Number of jobs available: 1
Region: National
City/Town: All
Grade: Staff Grade 5
Post Type: Fixed Term
Role Type: Environment & Sustainability
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Compressed Hours
Salary Minimum: £41,617 Pro-rata
Closing Date: 24/07/2025, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
Job Profile – 31423.pdf – 136KB
Job description attachment 2
E&B Additional Information Pack.pdf – 1898KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 31423.docx – 2041KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 31423.docx.pdf – 718KB
Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.
Are you passionate about environmental protection and chemical management? Join our E&B Groundwater team as a Groundwater Advisor. You will play a vital role in safeguarding groundwater quality across England and the UK.
This position offers an excellent development opportunity for the successful candidate. It will provide direct experience in shaping policy, conducting technical assessments, and contributing to national environmental strategies.
As a key member of the team, you will:
- bring additional chemical expertise and capacity to support the Joint Agencies Groundwater Directive Advisory Group (JAGDAG) process.
- prepare and run the next public consultation on substances considered by JAGDAG. This will include priority chemicals for the Onshore Oil and Gas industry and substances identified through our Priority Early Warning System (PEWS).
- deliver our immediate regulatory responses by prioritising the assessment of emerging contaminants.
Key Responsibilities:
- Refining Methodology: Contribute to the review of JAGDAG’s approach to defining hazardous substances. This will involve incorporating considerations such as chemical mixtures and the potential adoption of a Persistent, Mobile and Toxic approach.
- Collaborative Innovation: Work alongside others, including the Chief Scientists Group, to develop thinking around a watchlist approach for emerging contaminants.
- Policy Integration: Gather insights from JAGDAG members to support the DEFRA Chemicals Strategy.
- Expanding Contributions: Get involved in project management, monitoring, engagement, and regulation of groundwater quality initiatives.
If you have a background in chemistry or environmental science and a keen interest in shaping regulatory frameworks, this role could be ideal for you
The team
You’ll join our National Groundwater Team. We drive the strategic direction of groundwater, both in terms of resources and quality. We’re a dispersed team and work with a wide range of technical and project teams across the country.
We’re part of the Environment and Business (E&B) Directorate. We inform and deliver the government’s key environmental priorities and use evidence, engagement, and innovation to influence policy and legislation.
Experience/skills required
The post holder will be an experienced officer or specialist with excellent organisational, influencing and communication skills.
A good grasp of chemical properties a potential chemical grouping is essential for this role. An awareness of our responsibilities for groundwater under the Water Framework Directive and the Environmental Permitting Regulations would be an advantage.
You will be able to demonstrate:
- good interpersonal and team-working skills
- effective communication skills, written and verbal
- experience of delivering results through others
- a proactive, self-motivated attitude that delivers quality outcomes and be keen to use your experience to share expertise with colleagues.
In your capability-based answers please demonstrate your ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.
You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training and mentoring will be provided.
Contact and additional information
You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given. #LI-DNI
You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible / hybrid.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.
Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact kirsty.darby@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.
If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.
Length of contract: Up to 31/03/2026
Competence 1: Communicates Effectively
Description
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
Describe an example of how you have tailored your communication style to meet the requirements of a specific individual or situation whilst working with either and internal or external stakeholder.
(If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview. Feedback is generally not available at sift stage.)
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Competence 2: Achieves Results
Description
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and
resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
Using your experience of delivering a project or another discrete piece of work, can you describe how you have delivered outcomes successfully in the face of considerable challenges or obstacles and perhaps also with limited instruction.
Competence 3: Works in Teams
Description
Works co-operatively as part of a team to achieve common goals.
Describe an example of when you have worked as part of a team to deliver a challenging piece of work. How did you work together effectively?
Competence 4: Scientific Knowledge
Description
Applies scientific knowledge (various disciplines, depending on team role) to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.
Explain how your qualifications and experience provide you with the necessary scientific and/or technical knowledge to perform this role
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.
