AMS PSR

1. Job purpose

The Lead Agricultural Soils Specialist is the subject matter expert for all matters

relating to the excavation, handling, storage and reinstatement of agricultural soils on

the HS2 programme. They work with the Head of Natural Environment to provide

leadership in all activities related to agricultural soils by contributing to the

development of Standards and specifications, undertaking technical assurance and

working with the supply chain to implement best practice.

2. Reporting relationships

Titles of all direct reports to this job:

The post does not currently have any direct reports but provides technical

leadership on all activities related to the handling of agricultural soils within

HS2 Ltd and the supply chain.

Titles of all direct reports to the same line manager:

Head of Water Resources, Waste and Flood Risk

Active Travel Lead

Landscape Lead Route Wide

Ecology and Biodiversity Lead

3. Role of Directorate/Department

The Railway Directorate is accountable for specifying requirements that result in

operational stations and deliver the overall benefits promised in the business case

and outcomes specified in the Development Agreement.

The Railway Directorate provides support functions required to enable the delivery

teams in achieving their objectives.

The Railway Directorate is the system integrator. Accountability is discharged

through the supply chain via delegated requirements or the directorate manages the

design and implementation of system interfaces directly where necessary.

The Railway Directorate represents the interest of the future operating entities for the

railway and is accountable for planning the set-up of the operating entity and the trial

operations to transition to a working railway.

4. Accountabilities

Maintain technical standards, guidance notes and specifications for the

agricultural soils discipline

Support the development and delivery teams in providing assurance that handling

and reinstatement of agricultural soils on the HS2 programme is undertaken in

accordance with the technical requirements.

Provide technical advice and support in relation to agricultural soils across the

whole HS2 project (i.e. within HS2 Ltd and the supply chain) to ensure an

integrated, consistent approach to delivering the range of activities associated

with the advisory and client role of the Technical Authority invested in the Railway

Directorate.

Promote the implementation of best practice and innovative techniques,

technologies and processes, driving consistency and identifying opportunities for

efficiencies across delivery teams.

Actively promote and embed Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all work, and

support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on

EDI.

5. Required criteria

SKILLS

Use and development of scientific and technical principles.

Ability to analyse data and report on findings using them to guide decision-making

and problem solving.

Measurement and research to identify the source or root cause of a problem or

issue.

Promoting quality and contributing to best practice method of continuous

improvement.

Communicating technical and other information effectively with others at all levels

including both internal and external and technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Applying technical standards as appropriate.

Able to provide specialist technical support and leadership on discipline-specific

scientific and technical principles to project development / delivery teams.

Able to provide technical and commercial management skills to support project

development / delivery teams, working under supervision of line manager.

KNOWLEDGE

Able to be the subject matter expert on agricultural soils.

Relevant degree (or equivalent experience) coupled with Membership of an

appropriate professional institution (e.g. British Society of Sol Science) or the

equivalent experience.

Understanding of the processes and plant used in soil handing and restoration on

major infrastructure projects.

Applicable UK construction regulations including CDM requirements.

TYPE OF EXPERIENCE

Experience of carrying out field based Agricultural Land Classification (ALC)

surveys, and the development of Soil Resource Plans.

Experience of leading agriculture, forestry and soils management on a major

infrastructure project or within a large organisation.

Experience of managing competing project and technical demands, with cost and

schedule implications.

Managing (either directly or ‘by influence’) designers and contractors in the

protection of agricultural soils and the reinstatement of agricultural land on major

infrastructure projects.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

The post-holder is expected to behave at all times in a manner consistent with HS2

company values.

The HS2 Behavioural competency Framework can be accessed via the following link:

https://assets.hs2.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/26103923/Behaviouralframework.

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Leadership Competencies

Demonstrating leadership flexibility, motivating and inspiring people from

diverse functions and cultures.

Execution: Stretching the performance of people with a wide range of skills

and capabilities.

Influence: Cross-matrix influencing, using a range of interpersonal approaches

to persuade people with differing perspectives and interests.

Collaboration: Collaborating across boundaries, to establish reciprocal

relationships and alliances across the organisation.

Assisting in co-ordinating cross business teams, creating a shared sense of

purpose and keeping diverse teams focused on the same HS2 goals.

Ensuring value for money, making judgements on what will ensure commercial

viability, appropriately balancing risk and return.

Innovation: Inspiring differentiation, innovating and encouraging early

adoption of new ideas and ‘pushing the boundaries’

Growing Talent: recognising talent and mentoring more junior staff e.g. to

professional membership.

The HS2 Leadership Framework can be accessed via the following link:

https://assets.hs2.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/16144615/Leadershipframework.

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6. Decision making

The post holder can decide the following:

Makes decisions with respect to planning, prioritising and delivering agricultural

soils work;

Makes discipline-specific decisions based on sound technical judgement to offer

robust, cost effective solutions to meet HS2 requirements.

The following decisions are referred for approval:

Complex technical issues which require the endorsement of the Head of Natural

Environment;

Matters that set a business precedent or affect railway integration;

Matters that require budget or procurement approval.