Number of jobs available: 1
Region: South West
City/Town: Blandford Forum , Bridgwater , Exeter
Building/Site: DEFRA GRP EA MANLEY HOUSE, EX2 7LQ, DEFRA GRP EA RIVERS HOUSE BLANDFORD, DT11 8SA, DEFRA GRP EA RIVERS HOUSE BRIDGWATER, TA6 4YS
Grade: Staff Grade 4
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Operational Delivery
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Compressed Hours
Salary Minimum: £34,320
Closing Date: 30/03/2026, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
TSS04 Technical & Scientific Services, Grade 4
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 34174.docx – 2043KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 34174.docx.pdf – 720KB
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.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated team player to join the Wessex Groundwater, Hydrology and Contaminated Land Team as a Technical Officer. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a foundation in environmental science, hydrogeology, or contaminated land who is ready to deepen their technical skills while making a real impact on environmental protection.
Wessex is a diverse and dynamic hydrogeological area, offering an exciting environment to develop your expertise. You will work alongside experienced Technical Specialists and contribute to a wide range of important and rewarding workstreams, including:
Providing technical advice on planning consultations and permit applications
Responding to environmental incidents, helping to protect people and the environment
Managing and improving our groundwater monitoring networks
Supporting groundwater flood warning activities
Advising internal and external customers, translating information into clear, practical guidance
We are seeking someone who brings curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn. You’ll apply your existing knowledge and experience from day one, while benefiting from strong support and opportunities to develop further specialist skills across groundwater and contaminated land.
This role offers variety and the chance to contribute to decisions that protect communities and the environment.
The team
You’ll join our supportive and knowledgeable Groundwater, Hydrology and Contaminated Land Team, providing technical advice that supports work across National Permitting, Sustainable Places and other operational teams.
We’re a friendly, collaborative and geographically dispersed team with colleagues based in Blandford, Bridgwater and Exeter. You’ll be part of a network of specialists who share expertise, offer guidance, and work together to protect the environment across Wessex.
Experience/skills required
We’re looking for a motivated and organised individual who can manage technical information and communicate clearly while working in a fast‑paced operational environment. You’ll bring a solid foundation in environmental or earth sciences, alongside the drive to learn and contribute to protecting groundwater and land quality across Wessex.
Essential Criteria
Degree level qualification in a relevant subject such as hydrogeology, geology, geochemistry or land quality, or equivalent practical and theoretical experience.
Ability to analyse, manage and interpret environmental data to produce clear, evidence-based conclusions.
Proficient IT skills, with experience using modelling tools, GIS, Excel and/or the ability to learn new systems quickly.
Effective time management skills, including the ability to balance and prioritise competing demands.
Excellent communication skills, able to translate technical information into clear, accessible messages for a range of audiences.
Full UK driving licence, with willingness to travel between offices and undertake site visits as required.
Contact and additional information
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You’ll be required to have an incident management role, and further details can be found in the candidate pack.
You’ll be based in one of our EA locations in either Blandford, Bridgwater or Exeter with hybrid working options available.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.
Any queries, contact peopleprogramme@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held from the week commencing 27th April.
Competence 1: Achieves Results
Description
Description: Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
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.
Question: Describe a time you planned and delivered a piece of technical or environmental work (e.g. site assessment, monitoring, data collection, analysis or permitting-related work). What was the goal, what standards or targets had to be met, how did you prioritise tasks and resources, and what was the outcome?
Competence 2: Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
Description: Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.
Question: Describe a time you had to analyse complex technical information in order to make a decision or solve a problem. What options did you consider, how did you evaluate them, what decision did you make, and what was the outcome?
Competence 3: Scientific Knowledge
Description
Description: Applies scientific knowledge (various disciplines, depending on team role) to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.
Question: Describe a time you used your scientific or technical understanding to interpret environmental information (e.g., groundwater levels, monitoring data, or a conceptual site model). What principles or methods did you apply, how did you check your interpretation was accurate, and how did your work support a decision or customer?
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.
