Technical Officer (Groundwater Resources) - 34785

Technical Officer (Groundwater Resources) - 34785
1
South East
Chichester , Pevensey, Romsey , Worthing
DEFRA GRP EA CHICHESTER OFFICE, PO20 2AG, DEFRA GRP EA PEVENSEY OFFICE, BN24 6ND, DEFRA GRP EA ROMSEY OFFICE, SO51 8DU, DEFRA GRP WORTHING TEVILLE GATE HOUSE, BN11 1UR
Staff Grade 4
Permanent
Environment & Sustainability
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Compressed Hours
£34,320

17/06/2026, 23:55 hours

TSS04 Technical & Scientific Services, Grade 4

Basic Check

We are looking for a hydrogeologist to join a small friendly team of experts focused on the management and protection of groundwater across Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Hydrogeology is a fascinating and exciting area of groundwater science.  The work of this role is critical to supporting operational decisions, our environmental regulation and to further our understanding of the pressures placed on our water resources as a result of climate change.

In this role you will provide technical advice on hydrogeological and water resource activities.

This will include:

  • Determining water resource permits
  • Working with licence holders to ensure licences are sustainable
  • Advising on the impacts of groundwater abstraction including groundwater resource and pump test assessments
  • Advising on the groundwater extremes of drought and groundwater flooding
  • Advising on the impacts of major infrastructure projects
  • Supporting the management of our groundwater level network
  • Providing technical information to our customers
  • Helping to deliver our Water Framework Directive measures and investigations

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be asked to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment, and full training will be available to support you.


The post is part of the Groundwater, Hydrology and Contaminated Land team in Solent and South Downs Area.  We are responsible for providing technical and scientific expertise to our internal teams, and to a wide range of external stakeholders, all to protect the quality and quantity of groundwater.

We are based in one of the Area offices listed above, with some homeworking, visits to other offices and occasional site work.

Enthusiastic and motivated, you will be able to demonstrate the skills and experience below:

A geoscience related degree or equivalent experience; a relevant postgraduate qualification is desirable.

Good computer skills are essential, including the use of spreadsheets; the use of mapping systems is desirable, but training will be provided.

Conceptualisation of hydrogeological processes within chalk catchments.

Ability to produce/interpret data to develop evidence and solve technical issues.

Good communication skills and the ability to present convincing verbal and written arguments to a wide range of audiences, with the ability to simplify technical detail.

Experience of working as part of a team, as well as being able to use your initiative to work independently.

A practical common-sense approach to problem solving, able to articulate solutions.

A full UK driving licence is required as you will need to carry out occasional site visits and travel between offices.

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 is provided. 

You’ll have an EA Office base location, but the working location is hybrid and some travel and overnights may be required.

Please read the Candidate Pack for information. Any queries, contact paul.batty@environment-agency.gov.uk

Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. Should a high volume of strong applications be received, the benchmark at sift may be raised.

Interviews will be held via MS Teams or in person during the week commencing 13th July 2026.

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.

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 describe a situation where you have applied your knowledge of geoscience or hydrogeology. Your example might be from a previous study or work-related issue.

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

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

QUESTION:
Please provide an example of when you have used a range of communication styles to successfully convey complex information to an audience.
Data and Information Management
Description:
Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.

QUESTION:
Please provide an example of when you have collected, managed and interpreted data. Describe your aims and objectives and how you presented your findings.
Full UK Manual 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.