Job Description
Job Description
We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job-share, so please include any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We lead on the management of GW Modelling and delivery of WR Projects on behalf of Environment Agency stakeholders. We are looking for an experienced Hydrogeologist and Project Manager with knowledge of conceptual and numerical groundwater models to join the Technical Projects Team. You will help deliver a comprehensive programme of regulatory groundwater model development, update, and operation 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 East Anglia by:
* Taking forward the groundwater investigation and modelling programme, using consultant or in-house resources, to undertake field investigations, refinement and update of groundwater models, and to test scenarios to support water resources and water quality decision-making;
* Managing projects within the team programme from the initiation of the project to the delivery of project outputs;
* Acting as a focus of expertise for groundwater investigations and modelling, and keeping abreast of technical investigation and modelling work being undertaken across the Environment Agency;
* Keeping abreast of technical investigation and modelling work being undertaken external to the Environment Agency, particularly across the Regional Groups and water companies;
* Organising the issue of intellectual property licences to external organisations seeking to use Environment Agency data, information and models;
* Being an active member of the wider groundwater modelling community
The team
You’ll join our Technical Projects Team within the National OCS Water Resources Team. The team provides technical leadership with regard to groundwater investigations and modelling, including working with internal and external stakeholders to specify modelling scenarios, interpret model results and support decision-making.
In E&B we promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued. We use evidence, expertise, engagement, and innovation to enhance and support delivery, influence policy, legislation, and secure resources.
Experience/skills Required
You’ll bring a range of skills and experience, particularly:
* Has experience as a water resources specialist who has worked with or developed groundwater models and can provide technical leadership
* Can deliver high value projects, including gaining budget and project approval and procuring and managing consultants or in-house resource
* Can organise and prioritise delivery of complex activities
* Can interpret groundwater model results and support their input to decision-making
* Can communicate well, keeping others informed, managing expectations and anticipating others needs
* Can convey technical information to a range of audiences
* Educated to a degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and will ideally hold a Higher Degree in Hydrology, Hydrogeology or WR Engineering
In your capability-based answers please demonstrate:
* ability to 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, with appropriate training 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 reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.
Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact simon.smith1@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews are expected to be held via MS Teams in the week beginning 12th January 2026.
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
Applies scientific knowledge (various disciplines, depending on team role) to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers
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
Question:
Describe how you have used scientific knowledge in your current role, and how that knowledge has influenced decision-making
Competence 2
Programme and Project Management
Description
Selects, plans and manages contractors, programmes or events to
achieve a set of Environment Agency objectives cost-effectively.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Question:
Describe one of the key projects or programmes of work that you have managed focusing on the actions taken by you to move the project from initiation to delivery
Competence 3
Customer and Partner Relations
Description
Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Question:
Tell us about your experiences of working with customers and/or partners including what difficulties you have encountered and how successful you feel you have been at meeting their needs.
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.