Advisor – NCEA monitoring network design - 34420

Advisor – NCEA monitoring network design - 34420
1
National
All
Staff Grade 5
Fixed Term
Science
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Part Time Term Time, Compressed Hours, Other
£43,198 Pro Rata

10/05/2026, 23:55 hours

TSS05 Technical & Scientific Services, Grade 5

Basic Check

We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share.”

This is an exciting opportunity to shape the way we collect data in the freshwater ecosystems within the (Natural Capital Ecosystems Assessment; NCEA) project. The NCEA is a flagship multi-agency science programme with a high profile with policy makers in Defra. The focus of the Environment Agency is to deliver the benefits and outcomes for the water environment.

Working with the network designer, you will provide technical advice on ecological, physicochemical and hydromorphological monitoring in freshwaters. This role will primarily focus on lakes, with some input into rivers and small streams. You will have good technical knowledge of freshwater monitoring gained from a number of years’ experience in the field and/or in the use of data, and an interest in learning more and advancing our approach as an organisation.

You will deliver work individually and through projects with partners and contractors with the aim of ensuring our NCEA monitoring networks fulfil their potential to provide a unique view on the condition and change in condition of our small streams, lakes and rivers. Some experience of project management would be advantageous.

Specifically, you will

  • Work on refining and developing our lakes, small stream and river monitoring, including managing funded projects
  • Build networks with experts (internally and externally) to answer difficult technical challenges and find solutions.
  • Be involved in technical decision making around innovative monitoring techniques such as eDNA.
  • Work with colleagues to advise on the ongoing delivery of the small stream, lakes and the river surveillance networks.
  • Contribute to planning the analysis to maximise the insights that our unique co-located data can provide.

 

This is a temporary post until February 2028.

The Strategic Evidence Design and Assessment (SEDA) team (within the Chief Scientist Group) ensures the best environmental evidence is at the heart of decision making.

This post will join a team focused on supporting and enabling delivery of the Natural Capital and Ecosystems Assessment Programme.

Working in a dispersed way you can expect a friendly and engaging work environment. We have a strong team dynamic, believe in the development of our staff and embrace diversity.

This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone keen to develop their career in freshwater monitoring, expand their knowledge, and contribute to new and innovative national monitoring programmes. You’ll also have the chance to build strong professional networks with colleagues and partners across the EA and Defra family

Background and knowledge: 

  • Degree or higher qualification in environmental discipline
  • Strong experience of collecting and analysing environmental data in the freshwater environment.
  • Up to speed on existing and emerging practice in water data science.

You will: 

  • be able to work on your own initiative,
  • be able to communicate technical issues clearly and be able to adapt to a range of audiences,
  • work in ‘virtual teams’ to deliver outcomes with people across and beyond the organisation

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

You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible / hybrid.

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel some travel and overnights will be required.

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact lesley.rippon@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.

Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.

If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.

Up to 20 months
Scientific Knowledge
Based on your experience, what are the main challenges to maintaining high-quality freshwater monitoring data, and how have you helped address them?

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. Feedback is generally not available at sift stage.

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision or solve a complex problem using scientific or technical evidence.
Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
Can you give us an example where you’ve implemented an innovative solution to solve a problem or improve a process that had benefits for a group of people.
Data and Information Management
What are the data management considerations that need to be thought about when planning a monitoring network?
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.