Assistant Research Officer

ARO296A
Speedwell House
37 hours per week
Permanent
£22,668 - £25,141

INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES

Closing Date: 4pm on the 27th August 2014

Interview Date: 10th & 11th September 2014

Contents

1. Job Description (plus any additional information if applicable to this post)

2. Selection Criteria

3. Information for applicants on terms and conditions and our recruitment charter

4. Application form (if receiving postal pack)

 Please quote the job reference on all correspondence

 Please note that if an email address is provided we will use this for
correspondence. We therefore advise that you check your emails regularly.

OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Environment & Economy Directorate

JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Assistant Research Officer
Service: Localities, Policies and Programmes
Grade: G8
Hours: 37
Job Type: Permanent
Responsible to: Relevant Tier 4 Manager
Responsible for: None
Budget responsibilities: None

MAIN PURPOSE(S) OF THE JOB:

 Providing research and assessment input into policy and infrastructure strategy
proposals for the county and localities;

 The post holder is responsible for ensuring that all relevant County policies and
procedures are adhered to and concerns are raised in accordance with these
policies

MAIN DUTIES:

 Assist in the research and development of innovative transport solutions,

including working in partnership with private and public sector including
University research teams.

 Analysis of data to provide technical input into strategy and project

development, including developing new methods of visualising data.

 provide research and technical input into, developing transport strategies,

including feasibility, initial costing and other assessments (e.g. undertaking
surveys, obtaining data and other evidence);

 Assist with providing input into District Council Local Plans and to inform
consideration of major planning applications, including preparation of evidence
to support the County Council’s position.

 Assist in reviewing and developing 5 year infrastructure plans and 2 year

infrastructure programmes for the localities;

 Support staff in the Localities, Policies and Programmes service over policy &
strategy development across Oxfordshire and/or affecting particular localities

 Represent the Council at meetings, public exhibitions and other events and
provide support to senior officers as appropriate

 Work closely with Stakeholders, local Members and other organisations on

policy and strategy development and consultation, including provision of timely
information in the appropriate form
  Support the preparation and organisation of the County Council’s case at
examinations in public and/or public inquiries as required

Note – The duties of this post may vary over time without changing the general
purpose of the post or the level of responsibility

NB this will be a Rotational position that will be able to work across Localities, Policies
and Programmes

Employees (Non-managers)

Health and Safety Roles and Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of every employee to co-operate with their employer to
ensure the effective discharge of health and safety responsibilities. As an
employee you are expected to:

 To be part of and promote a positive and pro-active health and safety

culture;
 Undertake necessary health and safety training;
 Ensure you are familiar and comply with the Council’s health and safety
policies and procedures;
 Ensure risk assessments in accordance with Council procedures are
undertaken to reduce risks to a level that is as low as is reasonably
practicable. This must consider hazards to both employees, clients and
others who use our services;
 Follow all appropriate safety instructions and use safety equipment
provided;
 Ensure your work is carried out with due regard for the health and safety of
yourself and others (employees, service users, carers, public etc.);
 Support your line manager in the delivery of good health and safety practice
and the minimising of risks;
 Ensure you draw to managers attention health and safety problems or
deficiencies in the workplace;
 Ensure safety events (accidents, incidents and near misses) are reported
with a view to preventing a recurrence.
Selection Criteria

Directorate: Environment & Economy

Job Title: Assistant Research Officer
Job Ref. No: ARO296A
Grade: 8

Educational achievements, Qualifications, Training and Knowledge:

Essential
*Education to degree level or equivalent.

*Good knowledge of research methods

Experience:
Essential
*Understanding of and interest in transport/planning policy issues.

*Experience of carrying out research.

*Experience of liaising with the public and other agencies.

*Experience of working without supervision.

*Experience of identifying and delivering innovative and imaginative solutions.

*Experience of carrying out data collection and analysis

Job related aptitude and skills:
Essential
*Active Communication – is approachable, ready to consult and share information and
communicates with sensitivity and understanding.

*Decision-making – makes clear decisions based on information and knowledge,

taking into account risk assessment and impact on others.

*Delivering Results- consistently delivers personal objectives and supports

achievements of team and service objectives through appropriate prioritisation, and an
organized approach.

*Customer focus – takes responsibility for delivering excellence in customer service

through active feedback and a good understanding of diverse customers and
communities.

*Personal Effectiveness - Acts with honesty and integrity and responds positively to
change and opportunities for personal development.
Personal qualities:
Essential
*Financial estimating skills.

*High level analytical skills and ability to interpret and communicate complex written
and statistical information.

*Ability to assimilate information and provide a clear and effective summary.

*Good oral and written communication skills.

*Ability to work effectively as a member of the team.

*Ability to organise and prioritise own workload.

*Self starter and team player with ability to work flexibly and on own initiative.

*Provides effective support and challenge, including influencing senior management.

*Deal with a large and varied workload, and can prioritise effectively
Special Requirements:
Essential
*Willingness to attend meetings/work out of normal office hours
Equal Opportunities:
Essential
* Commitment to, and understanding of, the principles of Equal Opportunities for all, in
employment and the delivery of services.

Educational achievements, Qualifications, Training and Knowledge:

Desirable
*2 years’ experience of working in research/statistical/social geographical role
planning/transport planning.

*Knowledge of project and programme management.

*Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. RTPI)

Experience:
Desirable
*Ability to use word processing, spread sheets and presentation software.

*Experience developing transport/planning related schemes and projects.

*Experience of working in local government.

*Basic understanding of the use of coding to interpret data such as Xml, JSon.
Job related aptitude and skills:
Desirable
*Appreciation of transport scheme assessment
Special Requirements:
Desirable
*The ability to drive, and the possession of a current driving licence; or ability to
demonstrate effective means of travel to remote areas of the County.
HOW TO APPLY
 You can apply online at http://jobs.oxfordshire.gov.uk
Searching and applying for jobs online allows you to:
 Register to receive email alerts when new jobs are advertised.
 Store application form details online so you only ever need to enter these
details once.

 Applications should reach us no later than the closing date and time stated.

 Please make sure that in your application you provide evidence of your
achievements against the selection criteria, as this will be the basis of the
shortlisting process.

 Please provide phone, fax and e-mail contact details for your referees where
possible.

 Interviews will be held on the date specified; candidates will be required to attend
the selection process.