Environmental Monitoring Officer - 34052

Environmental Monitoring Officer - 34052
1
North West
Warrington
DEFRA GRP EA RICHARD FAIRCLOUGH HOUSE, WA4 1HT
Staff Grade 4
Permanent
Environment & Sustainability, Operational Delivery, Science
Full Time
£34,320

25/05/2026, 23:55 hours

ER04 Job Family Role Profile Environment & Regulation, Grade 4

Basic Check

We’re proud to promote a safe, inclusive, flexible and supportive culture at the Environment Agency, as a life-enhancing place to work, creating better places for people and wildlife.   

If you are an enthusiastic and passionate freshwater ecologist, a strong team player who can achieve results and adopt changing priorities quickly, join us and develop in a really fulfilling role. 

The core work is aquatic ecological surveying, species identification and analysing data to assess the changing environment.  We also support pollution, drought and flooding incident response. 

The role is full of variety; with opportunities to build expertise.  

We work together in the field, undertaking ecological field surveys of aquatic plants, macroinvertebrates, algae, fish, freshwater habitat, salt marsh survey, sonde deployment and water quality chemical analysis  

  • In our laboratory based in Sale, we analyse samples of aquatic macroinvertebrates to mixed taxon level (including some to species) and identify algae. 
  • From our office based in Warrington and out in the field, we monitor Sondes, interpret both ecology and chemistry data and write compelling reports to inform and influence partners, protecting the environment through advice, regulation and enforcement. 

Locations include lab, office, field and some appropriate working from home.   

We develop our people, set clear objectives and commit to an inclusive, safe, fair and empowering culture. 

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

Officers help develop and schedule our monitoring programme, conduct surveys, analyse and report on quality-controlled data.  We investigate environmental issues identified and our data underpins decision-making and delivering statutory responsibilities. 

Our induction, development and team-working will help you gain proficiency within the organisation and build on the strengths you bring to our team. 

All staff train to support our combined Area response to a wide range of incidents including pollution, flooding, waste and drought. 

Essential – driving licence  

An ecological technical degree or sufficient relevant freshwater ecology experience will provide a strong base for this post. 

A foundation in freshwater species identification, microscopy, using dichotomous keys, environmental investigation and familiarity with field survey methodologies for macroinvertebrates, plants, fish and habitat in freshwater would demonstrate potential for success in this role. 

Planning and conducting surveys, populating databases, data interpretation, reporting and effective communication are part of the core work. 

Expected behaviours include teamwork, initiative, organisation and adaptability to changing priorities. 

Understanding of risk assessments and health & safety procedures. 

Training is provided in areas including river habitat survey, freshwater macroinvertebrate and plant identification. 

Experience in hydroacoustic survey and boat driving, data visualisation and water quality statistical expertise would be an advantage. 

This is a physical role, physical tasks are necessary such as manoeuvring boats and equipment and walking on uneven ground.  

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan, with full training and support to find a suitable role.  

Our area-wide team covers Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and Cheshire. Travel between sites, field work and attendance at pollution incidents across the area will be required.  

A valid driving licence, good bankside mobility, and swimming ability are essential.  

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, though occasional overnight stays may occur.  

Applications are blind assessed via competency questions.  

Interviews take place face to face in Warrington or Sale, within two weeks of the closing date.  

With consent, details may be held on a six-month reserve list.  

For enquiries, contact Lyndsey Hamer: Lyndsey.hamer@environment-agency.gov.uk 

Communicates Effectively
(Please note: More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack. Feedback is generally not available at sift stage.)

Competency definition: Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.

Question: Tell me about an occasion when you have had to gather information from a variety of sources.
Manage your health and safety
Capability definition: Making sure your own behaviour reduces risks to the health and safety of yourself and others.

Question: Tell me about a time when you have challenged another staff member on their behaviour relating to Health & Safety.
Works in Teams
Capability definition: Works co-operatively as part of a team to achieve common goals.

Question: Give me an example of a time when you have had to support others in a team.
Driving Licence
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.