About the role

We are seeking enthusiastic and highly motivated Hydrogeologists to join BGSs Environmental Change, Adaptation and Resilience (ECAR) challenge area to work with our world-leading team of researchers in groundwater science.

BGS hydrogeologists provide data, services and advice to governments, environmental agencies, water companies and water users, and the wider public that underpins decisions on how groundwater resources are managed now and sustained for the next generation.

At a time of rapid environmental change and heightened pressure on water resources, in partnership with UK and international researchers and stakeholders we undertake long-term research, including field investigations, to characterise and understand key groundwater processes essential to the sustainable management of the environment.

As an early career scientist, you will have the opportunity to deepen and broaden your experience and skills through work on a variety of groundwater resources projects (including UK and international fieldwork), through training in a range of field techniques (including logging and hydraulic and tracer testing), and in the use of BGS in-house tools and industry-standard software. BGS also encourages staff to work towards Chartered status and can support part time study towards a PhD where appropriate.

You will develop your reporting skills by contributing to data analyses and to written reports and publications. You will have the opportunity to present results at project, national, and international meetings, and you will develop your professional networks through providing support for colleagues in the preparation of new grant and commercial contracts.

About you

You will have a good undergraduate degree in a relevant science subject and an MSc (or equivalent) ideally in Hydrogeology, or in a related subject with some previous training in water resource sciences. Candidates with some additional industrial experience would be very welcome to apply.

You should have strong analytical capabilities and ideally have experience using R, Python or MATLAB for the analysis and presentation of hydrological data. Ideally, you should be familiar with using spatial analytical software such as ArcMap/ArcGIS and previous experience of using basic hydrogeological modelling software codes, such as MODFLOW, would be an advantage.

We are seeking candidates with a full driving licence and who are enthusiastic to travel within the UK and internationally, given that many of our projects are field-based and include international partners.

You must possess excellent communications skills, both verbal and written, as you will be expected to contribute to the dissemination of project results in a range of fora, including publishing findings in BGS technical reports and science journals.

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

Skills Specification – Criteria to be assessed at Shortlist S and Interview I Stage

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential 

  • BSc (Hons) in a relevant subject e.g. Geology, Geophysics, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Civil Engineering (First or 2:1 or equivalent) (S)
  • MSc in a relevant subject (e.g. Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Environmental Science if latter includes hydrogeology / water resource modules) (S)
  • Full driving licence (S)
  • EXPERIENCE 

    Essential 

  • Use of R, Python, MATLAB or similar statistical packages for the analysis of groundwater or environmental data (S&I)
  • Evidence of technical report writing (S&I)
  • Experience of undertaking groundwater related field work (S&I)
  • Desirable  

  • Experience of hydrogeological or related work in industry or academic environment (S)
  • Presentation of work in the form of posters or oral presentations (S&I)
  • Use of GIS software for the presentation and / or analysis of groundwater-related data and information (S)
  • Experience of running groundwater-related model code or software (S&I)
  • KNOWLEDGE

    Essential 

  • Basic knowledge of groundwater processes (flow and transport) (I)
  • Basic knowledge of UK hydrogeology and groundwater management practices (S&I)
  • Desirable  

  • Basic knowledge of groundwater resource management in an international development context (S)
  • SKILLS & ABILITIES

    Essential 

  • High-level of numeracy and evidence of its application to groundwater or environmentally-related problems (S&I)
  • Attention to detail, particularly when managing data and running models and software (S&I)
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks across more than one project as well as good time management skills and the ability to deliver time-critical reports (S&I)
  • Good team player with effective communications skills and the ability to work with a variety of teams (S&I)
  • Desirable  

  • Experience of working with contractors and members of the public in the context of hydrogeological or related field work (S)
  • PERSONAL QUALITIES 

    Essential 

  • Enthusiastic, can-do approach to challenges (S&I)
  • Approachable, enjoying working in a variety of team contexts while also confident to work independently as required (I)
  • Able to travel off-site / abroad regularly (I)
  • Alignment to BGS Core Values related to H&S, equality, diversity and inclusivity, and environmental sustainability (I)
  • MOTIVATION

     Essential 

  • Demonstrates a keen interest and some understanding of the work of BGS, NERC and UKRI (I)
  • Displays an enthusiasm for their science / their role and a desire to develop this further (I)
  • Demonstrates an interest in their own Continuing Professional Development (S&I)