SEPA's Flood Risk Science Programme
In 2009, The Scottish Environment Protection Agency
(SEPA) launched a unique initiative with two of Scotland's
universities to address the shortage of skilled scientists required
to meet Scotland's future flood risk management challenge.
SEPA is working in partnership with the
Universities of Stirling and Dundee University to train the flood
risk scientists of the future. This new approach will help
establish the univerisites as national centres for expertise
in flood risk management science.
Successful applicants are employed by SEPA on
a two year fixed-term contract and work part-time (0.5 Full Time
Equivalent) as a trainee on the Flood Risk Science Programme.
The work pattern of the successful applicants is flexible to allow
them to attend the required classes at university and complete one
of the following Masters courses part-time (over two years):
- MSc Sustainable catchment management at the University of
Dundee
- MSc River basin management at the University of Stirling
There has been two years of recruitment for
the Programme, with the first trainees appointed in 2009 and
completing in 2011 and the second ten trainees due to complete the
Programme in September 2012.
SEPA pays
the university course fees for each trainee and a stipend
for associated living and travel expenses will be paid in addition
to the trainees salary. During their time at
SEPA, staff will be trainees on the flood risk science programme
and gain direct flood risk management work experience and training,
including hydrometry, flood risk assessment and mapping, flood
warning, river basin management planning, water resources, and
Geographical Information Systems (GIS), as well as practical
experience in public engagement communication.
The initiative meets one of the key
recommendations in the Scottish Parliament Rural Affairs and
Environment Committee's December 2008 report by addressing the lack
of skilled workers needed to implement the Flood Risk Management
(Scotland) Act. The initiative provides an opportunity for
the next generation of hydrologists to hone and study their skills
to ensure Scotland has the expertise we need to protect homes and
businesses from the impacts of flooding.
Graduates from these courses will provide future flood risk
management skills, not just for SEPA, but also for other partner
organisations in the front line tackling flood risk management.