Carbon Specialist - 35153

Carbon Specialist - 35153
4
National
All
Staff Grade 5
Permanent
Environment & Sustainability
Full Time, Part Time, Compressed Hours
£43,198

01/07/2026, 23:55 hours

AM05 Assets Management, Grade 5

Basic Check
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.
Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate in incident response duties when the need to respond arises Having an incident role is an essential part of working for the Environment Agency and an active way to support communities and prevent harm to the environment. Further information on incident response can be found within your candidate pack.
Do you want to help the Environment Agency (EA) reach Net Zero Carbon? Do you have experience in project management or supporting projects to deliver sustainability? We are looking for 4 Carbon Specialists to join our National Environmental Assessment Service (NEAS) . This is a key role which will work integrally with a range of capital flood and coastal defence projects to provide technical carbon support, assurance, verification and leadership.
You will support the EA’s carbon management process, help projects in the use of whole-life carbon assessments, decarbonisation intelligence, and optioneering to maximise the reduction of carbon emissions. You will use your experience of working with projects to promote the use of the carbon reduction hierarchy to foster low carbon thinking, whilst providing insight into the latest low-carbon innovations and decarbonisation technologies relevant to the EA’s asset types, materials and projects.
You will be responsible for verifying that projects have adequately considered carbon reduction opportunities and assess their performance against their respective carbon budgets. You will work jointly with colleagues and our delivery partners to drive carbon reduction and wider sustainable delivery, such as circular economy practises, Biodiversity Net Gain and social equity.
NEAS is organised into three operational hubs, each led by an Environment and Sustainability Team Manager (ESTM). These teams provide technical environmental expertise and support the day-to-day delivery of projects within our Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management programme. You will work as part of a national NEAS team, reporting to the ESTM, and will be responsible for carbon-related activities.
Preferable to be educated to Degree standard in an environmental science, sustainability, engineering or related subject, however not essential.
• Experience of influencing behaviours, overcoming resistance and managing change.
• Experience of undertaking carbon assessment and delivering carbon reductions is desirable but not essential.
• Experience of significant infrastructure projects.
• You will need to demonstrate experience working within multi-disciplinary project teams and effecting sustainable change.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills with both internal and external stakeholders as relationship management is a key element of the role.
• Membership of a professional environmental or engineering institute is requested but not essential.
• Knowledge of flood and coastal risk management project appraisal process, however in house training will be provided.
• Experience of project management, time management and prioritising various tasks
Benefits include 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
You’ll have an EA Office base location. As this is a national role, the working location is flexible.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel.
Some travel will be required, and this may occasionally include an overnight stay.
Please see the Job Profile for more information. If you have any questions, please contact james.cooper@environment-agency.gov.uk
Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.
#LI-DNI
Environmental Awareness
Appreciates the impact that activities have on the environment and identifies ways to protect and preserve the environment for the future [and limit negative environmental impact]

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:
Provide an example where you have completed a whole-life carbon assessment and have used this to influence a team to adopt a lower carbon option

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 to the question.

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.
Influences and Persuades Others
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.

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 a time when you have influenced a Project Team to incorporate more sustainable measures on a project?

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 to the question.
Achieves Results
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results

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:
Provide an example where you had to prioritise tasks, meet targets and a deadline whilst also delivering an effective sustainable outcome(s).

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 to the question.
Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods, processes and without, compromising quality or accuracy.

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:
Provide an example where you have identified and implemented an innovative approach to better deliver a sustainable outcome, without compromising on quality or accuracy

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 to the question.
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.