Number of jobs available: 6
Region: East Midlands, East of England, National, North East, North West, South East, South West, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber
City/Town: Birmingham , Exeter , Leeds , Peterborough , Reading , Warrington , Worthing , Various
Building/Site: DEFRA GRP EA AQUA HOUSE, B3 1AQ, DEFRA GRP EA FLOOD FORECASTING CENTRE, EX1 3PB, DEFRA GRP EA KINGS MEADOW HOUSE, RG1 8DQ, DEFRA GRP EA LEEDS LATERAL, LS11 9AT, DEFRA GRP EA MANLEY HOUSE, EX2 7LQ, DEFRA GRP EA RICHARD FAIRCLOUGH HOUSE, WA4 1HT, DEFRA GRP PETERBOROUGH HARVESTER WAY, PE1 5UT, DEFRA GRP WORTHING TEVILLE GATE HOUSE, BN11 1UR, Various
Grade: Staff Grade 5
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Analytical, Operational Delivery, Science
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Compressed Hours
Salary Minimum: £43,198
Closing Date: 15/03/2026, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
IM05 Incident Management, Grade 5
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 33724.docx – 2043KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 33724.docx.pdf – 719KB
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.
As a Hydrometeorologist, you will combine disciplines of weather forecasting and flood forecasting to deliver critical products and services. You will support the responder community, aiding decision-making and timely action to reduce flood impacts. Undertaking service improvement projects, you’ll apply new science and approaches to enhance user experience.
You should be an experienced hydrologist or meteorologist, with operational experience, and a passion for flood science. Scientific capability, coupled with professional communication skills are essential for this role due to the nature of incident response and engagement with national partners. Previous meteorology experience would be beneficial.
This role will require you to be part of a 24/7 roster (issued roughly 3 months in advance) which will include on-call, nightshift, weekend and bank holiday working. This will attract a 20% shift allowance.
We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, including full-time, part-time, job-share and compressed hours options.
All Environment Agency staff undergo baseline personnel and security standard checks before they start work. This role requires a more extensive security check. The successful candidate will need to be able to pass and maintain suitable security clearance (minimum SC), within the first 6 months, a requirement of which is to have been resident in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years. You can find further information by visiting the introduction to national security vetting page on the gov.uk website.
The Flood Forecasting Centre (FFC) website and recruitment video explains more about the team and role.
The team
You’ll join the Flood Forecasting Centre’s team (see video). We lead on providing 24/7 operational services and trusted guidance enabling Category 1 and 2 responders in England and Wales to plan and respond to flood incidents. We are at the forefront of national resilience, working to improve capability in flood forecasting.
We’re based in the Met Office (MO) headquarters in Exeter. The Flood Forecasting Centre is a working partnership between the EA and the MO.
Experience/skills required
We are seeking a proactive person, with great initiative, skilled in analysing, interpreting and presenting data to diverse audiences. An outstanding communicator, you will quickly build relationships with stakeholders across Government, emergency responders and partner organisations.
Essential:
Expertise in hydrology or meteorology with demonstrable capability in areas such as hydrological modelling, flood risk management or flood forecasting.
Degree in geography, environmental science, a physical science, meteorology or mathematics (at 2:2 or higher), or relevant technical experience.
A-levels in mathematics and physics, or direct equivalent (e.g. Scottish Highers), or alternative ways of demonstrating the required standard.
As part of this role, you are required to complete the Met Office’s Operational Meteorologist Foundation Course and pass the operational assessments. You will need to be available for up to 10 weeks for initial training and induction which will be based in Exeter. Scientific capability to pass this course will be assessed at interview.
Contact and additional information
Exeter is the preferred base location, but we welcome applications based at an EA Forecasting hub (Leeds, Peterborough, Warrington, Birmingham, Reading, Exeter, Worthing). You will be expected to meet with your team regularly at the Met Office Headquarters in Exeter. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.
This role is not suitable for candidates who will require a certificate of sponsorship for a skilled worker visa. You must be eligible to live and work in the UK to apply for this role, please refer to the gov.uk website for further information.
Further questions or an informal chat contact clare.miller@environment-agency.gov.uk
Competence 1: Scientific Knowledge
Description
DESCRIPTION OF CAPABILITY HERE: Applies scientific knowledge (various disciplines, depending on team role) to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
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
QUESTION HERE: How have you applied scientific knowledge to provide evidence to customers (preferably relating to flood forecasting)? Using this example or an other, demonstrate your commitment to professional development and to undertake advanced training in Hydrometeorology.
Competence 2: Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
DESCRIPTION OF CAPABILITY HERE: Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
QUESTION HERE: Provide evidence of successful decision making to solve complex issue(s) in a professional, operational environment.
Competence 3: Communicates Effectively
Description
DESCRIPTION OF CAPABILITY HERE: Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
QUESTION HERE: Demonstrate how you have communicated complex and uncertain information in a timely manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.
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.
