Deadline for applications: Thursday 29th February @ 15:00hrs
The Air Quality Evidence, Monitoring and Assessment Branch is responsible for developing and implementing evidence-based air quality policy and legislation. Air quality is a high-profile policy area. The Air Quality Strategy for Wales includes a commitment to undertake a review of our Short-Term Action Plan for Port Talbot, to ensure it remains effective and fit for purpose in its aim of minimising short term air pollution (PM10) episodes in the area.
The placement provides an opportunity to gain insight into the functioning of Welsh Government and evidence-based policy development at the highest level. The post-holder will work in an interesting and diverse team, contributing to the shaping of a future policy direction. The post-holder will be expected to work independently within parameters and guidelines provided by the Welsh Government. Working closely with a wide range of colleagues the successful candidate will build valuable working relationships, broaden their knowledge of public policy-making and enhance their existing transferable skills.
The post will involve a review of the following:
- Air quality data Analysis
- Time Series Analysis: Create time series plots of PM10 concentrations over the year. This will help identify daily and seasonal patterns in PM10 levels.
- Trend Analysis: Use statistical techniques to detect long-term trends in PM10 concentrations. (Review historic data to fully understand trending in the exceedances).
- Descriptive Statistics: Calculate basic statistics for PM10 concentrations, including the mean, median, standard deviation, and percentiles. This provides an overview of PM10 levels and their variability.
- Statistical Significance: Conduct statistical tests to determine the statistical significance of any trends or differences in PM10 concentrations.
- Correlation Analysis: Examine correlations between PM10 concentrations and other variables, such as weather conditions (e.g., temperature, wind speed) or industrial activities in the area. This can provide insights into potential sources and factors influencing PM10 levels.
- Short term Action Plan: Review of the Short-Term Action Plan for Port Talbot to ensure that appropriate controls are in place to mitigate air pollution.
The post holder will work extensively with regulators, local authorities, and industry. With support and direction from the Branch, the post holder will help to build valuable working relationships, broaden their knowledge and understanding of Welsh Government policy work and have the opportunity to identify and develop initiatives to support the effective delivery of evidence-based policy.
For further details about the role and information about how to apply, please download the following document: