Number of jobs available: 1
Region: London, South East
City/Town: Farnham , Reading , Wallingford
Building/Site: DEFRA GRP EA GOLDCREST HOUSE, GU10 4LH, DEFRA GRP EA KINGS MEADOW HOUSE, RG1 8DQ, DEFRA GRP EA RED KITE HOUSE, OX10 8BD
Grade: Staff Grade 4
Post Type: Fixed Term
Role Type: Operational Delivery
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time
Salary Minimum: £34,320 Pro-rata
Closing Date: 17/03/2026, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
TSS04 Technical & Scientific Services, Grade 4
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 33225.docx – 2043KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 33225.docx.pdf – 720KB
Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
We’re looking for a enthusiastic hydrologist who can apply their knowledge and skills to help us to regulate and improve the water environment of Thames Area, within the Groundwater Resources and Hydrology team. Your role will be to analyse, interpret and report on hydrology data for water resources activities in Thames Area. This will include contributing to the production of the water situation report, carrying out quality assurance of river flow data and technical assessments into the impact of water abstractions on river flows. You’ll work closely with your hydrology team members and also with internal and external customers and partners.
Hydrologists assess the natural distribution of water in time and space and evaluate the impact of human changes on this distribution. Our hydrologists monitor, analyse, assess, forecast and report on the water environment across Thames Area. The focus can vary in timescale from minutes and days to many decades. Hydrology is at the centre of integrated river basin management and is fundamental to our understanding of and response to land use and climate change.
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.
You’ll have an EA Office base location, which you will be expected to travel too when there is a business need. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.
The team
We are seeking a motivated team member to join the Groundwater Resources and Hydrology team in Thames Area.
The team’s hydrogeologists and hydrologists provide technical expertise and advice on a range of water resource management projects including Water Framework Directive, Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies, Restoring Sustainable Abstraction programme and determining water resources permits.
Experience/skills required
You’ll have an understanding of hydrology concepts, data and techniques. Alongside this you’ll have experience of the analysis and interpretation of data and information to inform decision making and problem solving. You’ll be expected to be proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word along with ArcGIS. You’ll also be a confident communicator and be able to convey information and ideas clearly. You will deliver work to high standards and be able to prioritise and organise tasks to achieve results. You’ll have relevant work experience or a degree in a relevant discipline – for example but not limited to – geography or environmental sciences.
You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
Our team promotes an inclusive culture and welcome all applicants, including disabled, LGBT+ or Black Asian and Minority Ethnic colleagues. Part time and job share applications also encouraged.
Contact and additional information
For further details then please contact Antonia Shakerley by email at Antonia.shakerley@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Interviews will take place in April
The Environment Agency at this time, do not prohibit the use of AI when completing applications when used as a form of technological assistance. This is deemed to be equivalent to pre-existing spelling and grammar checkers. Uses of AI must however be applied by candidates without providing false information or misrepresenting work history, experiences, skills or competency answers.
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
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 01/05/2027
Competence 1: Achieves Results
Description
Sets and delivers high work standards. Demonstrates the drive to deliver outcomes and meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results. Plans to succeed.
QUESTION: Describe a time when you had to deliver high quality analytical work under significant pressure or tight deadlines. How did you prioritise tasks, maintain accuracy and ensure you achieved the required outcome?
Competence 2: Communicates Effectively
Description
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
QUESTION: Please give an example of a time when you have dealt with a difficult situation. What approach(es) did you use to ensure that you communicated effectively to reach a positive outcome.
Competence 3: Data and Information Management
Description
Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.
QUESTION: Describe a time when you collected, analysed and interpreted complex data to support an investigation or decision making process.
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.
