Biosecurity & INNS Officer

Jersey Electricity Plc; Reading; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility provider is seeking an Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS)/Biosecurity Officer to join their Biodiversity team. The role involves managing the introduction and spread of INNS through collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders. Candidates should have experience in INNS management, project management skills, and a relevant degree. Competitive salary up to £50,000 with benefits including annual leave, car allowance, and health support.

Benefits

Salary up to £50,000 per annum

26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with service

Car allowance and pension scheme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Valid UK driving license and willingness to travel across the Thames Water region.
• Experience in managing terrestrial and aquatic INNS.
• Ability to identify common INNS species.

Responsibilities

• Formulate an implementation plan for the INNS plan.
• Monitor current INNS management programs.
• Survey and map INNS on operational sites.
• Collaborate with teams to control and eradicate priority INNS.
• Provide technical advice on INNS management.
• Implement biosecurity processes.

Skills

Managing terrestrial and aquatic INNS

Project management

Excellent communication

Stakeholder engagement

Identifying INNS species

Proficiency with IT systems

Education

Degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology

Tools

GIS

Office software

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS)/Biosecurity Officer to join our central Biodiversity team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in reducing the introduction and spread of both terrestrial and aquatic INNS across our catchment. This will be achieved through collaborative work with our operations teams and external stakeholders to manage and mitigate key risks.

What you’ll be doing as a Biosecurity & INNS Officer

1. Formulate an implementation plan for the successful delivery of the recommendations outlined in the Thames Water company-wide INNS plan.
2. Monitor and report on the effectiveness of current INNS management programs.
3. Survey and map INNS on our operational sites.
4. Work with grounds maintenance contractors and framework contractors to control and eradicate priority INNS.
5. Collaborate with internal Thames Water teams to deliver obligations in the AMP 8 Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) and update the Environment Agency on progress.
6. Provide or organize technical advice to the business on INNS management.
7. Ensure consistent biosecurity processes across the company.
8. Work with Operations teams to implement solutions like wash-down stations for boats and fishing equipment, meeting regulatory requirements.
9. Collaborate with the Environmental Engagement team on river catchment strategies and environmental partnerships.
10. Organize volunteering events for Thames Water employees during Invasive Non-Native Species week.
11. Participate in river catchment groups and Local Nature Recovery Strategy Groups as appropriate.
12. Represent Thames Water at external INNS working groups, such as Water Industry Forum, Water UK INNS network, and Non-Native Species Secretariat.
13. Work with recreational partners, such as sailing and fishing clubs, to promote good biosecurity practices and conduct spot checks throughout the year.

Location and Working Conditions

Base location: Reading - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB

Working hours: 36 hours per week

Minimum Requirements

• Valid UK driving license and willingness to travel across the Thames Water region.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Experience in managing terrestrial and aquatic INNS.
• Project management experience, including budgets and tender processes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to identify common INNS species.
• Proficiency with IT systems, Office software, and GIS.
• A degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, or related field (desirable).

Benefits

• Salary up to £50,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with service, plus bank holidays.
• Car allowance and pension scheme.
• Health and wellbeing benefits, including physiotherapy, counselling, and health MOTs.
• Cycle to Work scheme, shopping vouchers, and life assurance.

Learn more about our benefits and perks.

About Thames Water

We are the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, serving over 16 million customers daily. We aim to build a sustainable future, supporting our communities and the environment. Join us to make a difference and help us achieve our goals.

We promote diversity and inclusion and offer support throughout the recruitment process. We encourage applications from everyone and aim to remove barriers to success.

When emergencies occur, we rally to support our customers. Join our team as an ambassador and gain valuable experience while helping our community.

Note: Due to high application volumes, we may close the vacancy early. Apply promptly to avoid missing out.