Number of jobs available: 2
Region: South East
City/Town: Wallingford
Building/Site: DEFRA GRP EA RED KITE HOUSE, OX10 8BD
Grade: Staff Grade 5
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Environment & Sustainability
Working Pattern: Full Time
Salary Minimum: £41,617
Closing Date: 30/09/2025, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
Job Profile – 31906.pdf – 244KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 31906.docx – 2041KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 31906.docx.pdf – 718KB
Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual with good planning, communication and data handling skills to help plan and deliver multi-functional environmental benefits, with the primary focus being Water Quality.
The successful candidate will work on a variety of aspects of strategic water planning to understand the risks, find solutions and work with those who can effect change. They will review, challenge and advise stakeholder plans and permissions, and ensure they comply with environmental regulations. They will also be required to understand, analyse and translate a variety of data/information into evidence that can be used to inform and influence decisions by technical and non-technical audiences.
This post is a water quality technical role working both with water companies and internal teams to reduce impacts from sewage discharges. Knowledge and experience of the following would be advantageous:-
- water company price review and asset management plans
- knowledge of sewage treatment works and sewerage network processes and operation including Urban Pollution Management processes and standards
- awareness of measures to protect the water quality of drinking water supplies from diffuse pollution sources
- responding to water quality permit consultations and determination of waste water continuous and intermittent discharge permit limits
- water industry wastewater management
- environmental legislation relevant to sewage discharges and water quality
- supporting local and national working groups and projects
- advising and facilitating resolution of complex or contentious issues
- responding to planning and development consultations
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be 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 and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.
The team
You will join the Integrated Environment Planning (IEP) team, made up of specialists in water resources, water quality and catchment planning, working across the Thames Area. We’re a friendly and supportive team of experienced advisors central to environmental decision making. We work with internal and external partners to collate, analyse and share data, providing the environmental evidence to inform our Area’s priorities, and to deliver actions that maximise benefits for people and the natural environment.
Experience/skills required
You will need to be skilled at reviewing data and information and communicating requirements clearly to ensure proposals meet the latest environmental standards and provide the maximum environmental benefit.
- Degree /equivalent qualification in a relevant environmental discipline – for example, but not limited to – Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Engineering, GeoScience, Ecology, Environmental science, Sustainability, Data science and analytics OR substantial relevant professional experience.
- Work experience in a relevant environmental discipline – for example, but not limited to – work for Water companies, Environmental or Engineering consultancy, work in a regulatory role (Government, Public Bodies and Agencies), research and education, Environmental charities.
- A technical background in water quality and an understanding of current pressures facing the water environment and the solutions that can overcome these problems.
Contact and additional information
In Thames we want to create a diverse workplace where individuals 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 we grow and learn together.
It is our ambition to champion diversity through building a workforce as diverse as the communities we serve.
The role will be based in our Wallingford office but do support flexible working. Interviews for this role will begin from the 20th of October.
If you have any questions please contact Katie Newton (katie.newton@environment-agency.gov.uk) or Dom Slade (dominic.slade@environment-agency.gov.uk)
Competence 1: Strategic Environment Planning
Description
Develops, delivers and implements strategic plans for the sustainable use, protection and improvement of our environment. Describe a project you have been involved with that delivered an environmental outcome or improved the sustainability of an existing asset/water course.
Competence 2: Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Presents 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 successfully persuaded a key stakeholder round to your point of view.
Competence 3: Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions. Tell us about a time when you have had to co-ordinate information from a variety of sources in order to solve a difficult technical problem.
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.
