working independently as well as part of a team; and
• be a competent MS Office user.
Additionally, you will:
• be studying towards, or have recently completed, an undergraduate or higher degree;
• be comfortable visiting a field site and speaking with the agriculture community;
• have good writing and communication skills;
• be confident working with quantitative and qualitative data and information and be able to draw reliable conclusions;
• be able to demonstrate a variety of communication methods used to convey ideas and present complex information in an understandable way;
• be naturally inquisitive, and a logical and analytical thinker;
• be comfortable working independently as well as part of a team; and
• be a competent MS Office user.
Please contact Dr. Jessica Durkota (Senior Advisor in Agriculture, Risk and Evaluation) for further information:
jessica.durkota@environment-agency.gov.uk
Mobile: 07796 930071
This post will be based in Bristol, though we will also consider Reading as an alternative.
Interviews will take place on MS Teams in March.
The internship will last for up to 16 weeks, starting in July and ending by 31 October at the latest.
jessica.durkota@environment-agency.gov.uk
Mobile: 07796 930071
This post will be based in Bristol, though we will also consider Reading as an alternative.
Interviews will take place on MS Teams in March.
The internship will last for up to 16 weeks, starting in July and ending by 31 October at the latest.
17/02/2023, 23:55 hours
Basic Check
until 31/10/2023
Scientific Knowledge
This post will provide you with an opportunity to apply your scientific knowledge to current environmental issues by assessing the impact of management interventions. You will work in a multidisciplinary team which will provide specialist subject support across water quality, air quality and natural flood management. This role will particularly suit a student who would like to understand how research and development are used to inform environmental management. Familiarity with the agriculture sector is preferred but not essential.
Environmental Awareness
The Environment Agency works to protect and improve the environment. Acting to reduce the impacts of a changing climate on people and wildlife is at the heart of everything we do. Within England we are responsible for regulating major industry and waste, treatment of contaminated land, water quality and resources, fisheries, inland river, estuary and harbour navigations, conservation and ecology and managing the risk of flooding. We are looking for a student who is passionate about these issues and is looking for a career in environmental protection.
Applies Analytical Knowledge and Experience
This post will provide you with an opportunity to apply your analytical skills, knowledge and experience to test emerging approaches to natural capital analysis. Your findings will help to improve and refine these approaches, shaping future research and the ways in which we assess and communicate the benefits of CSF advice using a natural capital approach.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
This Vacancy is closed to applications.