Technical Officer - Groundwater and Contaminated Land - 34176
Number of jobs available 1
Region North West
City/Town Warrington
Building/Site DEFRA GRP EA RICHARD FAIRCLOUGH HOUSE, WA4 1HT
This role offers an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic geoscientist to grow their technical skills in groundwater resources, groundwater quality, and contaminated land. You will play a key part in protecting and enhancing the groundwater environment through evidence‑based, risk‑led decision‑making, supporting delivery of our Water Framework Directive (WFD) responsibilities and contributing to incident response.
We are seekingindividualswho enjoy problem solving and working collaborativelyas part of a team. As a technical officer, you will contribute across multiple work areas, including:
* Advising local planning authorities on developments that maypose risk togroundwater resources orquality, andassessing risks to controlled waters from contaminated land.
* Reviewing risk assessments.
* Providingtechnical guidance to customers on pollution incidents affecting groundwater.
* Working with colleagues to support the Environment Agency’s EA2030 strategy for a better environment.
While you will bring existing knowledge and experience, the role also offers opportunities to broaden your technicalexpertise. As a technical leader, you will help promote,coordinateand deliver the team’s planning‑related work, with particular focus on contaminated land and brownfield regeneration.
You will have access to a range of tools, local and national technical specialists, and internal training to support your professional development. This position is ideal for someone looking to build a career in hydrogeology.
The role also includes supporting incident management, either by providing direct technical input or byassistingcolleagues to ensure risks to the wider business are effectively managed.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and we welcome applications from people seeking flexible working arrangements.
About the Team
Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, a densely populated area, with one of the busiest groundwater and contaminated land portfolios, alongside rapid growth in brownfield development.
Our Role
We playan importantrolein ensuring development is environmentally sustainable, preventing pollution of groundwater and surface waters whilepromoting enhancement ofthe natural environment.
We advise partners on protecting water resources and water quality and provide technical support to departments including the National Permitting and Regulated Industry.
Experience & Skills Required
We are seeking a versatile, self‑motivated, experienced individual who can quickly fit in and contribute to our busy team. You will hold a degree in a relevant geoscience discipline and have proven knowledge of hydrogeology, water resources, contaminated land and waste management. You'll be able to prioritise work based on environmental and business risk and demonstrate strong organisational skills, including managing your own workload and meeting tight deadlines.
You’ll be an effective communicator with strong influencing skills and ability to build productive relationships across the organisation. A proven track record of delivering results through others, with a focus on efficiency, innovation and quality, is essential.
You will also have a sound understanding of the WFD, Environmental Permitting Regulations, Water Resources Management, Contaminated Land Regulations and Town and Country Planning. Proficiency in GIS, data handling and records management is required, along with strong interpersonal skills.
Contact and Additional Information
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You’ll be required to have an incident management role, and further details can be found in the candidate pack.
You’ll have an EA Office base location, in Warrington with hybrid working options available.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reducetravel, some travel and overnights may be required.
Any queries, please contact peopleprogramme@environment-agency.gov.uk Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. Interviews will be held via MS Teams from the week commencing 27th April.
Competence 1 Achieves Results
Description Description: Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
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.
Question: Tell me about a time when you had to take responsibility for delivery of a critical piece of work or project.
Competence 2 Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description Description: Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.
Question: Tell me about a time when you have made an important work decision in a short time.
Competence 3 Scientific Knowledge
Description Description: Applies scientific knowledge (various disciplines, depending on team role) to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.
Question: Describe what current challenges you could encounter with land contamination through the planning and development process?
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.
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