Environmental Monitoring Freshwater Ecology Assistant - 32471

Environmental Monitoring Freshwater Ecology Assistant - 32471
1
South East
West Malling
DEFRA GRP EA ORCHARD HOUSE, ME19 5SH
Staff Grade 3
Permanent
Analytical, Environment & Sustainability, Science
Full Time
£29,751

12/01/2026, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
We have an exciting new opportunity for a freshwater ecology assistant to join our Analysis & Reporting team and develop your career in environmental monitoring, data analysis and interpretation.

We are the Environment Agency. We work with government, local councils, water companies, businesses, and communities to make our environment cleaner, safer, and healthier for people and wildlife.

Our team investigates how water quality and water quantity, as well as habitat and anthropogenic factors, are impacting on aquatic ecological communities and communicate this information to a range of audiences.

Your role will focus on carrying out laboratory analysis of aquatic invertebrate samples including invertebrates to species level, as well as the provision of data to our customers

In addition, you will also assist with:
- Seasonal field-based ecological, water quality, habitat and/or fisheries survey fieldwork in rivers, lakes & streams across the whole of Kent & South London area
- Interpretation of field and laboratory data to report findings to our customers using both standard and bespoke computer applications.
- Supporting investigations into impacts of environmental pollution incidents

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate. Please see the candidate pack for more on how you will support with this.

We value a diverse workforce and are fully committed to being an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and aim to create a diverse workplace where people feel respected, valued and listened to. We’re all different, and by embracing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) we can become an equal opportunity employer where jointly we all grow and learn together.

The candidate pack, additional information document and generic role profile should be read along with the advert.
Our Analysis and Reporting team, within Local Operations, collect, analyse and interpret freshwater environmental data to inform a range of legislative, national and local requirements.

We are skilled in monitoring fieldwork and lab work and use our expertise to assess a wide variety of ecology, water quality, fisheries & habitat data from a range of sources. Our customers rely on the evidence we provide to support the delivery of local and national environmental improvements
You’ll be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person with a genuine passion for the environment. You’ll be keen to use and develop your knowledge and skills to help support environmental outcomes

You’ll need:
- An enquiring mind with enthusiasm for collection and use of environmental data
- Good eye for detail whilst enjoying the process of data management and interpretation
- Understanding of what environmental monitoring is and why it matters, as well as an appreciation of current environmental challenges and topics
- Experience or interest in environmental monitoring fieldwork and lab work
- Openness to innovative ways of working, especially new opportunities to work with nature
- Ability to work effectively on your own and within a team
- Relevant degree (e.g. biology; environmental science), or other equivalent experience
- A full driving licence and be able to swim

We’d love to inspire you to apply so get in touch!
You’ll be based at our Addington office, ME19 5SH. The role also involves travelling to field locations in the survey season for which transport is provided.

We welcome flexible working patterns for our roles, including job share to help strike a good balance between work and personal life. We also support occasional working for home where appropriate. Please include information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We offer a fantastic benefits package including an attractive salary, flexible working, 25 days annual leave and an award-winning Pension Fund

We encourage you to keep developing your skills and professional knowledge throughout your career.

Interviews will be in person in our Addington office early February 2026

To find out more please contact Claire Gladdy via claire.gladdy@environment-agency.gov.uk
Data and Information Management
Please note we do not assess CVs. Answers to these competency questions will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your responses. You have up to 250 words so please do use them to tell us what we need to know about you. See Candidate pack for more details and a link to our capability dictionary.

A significant part of the A&R team’s work involves gathering & interpreting environmental data and reporting it clearly. Can you explain a time when you have done this?
Achieves Results
Our team has a large work-load and is under pressure to deliver a number of priorities within certain time-frames. Describe an occasion when you have had to deliver a high standard piece of work under significant time or resource pressure.
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Can you describe a time when you became aware of a potential problem with a piece of work ? how did your go about resolving the issue
Full UK 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.