Here at SEPA, we’re connected by a passion that drives us to be purposeful in every action we take – to protect our environment. Through our expertise, we lead projects that make a difference for Scotland, and our workplaces are grounded in respect for that expertise.
That’s why, when you join us as Scientist (Hydrometry) , you’ll discover enriching benefits, meaningful support, and opportunities to learn every day. That’s what it means to be Passionately Purposeful – for our environment, and for your career.
Hydrometry is part of our Evidence and Water Resilience Portfolio and we’re on the frontline of action to tackle our nature and climate emergencies. We provide high quality Hydrometric data to help Scotland adapt to threats arising from the climate emergency, such as floods and droughts. Our data underpins a wide range of essential services including Flood Warning, Drought Risk Assessment, Bathing Water Assessment and Flood Modelling and Mapping.
As a Scientist you will plan and undertake field work across a defined geographic area and will be responsible for ensuring the supply of reliable high quality data. You can expect to spend 50% of your time working outdoors, often in remote parts of Scotland and in all weathers, with a focus on measuring flows and levels in rivers, lochs, groundwater and tidal sites. The other 50% of your time will be spent quality assuring and analysing the information collected to establish accurate stage discharge relationships. You will work closely with and mentor Assistant Scientists to help prioritise their workload and provide guidance. Ensuring safe working practices in your own work and the work of your colleagues is also a key part of the role.
Given the geographically distributed nature of the monitoring network, candidates are required to hold a full UK driving license and have access to a vehicle.
As you gain more experience, you will be encouraged to grow and develop in the various Hydrometric Specialisms and potentially wider Field Science roles.
As Scientist, that involves:
- Responsibility for a group of hydrometric monitoring stations including data provision, data accuracy and maintenance of infrastructure. This will include regular work with contractors, landowners and other external stakeholders
- Perform hydrometric monitoring using a broad range of technologies and innovative solutions
- Analysis and interpretation of hydrometric and environmental datasets including quality assurance
- Development and maintenance of accurate stage discharge relationships and the provision of detailed technical advice
- Assisting with operational Climate Resilience activities and participating in an on call out of hours duty rota as required
Respect for your expertise
This is a highly important role within our Evidence & Water Resilience portfolio, which means you’ll need:
- Knowledge of environmental processes (ideally hydrological processes) and at least two years technical or scientific professional experience
- Minimum HND (or equivalent, relevant experience)
- Good communication and team working skills
- Experience of lone working outdoors and knowledge of health and safety / safe working practices
- Strong IT skills and experience using technical IT applications
Post needs to be based within reasonable travel distance of SEPA Dumfries office (Rivers House, Irongray Road, Dumfries, DG2 0JE) as the post holder is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the hydrometric network located within reasonable travel distance from this office. Any other base location would not be practical.
Please open the link to the Scientist role profile link which outlines the core responsibilities and expectations of the role within a defined activity family. Please note the role profile name may be different to the job title being advertised.
We’re cultivating a workplace that supports not only your passion and your professional lives, but your personal life. So, you’ll find benefits that make a difference at work and at home. Such as:
- Hybrid and Flexible working opportunities
- Up to 35 days annual leave and 7 additional public holidays each year (pro rata)
- Paid time off to support your Wellbeing and enable you to Volunteer in your community
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Progressive Family Friendly policies
- Training & development to enable colleagues to improve their skills, competencies and knowledge to perform at their best.
Plus, many more.
Passionately you. Purposefully supportive
SEPA is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and good relations in everything it does – as a community leader, as a provider and commissioner of services, and as an employer.
Passionately Purposeful about Scotland’s environment – and your career.
We recruit solely based on merit. Our shortlisting process is conducted on an anonymous basis. Please ensure that you include all relevant information when you apply.
We support flexible working arrangements to help you maintain a healthy balance between career and homelife. This includes working part time, reduced hours, job sharing, working remotely. As a flexible first employer we are open to having conversations about flexible working arrangements that work for you and SEPA from day 1 of your employment with us.
We are proud to be a 'Disability Confident' employer and will work to identify and implement reasonable adjustments and equipment to support you in the role that you do.
Applicants with a visual impairment can request job descriptions and application forms in Braille, large print or on tape.
For the security and wellbeing of our colleagues, successful candidates will undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks including a level one Disclosure Scotland check.
If you have questions or need any assistance with the recruitment process please contact SEPA’s Recruitment Team at [email protected]
