Overview
Job Description We value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community wishing to join a workforce which embraces difference and welcomes everyone.
We are looking for a Project Support Officer to support the delivery of the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier Scheme in Somerset. This is one of the Environment Agency’s biggest flood defence schemes in England, designed to protect over 11,300 homes and 1,500 businesses from tidal flooding. With sea levels projected to rise by up to one metre over the next 100 years and more frequent extreme weather events, the Scheme offers long-term protection and resilience. It will also bring lasting community benefit through improved access and connectivity in the local area.
As part of the project team focused on delivering the Scheme, you will give project managers the support you need, assisting with administrative, financial, data and organisational tasks. You will gain valuable exposure to large-scale project delivery. You will become involved in a range of activities such as inducting new joiners into the project team, enabling access to systems, collating presentation materials, organising and taking meeting minutes, maintaining information on shared workspaces, journalling costs and creating highlight reports.
You’ll develop your interpersonal skills, building a network of relationships within the EA and across our external delivery partners. You will be fully immersed in a professional project management service. As you grow in confidence, we’ll support your ambitions to build on your skills and progress your career.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. 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 and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.
The Team
We are Project and Programme Delivery (PPD), creating a better place through excellence in project and programme management. We are part of the Environment Agency’s Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) directorate and are comprised of 80 project delivery professionals working across the South West. Our team provides the Environment Agency with effective project and programme management, managing projects throughout their lifecycle, delivering flood risk management, environmental improvements and shared ownership with local communities.
Experience/skills Required
Essential:
* Experience in using MS Office, particularly Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
* Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines, with relevant support.
* Experience in accurate data management, report writing and presenting relevant information to stakeholders.
* Efficient and adaptable communication skills, with a variety of audiences.
* Organisational and planning skills.
Desirable:
* A Levels (or equivalent). Subjects that may be particularly advantageous include maths/statistics, geography, English, environmental studies, business studies, economics and computer science.
* This role interacts with contacts within and outside the Environment Agency, so a background of working in a customer-facing environment, demonstrating good communication skills would be useful. You should be positive, keen to help colleagues and take pride in your work.
* Experience or exposure of working in a project environment.
* Working knowledge of information sharing platforms (such as SharePoint).
Contact and additional information
Benefits include a generous pension provision and leave entitlement. Our flexible working supports a healthy work/life balance and offers numerous choices to accommodate the demands that personal commitments may present. Excellent training and learning opportunities are available, including personal and professional development.
It is expected that the applicant resides in the south west. The base location will be Bridgwater, with the expectation of co-locating in the office at least 2 days per week (every Wednesday and Thursday as a minimum). Travel to other offices and overnight stays may be required. For further information please contact: Marc.Doe@environment-agency.gov.uk
Interviews due to take place w/c: 23rd March 2026
Competencies
Competence 1: Data and Information Management
Description: Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.
When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills. CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
Can you please tell us about a time you have had to analyse and interpret data and present your findings to others.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer. 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.
Competence 2: Communicates Effectively
Description: Listens and asks questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills. CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
Question: Please tell us about a situation where you have used your communication skills to explain a complex issue to a group of people?
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer. 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.
Competence 3: Manages Self
Description: Has full awareness of own strengths, weaknesses, impact and approach. Effectively organises self and takes responsibility for own role in the Environment Agency.
When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills. CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
Question: Describe an occasion where you have taken proactive action to ensure that a task has been performed effectively.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer. 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.
Role-specific license requirements
Driving licence is essential as there could be a business need to travel to remote project sites.
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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