Number of jobs available: 1
Region: South West
City/Town: Blandford Forum , Bridgwater , Exeter
Grade: Staff Grade 5
Post Type: Fixed Term
Role Type: Operational Delivery
Working Pattern: Full Time
Salary Minimum: ÂŁ41,617 pro-rata
Closing Date: 06/05/2025, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
Job Profile – 30860.docx – 55KB
Converted File Job Profile – 30860.docx.pdf – 88KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 30860.docx – 2042KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 30860.docx.pdf – 719KB
Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
In Wessex we want to create a diverse workplace where people are respected, valued and listened to. We’re all different, and by embracing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) we can become an equal opportunity employer where jointly we all grow and learn together.
It is our ambition to champion diversity through building a workforce as diverse as the communities we serve.
Are you looking for a new challenge? Are you passionate about protecting groundwater and want to do a job that inspires you and the people around you? If yes, then we have an exciting opportunity!
We need your help to develop new national groundwater monitoring networks: groundwater ecology, temperature, wetlands, quantity, and quality. In this role you will take a deep dive into the complexities of groundwater 3D conceptualisation and deliver effective monitoring programmes.
You will be part of the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) science innovation and transformation programme and work collaboratively:
- within Environment Agency and external partners to implement the NCEA groundwater networks;
- to identify suitable new groundwater monitoring sites, combining desk-based assessment and site visit;
- to initiate and project manage the installation of groundwater sampling equipment, which may use consultancy, in-house expertise, or delivery through others;
- to deliver high quality, fit for purpose data and information to the public using our open data principles;
You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan, so we’ll support you to find an incident role to suit your needs and circumstances.
The team
The post is part of the Groundwater, Hydrology and Contaminated Land team in the Wessex Area. We are responsible for providing technical and scientific expertise to our field and flood forecasting teams, and to a wide range of external stakeholders, all to protect the quality and quantity of groundwater.
Experience/skills required
You’ll need the technical skills to:
•be an experienced groundwater monitoring specialist
•have practical experience in groundwater monitoring and fieldwork
•be able to conceptualise groundwater environments in three-dimensions.
You’ll demonstrate your:
•ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, actively encouraging others to consider diversity issues in their work
•excellent project/programme management skills
•analytical and data skills
•influencing and communication skills
•interpersonal and team-working skills
•self-motivated attitude that delivers quality outcomes
•ability to combine your people skills, and curiosity to collaboratively solve problems and identify solutions
•effective engagement and motivation skills to collaboratively resolve conflicts
•ability to work to tight deadlines, prioritise own work, manage projects and deliver effective outcomes
Ideally, you’ll be Chartered with an appropriate professional body, though this is not essential.
We’re looking for candidates with enthusiasm and the right skills to succeed in the role. Training and support will be provided.
Contact and additional information
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. Please see the candidate pack for more information on how you can support this.
The role can be based at our Blandford, Bridgwater or Exeter offices, with flexible home working included. As a dispersed team, you will be expected to travel to sites and other offices. Flexible working arrangements are in place to support your work/life balance.
Interviews will be held week commencing 19th May.
For more information about the role please contact Dawn Fullthorpe (Team Leader) dawn.fullthorpe@environment-agency.gov.uk
Length of contract: 31/03/2026
Competence 1: Programme and Project Management
Description
PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept CV’s and your answer to the following question will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action Result) can help when formulating your answers.
Selects, plans and manages contractors, programmes or events to achieve a set of Environment Agency objectives cost-effectively.
Describe a time when you have successfully managed a project or programme. What were the key challenges you had to overcome and how did you overcome them?
Competence 2: Scientific Knowledge
Description
PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept CV’s and your answer to the following question will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action Result) can help when formulating your answers.
Applies scientific knowledge (various disciplines, depending on team role) to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.
Describe a situation where you had to apply your scientific knowledge to design and implement a groundwater monitoring programme. What were the objectives, methods and outcomes of the programme? How did you ensure the quality and reliability of the data collected? What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
Competence 3: Influences and Persuades Others
Description
PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept CV’s and your answer to the following question will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action Result) can help when formulating your answers.
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
Describe a time when you have presented a case in a convincing and attractive way to win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly. What was the outcome?
Competence 4: Delivers Results Through Others
Description
PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept CV’s and your answer to the following question will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action Result) can help when formulating your answers.
Harnesses the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.
Describe a time when you have worked collaboratively with other people/teams to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures. What was the outcome?
Role specific license requirements: Full UK Driving Licence
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
