Public Engagement Officer UKRI NERC BGS Lyell Centre, Edinburgh 30,357-32,997 (depending on qualifications and experience) Full Time 37 hours a week (a range of flexible working options may be available) Permanent Appointment About us 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. It 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. About the role We have an opportunity for a motivated Public Engagement Officer to join our Corporate Communications Directorate, this post will be based in the Lyell Centre, Edinburgh. As the Public Engagement Officer, you will provide high quality support to enable BGS to deliver effective engagement on our science to a wide variety of stakeholders and develop strategic programmes of community engagement with the public. You will have responsibility for: Assisting with the development of a public engagement strategy, for the UK but with a focus on Scotland, the North of England and across our other main sites in BGS. This will require a focus on both public good science for government and geoscientific research with industry and academia to understand earth and environmental processes. Delivering public engagement and dialogue through effective commissioning, partnership working and collaboration (including with UKRI, NERC and other UKRI centres) in line with the overall BGS public engagement strategy. Developing strategic partnerships with our collaborative partners, e.g. Universities science centres in the UK, and other global survey public engagement teams. Representing BGS in cross council and wider forums to ensure effective coordination of public engagement initiatives.
Organising public engagement events, online materials and programmes of public engagement projects which bring researchers together with schools, young people, and a variety of other public audiences; promoting BGS science and STEM careers. Key Responsibilities: Working with the Lyell Communications Manager, colleagues in BGS and key stakeholders to determine and then develop an agreed approach to delivering a public engagement strategy. Ensure coordination with wider UKRI public engagement approaches. To contribute to the development of a BGS Public Engagement strategy and plan, working with the BGS Communications Department on the overall BGS public engagement strategy. Working with the BGS Education Team to support and develop education initiatives in Scotland and the North of England. Ensure effective coordination and collaboration with teams across the Lyell Centre as well as key external stakeholders to: o Ensure awareness and coverage of public engagement activities e.g. media, social media and events. o Ensure effective internal communications with BGS Communications and Engagement department. Build strong working relationships with external stakeholders so public engagement insight is used to inform operational and communications practice in BGS. Manage public engagement monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Manage the associated public engagement budget. Represent BGS through coordination with Centres, cross-council Public Engagement Network and other appropriate networks, sharing and bringing back best practice techniques to BGS. Occasional travel, evening and weekend working will be a requirement. You will be part of the on-call media rota. About you You should be an enthusiastic, positive self-starter with experience of public engagement including organising public engagement events and activities plus an understanding of the importance of promoting STEM careers. Qualified to degree level or equivalent qualification (or equivalent knowledge/experience) in an engagement role, you should also have evidence of excellent written and oral interpersonal and communication skills. You must be a good team player and be able to prioritise and respond flexibly to customer needs within a rapidly changing environment. What we offer A generous benefits package is also offered, including a very competitive pension scheme, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and access to flexi-time.
Please note that any internal BGS staff applying for this post would, if successful, be appointed to new UKRI Terms and Conditions and pay. How to Apply Applicants are required to include a cover letter outlining their suitability for this role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process. A well thought through application addressing the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV. Applications are being handled by UK Shared Business Services, to apply please visit our job board at http://www.topcareer.jobs/vacancy/irc247424_8971.aspx Applicants who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on +44 (0)1793 867000. Closing date for receipt of applications is 6 January 2019. Interviews will be held in Edinburgh on 30 January 2018. BGS provides a range of flexible working options including flexible working patterns, compressed hours and home working so if you have a need for flexibility, please raise this in the recruitment process when your needs, balanced with the requirements of the role, will be fully considered. UKRI values diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. People with disabilities and those from ethnic minorities are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome. There is a guaranteed Interview scheme for suitable candidates with disabilities. The British Geological Survey is an Investors in People organisation and has achieved Bronze status for Athena SWAN a scheme that recognises an organisation s commitment and progress in developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Essential Desirable: QUALIFICATIONS Degree or equivalent qualification or equivalent knowledge/experience in an engagement role EXPERIENCE Experience of public engagement including organising public engagement events and activities, plus an understanding of the importance of promoting STEM careers Experience of commissioning and delivering public engagement and dialogue against strategic aims Sufficient scientific knowledge to understand and translate complex issues and scientific papers into lay language, accurately and quickly Understanding of budgetary management and control Experience in the measurement, improvement and impact of effective strategic public engagement methods KNOWLEDGE Knowledge of MS Office packages Knowledge of current public engagement practice Knowledge of the Research Environment SKILLS AND ABILITIES Evidence of excellent written and oral communication skills Ability to work unsupervised Good attention to detail Ability to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines Ability to work within a variety of teams, demonstrating an ability to lead teams and to participate as a team member Flexible approach and the ability to adapt to changing priorities Experience of working within a busy communications team
PERSONAL QUALITIES Proactive approach with well-developed problem solving abilities enabling good quality decision-making, with proven time management skills An organised and methodical approach, with high attention to detail Diplomacy, persuasion, and an ability to command credibility and build relationships internally and externally MOTIVATION Demonstrates an interest in the work of BGS and UKRI Demonstrates an interest in Continuing Professional Development, particularly in relation to public engagement evolving needs