Number of jobs available: 1
Region: South West
City/Town: Blandford Forum , Bridgwater
Grade: Staff Grade 4
Post Type: Fixed Term
Role Type: Environment & Sustainability
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Compressed Hours
Salary Minimum: £34,320 Pro-rata
Closing Date: 19/04/2026, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
TSS04 Technical & Scientific Services, Grade 4
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 33790.docx – 6580KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 33790.docx.pdf – 2180KB
Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate freshwater ecologist to help create, analyse and report data on the ecological health of the aquatic environment in the Wessex.
You will carry out a range of tasks, including:
Analysing invertebrate samples to mixed-taxon level
Using a range of databases to enter and extract data
Analysing and reporting on multi-functional data to drive environmental outcomes
Working with internal teams and external stakeholders to influence and deliver projects with environmental benefits
Conducting ecological surveys in rivers and lakes
River Habitat Surveys (RHS)
Responding to pollution incidents
As a team we turn data into evidence and provide this to client teams across the Environment Agency and to external organisations. This information is used to assess the status of our environment; to direct and inform our management actions; and to monitor the environmental response to our own and others’ activities.
You should be willing to undertake specialist training where necessary.
After initial training at Blandford, the post holder can be based in either Blandford (DT11 8ST) or Bridgwater (TA6 4YS) office, but there will be a requirement to attend pollution incidents and deliver field work across Wessex, as a result the post holder must have a full driving licence. There is some flexible home working included however, it is expected that you will be in the office a minimum of 3 days/week.
Participation in incident response is expected, including drought, pollution and flooding.
The team
You’ll join our Analysis and Reporting Team. We are a friendly and supportive team of environmental scientists and ecologists who provide a vital role in collecting, analysing and interpreting ecological, habitat and water quality data.
Experience/skills required
You will be able to demonstrate experience of the following:
Freshwater ecological survey work
An understanding of how water quality influences freshwater ecosystems
Analysis, interpretation and reporting of ecological data to produce clearly written work
Ability to analyse, interpret and communicate scientific information clearly to both a technical and non-technical audience
Working proactively on your own and effectively within a team including mentoring others
Desirable skills:
Experience in identification of macroinvertebrates to mixed-taxon level
Experience in macrophyte identification
Knowledge of water quality issues impacting chemistry
It is expected that the person filling this role will:
Encourage a positive health, safety & wellbeing culture
Work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work
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.
Your EA Office base location will be Blandford Forum or Bridgwater with some hybrid working. Some travel and overnights may be required.
Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact Yasmin Guler, yasmin.guler@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Candidate must feel comfortable working in and around water courses.
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held face to face at the Blandford Forum office in early May 2026.
Length of contract: Up to 31/03/2027
Competence 1: Scientific Knowledge
Description
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.
Description: Applies scientific knowledge to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.
Question: Please outline your experience of freshwater ecology. This may include ecological surveys, data collection, database systems, data analysis and interpretation.
Competence 2: Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Description: Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.
Question: Please give an example of when you have found and delivered a solution for an issue you encountered. How did you analyse the information available, explore alternatives, and take scientifically sound and timely decisions?
Competence 3: Communicates Effectively
Description
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Description: Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
Question: Can you give an example of a time when you had to explain scientific information to a non-technical audience? What was the outcome?
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.
