Number of jobs available: 1
Region: South East
City/Town: West Malling
Building/Site: DEFRA GRP EA ORCHARD HOUSE, ME19 5SH
Grade: Staff Grade 4
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Operational Delivery
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time
Salary Minimum: £34,320
Closing Date: 12/10/2025, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
Job Profile – 31937.pdf – 255KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 31937.docx – 2041KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 31937.docx.pdf – 718KB
Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
We are the Environment Agency, and we work to create better places for people and wildlife and support sustainable development by working in partnership with government, local councils, businesses, and communities to tackle the increasing demand and management of water as a resource in Kent and South London area and climate change’s effect on the environment.
We are looking for a someone to help us manage operational water resources activities in the Kent, South London, and East Sussex (KSLES) area.
Supporting the Water Resources specialists and working closely with your colleagues in various teams, you will provide a high level of service across the area supporting proactive water resources data & information management.
The main responsibilities are:
- Water resources planning
- Abstraction Licence Strategies and Resources Assessment
- Abstraction licence assessment and regulation
- Analyse, interpret, and report on hydrometric data
- River flow data quality assurance
- Working with customers and partners such as water companies, consultants, catchment groups and other stakeholders.
- Customer enquiries and data requests
In KSLES 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.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate. Please see the candidate pack for more on how you’ll support with this.
The team
The Kent and South London Groundwater and Hydrology team are a friendly, welcoming team promoting an inclusive culture which brings together Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Water Resource specialists in a high performing and professional environment. A population of 6 million and increasing growth in the Southeast continues to challenge the balance between the natural environment and resources, with the team being primarily responsible for managing, regulating sustainable abstraction and water resources across Kent and South London.
Experience/skills required
Essential that you:
- are comfortable using data and evidence to solve complex problems and can explain your decisions to wide-ranging customers.
- manage your own workload and collaborate with others to produce the best results for the team.
- are eager to explore innovative ways of working to produce even better outcomes.
- communicate effectively with both internal and external customers as well as your team members.
- be willing to undertake specialist/or further training when necessary.
- work well within a dispersed team, providing and receiving support and guidance.
Desirable:
Ideally you will have a good understanding of hydrology, demonstrated through applying different hydrological techniques to real world situations.
A relevant degree (e.g. an earth science or numerical degree) or equivalent
Previous experience in a role relating to water resources.
A driving licence as travel to sites and other offices will be required.
Contact and additional information
We have one full-time role available but will consider part-time.
You will be expected to attend your office base as and when required which for this role is Orchard House, West Malling.
Interviews are planned week commencing 20th October. Ideally these will be in person but this is subject to change.
If you have any questions please contact kelly.large@environment-agency.gov.uk
Competence 1: Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
Please note we do not assess CVs. It is your answers given to the questions below that will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your response. We encourage you to refer to the candidate pack for a link to our “EA capability dictionary” You may find it helpful to research the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) approach when formulating your response.
: Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives, and taking sound and timely decisions.
Question
Please describe an example of when you had to solve a problem. What information/techniques did you analyse and what was the outcome? (the answer you provide will be assessed as part of your application):
Competence 2: Data and Information Management
Description
Please note we do not assess CVs. It is your answers given to the questions below that will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your response. We encourage you to refer to the candidate pack for a link to our “EA capability dictionary” You may find it helpful to research the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) approach when formulating your response.
Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops, and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.
Question
Please give an example of when you have been responsible for gathering and using data or information to make an informed decision. What were your considerations when interpreting and using the information? (the answer you provide will be assessed as part of your application):
Competence 3: Communicates Effectively
Description
Please note we do not assess CVs. It is your answers given to the questions below that will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your response. We encourage you to refer to the candidate pack for a link to our “EA capability dictionary” You may find it helpful to research the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) approach when formulating your response.
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately, and persuasively through speech and writing.
Question: Describe how you have used a range of communication methods to present your views in a convincing way (the answer you provide will be assessed as part of your application):
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.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
