Number of jobs available: 1
Region: North West
City/Town: Warrington
Building/Site: DEFRA GRP EA RICHARD FAIRCLOUGH HOUSE, WA4 1HT
Grade: Staff Grade 5
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Environment & Sustainability, Operational Delivery, Science
Working Pattern: Full Time
Salary Minimum: £41,617
Closing Date: 25/08/2025, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
Job Profile – 31530.docx – 59KB
Converted File Job Profile – 31530.docx.pdf – 85KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 31530.docx – 2041KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 31530.docx.pdf – 718KB
Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a geomorphologist to join our Biodiversity and Geomorphology Team in the Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire (GMMC) 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 the 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.
As a leader, you will be focussed on delivering and achieving results, meeting timescales and working to deadlines, and be comfortable in working in an agile way turning your attention to different priorities as they arise. You will support colleagues in making strategic and tactical decisions based on priorities and work delivery.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You are required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents, or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training is given. We will work with you to find a role that suits your interests and circumstances.
The team
You’ll join a passionate team of ecologists and geomorphology experts based in our Warrington office. As a geomorphologist you will also be part of a vibrant national network of Environment Agency geomorphologists that provides additional support, training and knowledge sharing opportunities.
Experience/skills required
- Holds a degree (or equivalent) in a relevant technical discipline;
- Experienced in applying fluvial geomorphology across different spatial scales;
- Has a strong grasp of how natural processes at the catchment level influence river shape and function;
- Communicates clearly and respectfully with both specialists and non-specialists, using geomorphological science to support practical solutions and the development of strategic and beneficial, long-term environmental planning;
- Has hands-on experience with fluvial or coastal engineering projects that work with nature and natural processes;
- Uses thoughtful problem-solving and influencing skills;
- Works well independently on own initiative, is organised, and supports others with their capabilities through mentoring or coaching in geomorphology;
- Understands environmental permitting and Water Environment Regulations, particularly the hydromorphology element.
Contact and additional information
For further information about the role please contact: FBG.GMMC@environment-agency.gov.uk
Our hybrid working model combines home and office working, however regular attendance at our Warrington office and visiting sites around the GMMC area will be required.
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.
Interviews will be held in person w/c 8 September.
Competence 1: Communicates Effectively
Description
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. Describe how you have previously had to explain a geomorphology-based scenario to the non- specialist. What approach did you take and how did you know they understood?
Competence 2: Influences and Persuades Others
Description
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 how you have successfully 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.
Competence 3: Leads People
Description
Provides leadership that inspires and motivates others to achieve the goals of the organisation.
Describe how you have led a team to accomplish significant achievements in difficult circumstances.
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.
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.
Role specific license requirements: Driving licence is essential for 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.