Job Description

We\'re proud to promote a safe, inclusive, flexible and supportive culture at the Environment Agency, as a life-enhancing place to work, creating better places for people and wildlife.
We are looking for an enthusiastic person with a passion for the environment, with some knowledge of riverine ecosystems.
You will be trained to complete aquatic ecological surveying and to identify macroinvertebrate species in the lab to support delivery of our monitoring programme. The role will be mainly laboratory based and focused on the sorting and identification of freshwater macro-invertebrates to mixed taxon level.
There are many opportunities to build expertise and we provide specialist training.

• We work in the field; undertaking ecological field surveys of aquatic plants, macroinvertebrates, algae and freshwater habitat.
• In our laboratories we analyse samples of aquatic macroinvertebrates (including many to species) and identify algae.
• From offices, we interpret data and write compelling reports to inform and influence partners, protecting the environment through advice, regulation and enforcement.

The Environment Agency responds to environmental incidents. Our new Inclusive Incident Management Policy has been developed to support all new starters to find an incident role to suit their individual needs and circumstances. Full training will be provided.

The team

Our friendly and dedicated team are based at Red Kite House, Wallingford and work geographically covering part of the Thames catchment. We\'re skilled in carrying out ecological surveys and analysing macroinvertebrate samples. We use our expertise to interpret a variety of ecological data from a range of sources. We help to develop our monitoring programme and respond to incidents.
Our customers use evidence we provide to make decisions and support the delivery of environmental improvements.

Experience/skills required

You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person with a genuine passion for the environment.
You will be qualified to a higher education level in a relevant discipline with knowledge of freshwater ecosystems.
You will have a passion for the study of riverine environments and, ideally, have some previous experience in the identification of macroinvertebrate fauna and/or ecological surveys, although full training will be provided.
You should have a good eye for detail, enjoy the process of data management and interpretation as well as the ability to communicate technical matters effectively to a wide audience.
You need to be able to work effectively on your own and within a team.
Experience using Excel and Word is essential. You must possess a full driving licence.

Contact and additional information

The role will be based in Red kite House in Wallingford, although travelling to field locations across the relevant area is required and therefore the posts require a full UK driving licence to be held.
For further information please contact Team Leader Rachel Brown at rachel.brown@environment-agency.gov.uk or Senior Environmental Monitoring Officer Glen Meadows at glen.meadows@environment-agency.gov.uk

Job description attachment 1

Candidate pack

Closing Date:

20/09/2023, 23:55 hours

Level of security checks required

Basic Check

Competence 1

Works in Teams

Description

Give an example of when you have worked as part of a team to deliver a challenging piece of work? How did you work together effectively?

Competence 2

Applies Analytical Knowledge and Experience

Description

Describe where you have collected environmental data and used it to investigate an issue or answer a research question. Describe the process you went through, detailing what methods and techniques you applied.

Competence 3

Data and Information Management

Description

Demonstrate your awareness and understanding of how data quality and management are fundamental to providing robust evidence. Illustrate your answer with an example of where you have worked with an ecological dataset. How did you manipulate and check these data?

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 for more information.

Environment Agency