Number of jobs available: 1
Region: National
City/Town: All
Grade: Staff Grade 5
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Environment & Sustainability, Industrial, Science
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Compressed Hours
Salary Minimum: £43,198
Closing Date: 12/04/2026, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
TSS05 Technical & Scientific Services, Grade 5
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 33248.docx – 2043KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 33248.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.
Our Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS) for environmental permit holders is an essential component of our permitting and regulatory approach. MCERTS sets out the framework for permit holders to meet the Environment Agency’s quality requirements for emissions monitoring. [SR22.1]
We are recruiting a specialist to support the development, implementation and regular review of our MCERTS standards for monitoring water quality and effluent flow. As part of this role, you will:
- help shape and update the content and technical detail of MCERTS standards, drafting documents as required
- respond to queries from EA staff, operators and consultants on MCERTS standards for water monitoring and MCERTS certification of equipment and accreditation of test laboratories
- be comfortable presenting technical information to a range of different audiences
- represent the EA on MCERTS water standards with a variety of external groups, comprising regulators, stakeholders, certification bodies and UKAS
- keep abreast of and influence international developments on water monitoring standards, cascading necessary information within the EA through appropriate briefings and presentations.
Our MCERTS team provides specialist advice on monitoring discharges from wastewater treatment and industrial processes. Our advisors have expertise in air, water and land monitoring. We manage the Environment Agency’s MCERTS schemes.
The team
You will be working in the MCERTS team, part of Monitoring and Assessment within the Chief Regulator’s Group.
We’re a dispersed team, working with a wide range of colleagues across the country, and part of the Environment and Business (E&B) Directorate. In E&B we promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued. We use evidence, expertise, engagement, and innovation to enhance and support delivery, influence policy, legislation, and secure resources.
Experience/skills required
You’ll provide technical support to others, having developed your expertise in water quality monitoring. You’ll have a good understanding of:
- water quality sampling instrumentation and analysis to laboratory standards
- the role of MCERTS accreditation and certification standards in water monitoring
- the approach to regulation of wastewater processes
- principles of quality assurance and traceability
A good understanding of flow and level monitoring and the use of continuous water monitoring equipment is desirable but not essential.
You’ll also:
- be a good communicator
- produce technical documents to a high standard
- work comfortably with a wide range of internal and external customers
- be able to work indpendently but also as part of a team
You’ll have a degree or equivalent in a scientific, environmental or engineering discipline.
We will offer a range of development opportunities, and provide appropriate training.
Contact and additional information
You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given. #LI-DNI
You’ll have an Environment Agency Office base location; the working location is flexible / hybrid.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.
Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact rupert.standring@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams within three weeks of the closing date.
Competence 1: Scientific Knowledge
Description
Please describe your experience and skills in water quality monitoring.
Competence 2: Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
Please describe a time when you had to analyse some complex technical information to help resolve a problem.
Competence 3: Communicates Effectively
Description
Please provide examples of methods you have used when communicating a technical subject to an audience with non-technical knowledge. How did you ensure effective understanding, and how could you test that your methods worked?
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.
