Overview
The Environment Agency is committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We seek diversity, embrace it, and live it for the benefit of staff, communities and the environment.
We have two opportunities to shape the future of England’s estuarine and coastal environment, delivering positive outcomes for people and nature. If you have the talent and commitment to help us achieve this, we’d love to hear from you.
Post 1 will lead the monitoring elements of the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) Programme — a flagship initiative to accelerate the assessment of England’s natural capital and transform environmental decision-making. You’ll lead projects that integrate natural capital thinking across the land–sea interface, enabling a catchment-to-coast approach. Your work will range from steering the design of monitoring programmes to applying case studies and influencing how evidence is used in decision-making.
Post 2 will lead our Restoring Meadows, Marsh and Reef (ReMeMaRe) initiative, aiming to restore 15% of priority estuarine and coastal habitats (including saltmarsh, seagrass and oyster reefs) by 2043. You’ll provide programme management for a growing pipeline of restoration projects and support other elements of the initiative, including stakeholder engagement and strategic planning.
Depending on your technical expertise, both roles may also contribute to other priority areas such as marine policy, planning and regulation. A key part of each role will be identifying and securing the evidence needed to support robust environmental decision-making.
Collaboration is central to both roles. You’ll work closely with colleagues across the Environment Agency and external partners such as Defra, other government bodies, industry and academia.
The Team
You’ll join our Estuaries and Coasts Team in our Environment and Business (E&B) Directorate. We provide leadership on the protection and restoration of our estuaries and coasts, inform and deliver the government’s environmental objectives, and use evidence, expertise, engagement and innovation to influence policy and legislation and enhance integrated delivery. We promote a positive, inclusive and supportive culture where everyone feels valued. We’re a dispersed team, working with others across the country.
Experience/Skills Required
* In your capability-based answers please demonstrate your: technical knowledge of estuarine, coastal and marine environments
* Understanding of the ‘natural capital approach’ and its role in decision making
* Programme/project management
* Ability to manage multiple priorities, and to deliver through others to time, budget and quality
* Ability to deliver on technically challenging projects through coordination of technical experts
* Excellent communication skills, and ability to clearly present technical information
* Strong interpersonal skills in managing collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders
* Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds, and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues
* Knowledge of marine policy, marine monitoring, environmental regulations, and EA’s role and that of delivery partners and stakeholders (desirable, not essential)
* Educated to degree level or have relevant professional experience. Development opportunities and training will be provided as required.
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. You’ll have an EA Office base location; as a national role the working location is flexible/hybrid. We use smart tools to stay connected and some travel and overnights may be required.
Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact eve.leegwater@environment-agency.gov.uk. Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. Interviews will be held via MS Teams around the second week of September. 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.
Length of contract
Up to 31 March 2026
Competencies
1. Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound, timely decisions. More information on answering competency questions is in the candidate pack. If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates may proceed to full sift or assessment/interview. Feedback is generally not available at sift stage.
2. Shapes organisational approach & delivery
Informs Government Policy and/or designs, implements and supports an approach to translate it into cost-effective operational activity delivering outcomes for people and the environment. More information on answering competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
3. Influences and Persuades Others
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over and encourage them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail. More information on answering competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Note If you are applying from the Civil Service, please note that the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant if appointed. We are fully committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, welcome flexible working, including job share, and have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support applicants with disabilities whose applications meet the minimum criteria.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and uses Central Government frameworks for external recruitment. We are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls. If you wish to become a support supplier on these frameworks, please visit the Crown Commercial Service information page.
Other roles and locations
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Other
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