Recruiting for UKRI and UK SBS

Principal Hydrogeologist

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Science
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2500005F Requisition #

British Geological Survey 

Principal Hydrogeologist 

Grade: UKRI Pay Band F / S2 

Salary: £62,434 per annum 

A great benefits package is offered including an outstanding pension scheme (with an extremely generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Contract Type: Permanent

Full-time – 37 hours a week or part-time (some flexible working options may be available, including some remote working, in line with BGS policy)

Location: BGS headquarters in Keyworth in Nottingham

Closing date: 16 March 2025 

About the role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal Hydrogeologist providing science leadership and project management for UK hydrogeology within the BGS Groundwater group. The main focus will be leading and managing the BGS component of the NERC FDRI Programme, the largest investment in UK hydrology for a generation providing innovative monitoring to help resilience to floods and droughts. The BGS work  involves overseeing the development of groundwater monitoring infrastructure in a chalk catchment in southeast England and two upland catchment in Scotland and Wales.  Regular travel within the UK will be essential.   In addition, the post holder will be expected to manage a variety of BGS Groundwater projects mostly related to UK hydrogeology, developing and leading research for the EA, DEFRA and the Water Industry, and developing and maintaining strong networks within the UK Groundwater community.

Key duties and responsibilities

  • Project Manager of the BGS component of the NERC FDRI programme
  • Managing a suite of projects for the Groundwater Science area in BGS
  • Prepare bids for external projects
  • Leading the delivery of comprehensive client reports
  • Providing strategic leadership for the development of UK Hydrogeology within BGS
  • Play an active role in the Groundwater science community, publishing research and presenting at conferences

About you 
We are looking for a highly experienced and motivated hydrogeologist with extensive experience of UK hydrogeology and of managing large complex groundwater projects. With a post graduate qualification in a relevant science area (or equivalent comparable work experience), you will have significant experience working within the groundwater sector.  Experience of project (including budgetary management), people management and the leadership of challenging and/or change situations are all essential.  You will have experience of groundwater research, having designed projects to answer societal issues and a track record of sharing this knowledge through publications and presentations.

The post involves extensive team working; therefore, you should be able to work effectively with others, and be confident leading staff, in a strong multidisciplinary environment, and have very good time management skills.

While we welcome both international and national applications, experience of UK hydrogeology is essential.

Essential requirements

  • University degree in Geoscience, Civil Engineering, or Mathematics together with MSc or PhD in Hydrogeology (S)
  • Experience of managing large complex groundwater projects (S&I)
  • People management experience and skills (S&I) 
  • Significant experience in managing and carrying out hydrogeological field programmes (S&I) 
  • A strong record of writing reports for clients (S&I) 
  • Knowledge and extensive experience of UK Hydrogeology (S&I) 
  • Ability to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines (S&I) 
  • Organisational talent, diligence, and attention to detail (S&I)
  • Demonstrates an enthusiasm for the work of BGS and our core values of impact, impartiality, and knowledge (I) 
  • You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I)

Desirable requirements

  • Project management qualifications (S) 
  • A strong scientific / research profile with commensurate record of publication and  presentation (I) 
  • Experience of setting up groundwater monitoring networks (I) 
  • Please note – you will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during your employment.

About us
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to advise government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.

We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency.  As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society. BGS became a signatory of the Technician Commitment in July 2022. 

How to apply
Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.

A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.

If you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 16 March 2025.  Interviews are expected to be held in April 2025 in Keyworth, Nottingham.

About The British Geological Survey (BGS)
 
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).  It is a world leading geological survey that provides a core science mission to inform government of science related to the subsurface and its interfaces and also undertakes applied research for solutions to earth and environmental processes, both in the UK and globally.  It is funded directly by UKRI as well as through research grants and via private sector contracts. 
 
BGS has an annual budget of approximately £60 million and employs 650 people.  It has two main sites, a head office in Keyworth near Nottingham and the Lyell Centre, which is a joint collaboration with Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh.  BGS works with more than 150 private sector organisations as well as having close links with 40 universities and sponsors approximately 100 PhD students each year. 
 
How to Apply  
 
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit your CV and a covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for BGS and the role you’re applying for. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit your application without a covering letter may result in your application not being considered.  You will only be assessed on the content of your CV and covering letter and not the ‘experience’ section of the application. 
 
About UKRI  
 
UKRI launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). 
 
Our organisation brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England, which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England, and the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, and a vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. More information can be found at www.ukri.org
 
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.  For more details, visit Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
 
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.  UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
 
How we support EDI in the workforce 
 
At UKRI we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to flourish and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community.  For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’  
 
Disability Confident Employer 
 
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. 

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