Data Senior Assistant Scientist - 33880

Data Senior Assistant Scientist - 33880
1
South East
Reading
DEFRA GRP EA CAVERSHAM LAKES DEPOT, RG4 9RA
Staff Grade 3
Permanent
Analytical, Science
Full Time
£29,751

10/07/2026, 23:55 hours

TSS03 Technical & Scientific Services, Grade 3

Basic Check

At the Environment Agency we work to create better place for people and the wildlife. We are an evidence-based organisation and we monitor the environment to enable us to make informed decisions.
We are currently seeking a Technical Advisor to support the interpretation of water quality monitoring data and provide technical advice and guidance to our clients. The role will involve working with a range of internal and external stakeholders across the Environment Agency, helping to communicate data insights and support monitoring activities. Responsibilities will also include assisting with the planning and delivery of training sessions for team members and regulatory teams within the EA.

You will support the ongoing improvement of data quality within the team by carrying out routine data checks, communicating findings clearly, and assisting G4 and G5 colleagues with the preparation and delivery of training sessions and events. The data generated by NWQIS plays a crucial role as evidence underpinning many of the Environment Agency’s statutory responsibilities, encompassing the Water Framework Directive, Urban Wastewater Directive, Statutory Surface Water Monitoring Programme, and Bathing Water duties.

You will provide support to the Grade 4 Data team and the NWQIS Technical Data Lead, assisting with project coordination and contributing technical information to support activities linked to the Environment Act 2021.

Our team collaborates closely with colleagues across diverse functions, currently leading on several high-profile projects involving water quality investigations and river restorations. As the appointed Technical Advisor, you will be tasked with facilitating engagement and communication between NWQIS and the wider business community. Your role will play a vital part in promoting the impactful work we do, cultivating improved communication and knowledge pathways.

 

NWQIS plays a crucial role in advancing the Environment Agency's understanding of our environment through the provision of water quality instrumentation and expert advisory services. This encompasses strategic guidance on investigations and analysis of resulting data. Our team manages a diverse inventory of equipment dedicated to the collection of water quality monitoring data. We are dedicated to the development of specialised solutions, addressing new and emerging challenges with a commitment to precision and innovation.

We are looking for someone who is experienced in:

  • Excellent communication skills, including experience in confidently presenting information to wide audiences.
  • Experience of reviewing, interpreting, or working with technical or environmental data.
  • The ability to explain complex technical and scientific principles to a wide range of staff and stakeholders.
  • Ability to learn and apply technical procedures, systems, and processes accurately.
  • Good written skills
  • Problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate issues and escalate where appropriate
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Willingness to develop technical knowledge in water quality monitoring and associated legislation.
  • Full UK driving license – Desirable

We offer a benefits package including annual leave starting at 30 days, and an award-winning Pension Fund

The role is based a Caversham Lakes, Reading. Travel planned and unplanned around the country will be required. Costs will be reimbursed.

You will be required to have an incident role 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 in your incident role.

 Interviews will be held week commencing 13th July & 20th July

To discuss this role, please contact:

Achieves Results
Please describe some of the methods you use to prioritise and organise your workload to meet deadlines, including where you rely on
others to provide input?
Scientific Knowledge
What would your previous experiences, knowledge and skills bring to this role?
Data and Information Management
Please give an example of how you have used your data assessment skills to achieve an outcome?
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.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.