Biodiversity & Geomorphology - Technical Specialist - 32629

Biodiversity & Geomorphology - Technical Specialist - 32629
2
London, South East
Welwyn Garden City
DEFRA GRP EA ALCHEMY, AL7 1HE
Staff Grade 5
Permanent
Operational Delivery
Full Time, Part Time
£43,198

25/02/2026, 23:55 hours

TSS05 Technical & Scientific Services, Grade 5

Basic Check

We are recruiting 2 roles:  

  • A Geomorphology Technical Specialist to join our Biodiversity and Geomorphology (B&G) Team 
  • A Biodiversity & Geomorphology Technical Specialist, to join our Green Growth and Delivery (GGD) Team 

 

As a Geomorphology Technical Specialist in B&G, you will help to deliver ecologically healthier, resilient, and natural systems, achieving objectives set by legislation such as the Water Framework Directive (WFD). You will: 

  • Provide technical guidance on project work, including river restoration, Natural Flood Management schemes, Environmental Land Management schemes, and the Flood and Coastal Risk Management Capital programme 
  • Support our regulatory duties, advising on permits, planning applications, and operational work 
  • Provide geomorphological advice relating to our own operational work, and the work of our partners 
  • Engage on site with internal colleagues, partners, consultants, local action groups, and the public 

 

As a Biodiversity & Geomorphology Technical Specialist in GGD, you will support the delivery of several exciting major developments, with particular focus on one of the UK’s most high-profile infrastructure projects, the expansion of Heathrow Airport. You will: 

  • Lead on technical advice for complex projects to secure the best possible environmental outcomes and protection
  • Work with a wide range of stakeholders including area and national teams, external customers, and Defra colleagues
  • Work closely with the B&G team, supporting them with their work and maintaining and developing your technical knowledge
  • Maintain awareness of political and strategic issues and collaborate with the team on risks and opportunities
  • Contribute to national networks, bringing learning, and updates to strengthen our team and work
  • Develop and maintain your technical knowledge in both geomorphology and biodiversity

In B&G we provide technical advice and guidance internally and externally, guided by our statutory responsibilities for wildlife & environmental protection, ecological improvement, and regulation. We focus on WFD outcomes, delivering multiple benefit projects, and championing habitat creation.  

In GGD we lead the delivery of large, complex infrastructure projects, contributing to planning and permitting as a multi-disciplinary team. We engage with several major projects including Heathrow Airport, Meridian Water, and Berkeley Homes. 

In your capability-based answers please demonstrate your: 

  • Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work

Please demonstrate your: 

  • Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant technical discipline 
  • Proven experience in applying fluvial geomorphology 
  • Understanding of water environment regulations and legislation 
  • Experience in environmental permitting and planning 
  • Strong understanding of geomorphology, and how natural processes influence river form and function 
  • Proven hands-on experience in advising large or complex projects, e.g. flood risk or large infrastructure  
  • Ability to work confidently, both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team 
  • Passion for protecting and improving the natural environment through green growth 
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to adapt style and technique 
  • For the GGD role: an awareness of biodiversity practices and regulation 

You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given. 

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 for B&G elodie.blanchfield@environment-agency.gov.uk for GGD matt.parr@environment-agency.gov.uk.  
 
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. 
 
Interviews will be held in person at our Welwyn Garden City office, around two weeks after the closing date. 

Communicates Effectively
Description: Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.

Question: Geomorphology and biodiversity contain many specialist terms and concepts. Describe how you have previously had to explain a geomorphology and/or biodiversity-based concept or idea to a non-specialist audience. What approach did you take and how did you know they understood?
Influences and Persuades Others
Description: 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.

Question: Describe how you have successfully influenced someone to change their position in relation to a task or point of view. This could be something that you were seeking to achieve or prevent. What approach did you take and what was the outcome?
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description: Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.

Question: As a technical specialist it is expected that you will have the knowledge and expertise in your field to enable you to take the lead on resolving complex technical issues. Please describe a time when you have had to solve a particularly complex problem.
Scientific Knowledge
Description: Applies scientific knowledge (various disciplines, depending on team role) to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.

Question: Please give an example of how your knowledge of geomorphology and/or biodiversity can/has contributed to the protection or enhancement of the environment.
Manages Self
Please note this is not a capability question. Please use this space to express your preference for your preferred role:

Geomorphology Technical Specialist (Biodiversity and Geomorphology Team).

Biodiversity & Geomorphology Technical Specialist (Green Growth and Delivery Team).

Both.
Full UK driving licence for B&G team
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.