Number of jobs available: 1
Region: South West
City/Town: Blandford Forum , Bridgwater
Grade: Staff Grade 5
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Environment & Sustainability, Operational Delivery
Working Pattern: Full Time
Salary Minimum: £41,617
Closing Date: 12/05/2025, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
Job Profile – 30756.docx – 58KB
Converted File Job Profile – 30756.docx.pdf – 85KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 30756.docx – 2045KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 30756.docx.pdf – 718KB
Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a geomorphologist to join our Fisheries Biodiversity and Geomorphology Team in Wessex area. We are looking for an experienced geomorphologist to help us use natural processes to reduce flooding and to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment.
Your expertise will support the development of the strategic plans and programmes needed to meet the challenges of the DEFRA 25-Year Environment Plan, and the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy. The postholder will be the technical lead for geomorphology, providing specialist advice to colleagues across our business helping Wessex Area meet our local environmental and flood risk objectives.
The role includes providing technical guidance on projects delivering change on the ground, such as river restoration, Natural Flood Management schemes, Environmental Land Management schemes, as well as the Flood and Coastal Risk Management Capital programme.
The role will support our regulatory duties including providing geomorphological advice relating to our own operational work and this aspect of the role will require site visits with internal and external colleagues and members of the public.
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.
For more information about working for the Environment Agency and what we do visit our careers page environmentagencycareers.co.uk
The team
You’ll join a vibrant team of ecologists, fisheries and geomorphology experts across our Blandford (DT11) and Bridgwater (TA6) offices. As a geomorphologist you will also be part of a national network of Environment Agency geomorphologists that provides additional training and knowledge sharing opportunities.
Experience/skills required
-Qualified to at least degree level in a relevant technical discipline;
-Experience applying the principles of fluvial geomorphology at a range of spatial scales;
-A sound understanding of the linkage between catchment scale natural processes and river form and function;
-An effective communicator, able to work with non-specialists in applying the science of geomorphology to solve practical problems and contribute to the development of strategic plans that deliver environmental benefits in the longer term;
-Practical experience of projects delivering engineering works in the fluvial/coastal environment in ways that work with nature and natural processes;
-You’ll have good influencing skills and be a problem solver;
-You’ll be well-organised and have the confidence to work independently on your own initiative, and to coach / mentor others to improve their capabilities in geomorphology;
-A good understanding of environmental permitting and the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive, particularly the hydromorphology element.
Contact and additional information
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. Please see the candidate pack for more on how you will support with this.
You will be welcomed into the team and given the training and support needed, as part of your induction, you will be provided with all the equipment and protective clothing required for your role.
There will be an expectation to travel to offices and to sites with flexible home working included.
Interviews will be held beginning of June 2025.
For questions relating to this role, please contact Stella Huntington, Blandford Team Leader, stella.huntington@environment-agency.gov.uk or Matt Horrobin, Bridgwater Team Leader matthew.horrobin@environment-agency.gov.uk
Competence 1: 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.
Using at least one example describe how you have used, or would expect to use, your knowledge of geomorphology and working with natural processes to contribute to the protection or enhancement of the environment.
Competence 2: Communicates Effectively
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.
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
Geomorphology contains many specialist terms and concepts. Give us an example of when you have had to explain a geomorphology-based scenario to the non- specialist. What approach did you take and how did you know they understood?
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.
Tell us of a time when you have influenced someone to change their position in relation to a task or point of view. This could be something that you were seeking to achieve or prevent. Within your answer, explain the techniques that you used and why.
Competence 4: Legislative 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 a knowledge of statutory environmental and technical requirements to protect both the Environment Agency and the environment.
The Environment Agency is an environmental regulator. Summarise the relevant legislation that relates to geomorphology and the work of the Environment Agency.
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.
