About ADAS
ADAS, part of RSK Group Ltd, is the UK’s largest provider of research and advice on agricultural and environmental issues. With over 65 years’ experience ADAS has an amazing track record of providing agricultural, horticultural and environmental consultancy & research expertise to an enviable range of clients both in the private and public sector. ADAS has a unique combination of insight and practical experience, underpinned by robust, informed, science-based information that allows us to meet the needs of both our domestic and international clients. Our great strength is our breadth and depth of expertise spanning the entire environmental sector.
The team
You will join a multi-disciplinary team of research scientists and consultants located across the UK. The post holder will be part of the Modelling Group, based at Wolverhampton. The aim of the Modelling Group is to firstly to aid the development and evaluation of government policy for the support and monitoring of an environmentally sustainable agricultural sector, and secondly to deliver tactical decision support for individual land managers. Our work is focussed on the development of emissions and productivity models that are applicable at both farm and national scale, the survey of farm management practices, maintenance of national diffuse pollution emission inventories, and the cost-effect evaluation of individual abatement measures for eco-system service impacts. The post holder will also be expected to work with the Soils, Crop Protection, Economics and Informatics Groups within ADAS, to provide statistical and model development support for the interpretation of datasets managed by these groups.
The challenge
Mitigating climate change, maintaining soil health and delivering improved air and water quality, whilst increasing food production / quality and maintaining a viable agricultural sector is a significant practical challenge for individual farmers and society. It is increasingly important to target support for land management change in a way that minimises resource consumption and optimises the entire range of ecosystem services. Environmental modelling can help inform the policy options, with a quantitative evaluation of the opportunities for improvement, taking into account the competing demands and complex interactions that occur at a range of spatial scales.
The role
We require an environment modeller to further develop our business in the area of applied environment modelling. The role will involve gaining an understanding of aspects of soil management, crop productivity, and landscape hydrology, with the potential to develop into other areas such as air quality. The role will include achieving sales targets, delivering projects and working with colleagues from different groups.
What you will be doing
• Developing specialist technical knowledge so that you are able to lead and assist colleagues with developing new proposals, including multi-collaborative tenders for funding research and consultancy projects related to environmental modelling.
• Applying skills in computer programming, mathematics and statistics to the development of modelling approaches for either environmental processes or land management decision making.
• Delivering projects and managing all commercial aspects, including liaison with clients and with field trials staff where appropriate.
• Distilling project findings into key messages and practical decision tools for clients and stake-holders.
• Developing the profile of ADAS capability through platform speaking, and publishing in peer reviewed journals and popular press articles.
What we offer
• Competitive salary depending on experience and track record.
• Contributory pension scheme and Life Assurance
• A flexible benefits programme including the option to buy additional holiday and private health care
• Company funded life assurance
The Company
We operate an open and relaxed management culture that nurtures continuous improvement and innovation. This also enables us to achieve a staff turnover rate that's consistently below the industry average. Adopting a proactive growth strategy helps us to run a sustainable and profitable business while providing new and exciting career opportunities.
As an entrepreneurial organisation, we encourage and foster the growth of our employees. When joining RSK, a mentor works with you to ensure you set and achieve your goals. We want to accelerate your professional development, including opportunities for a promotional fast track.
Further, retaining staff is the building block of a successful organisation. As a company, RSK wants to ensure you maintain a healthy work life balance, with many opportunities for flexible working hours, locality flexibility, social activities and community involvement projects.
The company prides itself on providing its staff with a rewarding and challenging career, encouraging Continuous Professional Development, allowing employees to reach their full potential. Having been recently placed within the top10 UK environmental consultancies (Environmental Analyst, December 2018) and number 42 in the Sunday Times Fastrack 200 which rates the success of private companies in the UK, there has never been a more exciting time to join.
RSK is committed to our Corporate Responsibility strategy. We seek to minimise our impact on the environment; to engage positively with the community and education groups; to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere in which to work; and to promote Corporate Responsibility throughout our supply chain.
Successful candidates will
• Experience of working in a research or consultancy environment.
• Have experience of application of computer simulation or statistical tools for agricultural / environment issues and land management decision making.
• Have experience of developing and coding models, using frameworks such as R and .NET, and supporting statistical / database / GIS tools.
• Have the capability to organise and analyse large, complex datasets.
• Have the capability to write client reports, scientific papers and contributions to tenders that are clear, logical and persuasive.
• Have the capability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, to transfer knowledge of the modelling process and the interpretation of outputs. This will include speaking at project meetings, presenting to conferences of scientists, policy advisors and practitioners.
What we require
• At Research Consultant level it is expected that you be qualified to at least degree level in a numerate science, ideally with an environmental or agricultural sciences angle.
• You will have excellent numeracy and data analysis skills, and an awareness of national environmental datasets.
• Computer programming is an essential skill and the successful candidate will be expected to undertake appropriate training.
• You will have a good understanding of the challenges facing agriculture and the environment and be able to demonstrate your enthusiasm and ability for identifying, selling and delivering profitable new projects to ADAS.
• Valid UK driving licence
• A strong ‘can do’ attitude with flexibility and willingness to take on a wide range of challenges.
• Flexibility – as there will be a need for travel within the UK and occasionally in Europe and further afield.
Interview details
Interviews will be held at our Wolverhampton office in late May / early June 2019.
How to apply
To apply for this position please visit the RSK Group careers portal and click ‘apply’. A personal online account will be set up so you can review the progress of your application. If you require any additional information about the role please contact [log in to unmask]
All candidates applying for positions with RSK Group must be eligible to work in the UK/European Economic Area. RSK is committed to our Corporate Responsibility strategy. We seek to minimise our impact on the environment; to engage positively with the community and education groups; to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere in which to work; and to promote Corporate Responsibility throughout our supply chain.
Closing date for applications is Midnight 28th April 2019.
For more information about ADAS and the RSK Group visit www.adas.uk and www.rsk.co.uk
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