Technical Specialist Groundwater Modelling
Technical Specialist Groundwater Modelling
Number of jobs available
1
Region
London, South East
City/Town
Farnham, Reading, Wallingford
Building/Site
DEFRA GRP EA GOLDCREST HOUSE, GU10 4LH, DEFRA GRP EA KINGS MEADOW HOUSE, RG1 8DQ, DEFRA GRP EA RED KITE HOUSE, OX10 8BD
Grade
Staff Grade 5
Post Type
Permanent
Role Type
Operational Delivery
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time
Salary Minimum
£43,198
Closing Date:
12/03/2026, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
ER05 Job Family Role Profile Environment & Regulation, Grade 5
Candidate pack
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Security checks level
Basic Check
Job description
We're looking for a Groundwater Modeller with experience of constructing and applying conceptual and numerical groundwater models to join our Southeast Groundwater Modelling Unit. You will help deliver a comprehensive programme of regulatory groundwater model development, update, and use in support of business decisions in local operations to ensure our groundwater models support regulation of groundwater to protect the environment and deliver for the businesses we regulate.
In this role you will support the Environment Agency's groundwater modelling programme in the Southeast of England and be an active member of the wider groundwater modelling community.
The team
You'll join our Southeast Groundwater Modelling Unit which sits within the Environment Agency Thames Area Groundwater and Contaminated Land team. The unit provides technical support to the Environment Agency areas of Thames, Hertfordshire and North London, Kent, South London and East Sussex and Solent and South Downs. We are a remotely dispersed team but currently meet monthly in London and use smart tools to stay connected in between.
Experience/skills required
* Industry or regulatory experience as a groundwater resource modeller working with or developing groundwater models.
* Technical skills in hydrogeology: e.g., constructing and interpreting conceptual groundwater scenarios and numerical models.
* Experience with MODFLOW and GIS mapping software
* Honours degree (or equivalent), and ideally a MSc level qualification (or equivalent), in geology / hydrogeology or a relevant equivalent discipline.
* Proactive, self-motivated and a confident communicator
Desirable:
* Knowledge of Environment Agency groundwater models.
* Knowledge of the hydrogeology of the geological strata found in the Southeast of England or equivalent.
* Chartership, or a commitment towards working for chartership.
Contact and additional information
Your base location will be at one of our three Area offices in Farnham, Reading or Wallingford. The team currently works mostly remotely and meets once a month in London, however this working pattern is not contractual or guaranteed.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.
Any queries please contact either - or Antonia.-
Applications are "blind" assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held virtually after the Easter holidays.
If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we'll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.
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 the 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: Multi-dimensional Conceptualisation
Collects and visualises information in three or four dimensions in order to gain a greater understanding of the information (ie three spatial dimensions plus time).
QUESTION: Please explain your experience of the development of conceptual and numerical groundwater models and how you have used groundwater investigations and modelling to support decision-making. [
Competence 2
Data and Information Management
Description
DESCRIPTION: Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.
QUESTION: Please describe your actions related to data and information management during a key groundwater modelling project(s) that you have been involved with
Competence 3
Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
Description
DESCRIPTION: Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods and processes, without compromising quality or accuracy.
QUESTION: Describe a time when you identified a piece of work or a process that could be improved, took responsibility for it, and implemented changes to improve accuracy and efficiency going forward.
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.
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.