Job Description

Groundwater Contaminated Land Technical Assistant - 32047

==============================================================

Groundwater Contaminated Land Technical Assistant - 32047

Number of jobs available
1
Region
North East
City/Town
Newcastle
Building/Site
DEFRA GRP EA TYNESIDE HOUSE, NE4 7AR
Grade
Staff Grade 3
Post Type
Permanent
Role Type
Operational Delivery
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time/Job Share
Salary Minimum
29,751
Closing Date:
19/10/2025, 23:55 hours


Job description attachment 1
Job Profile - 32047.docx - 55KB Opens in a new window


Converted File Job Profile - 32047.docx.pdf - 87KB Opens in a new window
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack - 32047.docx - 2043KB Opens in a new window


Converted File Candidate Pack - 32047.docx.pdf - 720KB Opens in a new window
Security checks level
Basic Check
Job description
This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic candidate to develop their technical expertise in groundwater resources, groundwater quality and/or contaminated land. In this role you will use evidence led, risk-based approach to protect and enhance the groundwater environment, deliver on our regulatory obligations and support incident response.



We are looking for an individual who enjoys problem solving as part of a team. As a technical assistant your duties will require you to contribute across a variety of work streams. You will:



contribute to the management of our groundwater level and quality monitoring networks


provide technical assistance to consultations for permits to abstract groundwater, to discharge to ground, or for waste & installations sites


assist in providing advice to local planning authorities on development proposals that may pose a risk to groundwater resources or quality and the risks posed to controlled waters from contaminated land


provide support with administrative tasks to plan compliance activity in a risk-based approach to support our permitting work


support the team to respond to information requests and enquiries


maintaining and updating filing systems ensuring accessible and accurate information


providing administrative support to team leaders and senior officers


The successful candidate will be expected to apply their existing knowledge and experience to the role but will have the opportunity to develop technical skills and knowledge. To support you in this role, we have a variety of tools and internal training available providing many development opportunities both technically and personally. This role offers an excellent opportunity for anyone wanting to grow a career in hydrogeology and/or contaminated land.



You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training.
The team
The Groundwater & Contaminated Land Team work across the North East, working from the office in Newcastle. We provide technical advice on groundwater quality, groundwater resource and land contamination risks and issues, respond to environmental incidents, planning and permit consultations and liaise with various partners including the Coal Authority, water companies and academia to resolve historic and emerging environmental pressures.
Experience/skills required
A basic knowledge and experience in Hydrogeology and/or Contaminated Land Understanding of the risk associated with Groundwater Good level of Microsoft Office package, including Excel Strong problem-solving ethos and drive to achieve results Strong verbal and written communication skills Administrative organisational skills. Filing and maintenance of filing systems Contact and additional information
We are based out of Tyneside House, Newcastle we currently adopt a hybrid working arrangement, split between home and office.



We do not accept CVs and so your answers to the below competencies will be used for selection. Please see the competency dictionary within the candidate pack - you may find it helpful to use the STAR approach to answering the questions.



Interviews are expected to be scheduled for week commencing the 3rd of November Please contact rachael.farrimond-wight@environment-agency.gov.uk further information about this role
Competence 1
Achieves Results
Description
Tell us about a time when you had to prioritise and deliver high-quality work under a tight deadline. How did you ensure accuracy while meeting the timescale?
Competence 2
Communicates Effectively
Description
Tell us about a time when you had to explain something clearly to someone who didn't at first agree or understand. How did you get your message across and what was the result?
Competence 3
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
Tell us about a time when you faced a problem and had to decide between different options. What steps did you take to work out the best solution, and what was the outcome?

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.