Invasive Fish and Aquatic Biosecurity Officer

Exeter, England

South West Water – SWW - Environment /

Permanent full-time /

Hybrid

At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.

We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.

And we have huge ambitions.

Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with wildlife charities, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.

So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.

This is an exciting new role, as our Invasive Fish and Aquatic Biosecurity Officer you will support the delivery of the Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) schemes for the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) requiring specialist knowledge of fish, invasive fish and invasive crayfish, biosecurity measures and general knowledge of INNS.

This role will give you the opportunity to work as part of a passionate team of environment specialists and be involved in multiple important projects. You will be joining us on full time permanent basis with an annual salary of £37,983 - £42,203 plus amazing benefits.

What you'll be doing:

Develop biosecurity work on invasive fish especially Ruffe. To seek their containment and oversee implementation and effectiveness of the first screen recently installed to prevent spread from the reservoir. Assess feasibility for further screens to be installed at Ruffe sites. Lead on monitoring and survey to understand Ruffe escape and establishment downstream of identified reservoirs.
Co-ordinate programme of work on American signal crayfish across the wider South West. This includes surveys, establishing a monitoring programme, a pilot large scale trapping trial, identifying pathways of spread, implementing a range of biosecurity measures, including potential screens and reviewing other invasive crayfish in the region.
To co-ordinate the first regional INNS baseline survey for canals and to update baseline fish and aquatic surveys on our reservoirs and develop monitoring programmes.
Deliver the South West Regional INNS PAP for Angling. Establish a working group with all water companies in the region and representatives from a range of angling clubs and organisations including the Angling Trust and the Environment Agency. Link where feasible with the regional boating PAP.
To encourage partnership working across the South West to raise awareness of the impact of INNS and measures they can take, with stakeholders including anglers and clubs, fishery managers, riparian landowners. Work with the Invasive Training and Awareness Officer to identify training opportunities. Liaison with range of specialist contractors.
To work with South West Lakes Trust to prioritise angling events and have a presence at high risk competitions to oversee and promote biosecurity awareness. To review and develop the angling biosecurity measures such as dip tanks and signage installed at SWLT managed sites. To develop biosecurity protocols for fish transfers and restocking.
To work with departments across SWW particularly Water Resources, Fisheries and Biodiversity Team and Natural Resources and operational teams, including reviewing risk of INNS for scour valve releases and compensation flows etc.
To assist in developing reporting systems for INNS through the Rapid Response Plan, especially for novel invasive fish and crayfish.
To help deliver and promote the INNS Biosecurity Plan across the business, producing reports or specialist literature when required.
To support other fieldwork or monitoring schemes, potentially including electro fishing and beaver monitoring, where required.

What we are looking for:

Degree in relevant discipline, or relevant vocational qualifications or a minimum of 5 years relevant work experience and understanding of INNS their impacts on the business, freshwater ecology & biosecurity measures.
It would be desirable to hold professional membership of a relevant recognised body or undertaken relevant training.
Undertaken the GB Non-Native Species INNS e-learning modules.
Work experience in fish related issues.
Knowledge of INNS and legislation and understanding of INNS impact, especially invasive crayfish on native biodiversity.
Confident to develop and deliver work programme with range of angling stakeholders.
Full UK driving licence and prepared to travel throughout the region and to meetings with regulators, industry bodies and a range of stakeholders.

£37,983 - £42,203 a year

We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:

· Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays

· A discretionary Bonus

· Competitive Contributory Pension

· Share-save Scheme

· Various health benefits

· Wellbeing support programmes

· A range of Group Discounts

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Financial support services

· And plenty more!

Closing Date: 3rd May 2024

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values which are essential to our success are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.

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