Water Resources Officer - 34695

Water Resources Officer - 34695
1
South East
Wallingford
DEFRA GRP EA RED KITE HOUSE, OX10 8BD
Staff Grade 4
Permanent
Environment & Sustainability, Science
Full Time, Part Time
£34,320

16/06/2026, 23:55 hours

ER04 Job Family Role Profile Environment & Regulation, Grade 4

Basic Check

If you are passionate about our water environment and want to have a lasting impact on water resources whilst ensuring it is protected and enhanced for future generations and the environment, then you’ll want to be part of the Integrated Environment Planning Team at the Environment Agency. 

 At the Environment Agency we aspire for inclusivity to thrive in our workforce. We embrace equal opportunities and flexible work arrangements, ensuring everyone can contribute and succeed. 

 As a Water Resources Officer, you will support the delivery of local water resources work, helping to respond to pressures on the water environment. Working with colleagues and partners, you will contribute to practical, evidence-based solutions and support regulatory outcomes that protect both people and the environment. 

 In this role you will: 

  • support the delivery of local water resources workstreams and team priorities 
  • assist with the implementation of the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) 
  • contribute to the review and assessment of water company plans and submissions 
  • build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, water companies, and other stakeholders 
  • support drought planning activities and incident response where required 
  • help maintain and manage water resources data, evidence, and records 
  • provide clear, evidence-based information to support decision-making 

 You will focus on applying your knowledge to complete tasks, analyse information, and contribute to team objectives.

 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 with your incident role.  We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs.  

The Integrated Environment Planning (IEP) team is part of the wider Environment Planning and Engagement (EPE) department. You will join a fantastic team of environment planners and water resources specialists. 

  IEP provides environmental evidence that informs and influences decisions on investment for water resource management and improvement. 

  The team works to strengthen our evidence base and drive integrated delivery to achieve the best outcomes for the Thames and neighbouring catchments

What do you need? 

  • Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience in the environmental sector. 
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
  • Good research and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret information and contribute towards evidence-based outputs. 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and appropriately for different audiences. 
  • Experience gathering, managing and checking the quality of data and information. 
  • Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external colleagues. 
  • Awareness of customer needs and ability to support delivery of outcomes with stakeholders. 
  • Good organisational skills, with the ability to plan and prioritise workload and meet deadlines. 
  • Ability to apply guidance and procedures to support effective local delivery. 

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

This an office-based role, located in our Wallingford office. There is some ability to work flexibly depending on business need, including home working, site visits and travel to alternative office locations.  

We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, so please clearly include your preferred working arrangements on your application. 

We expect interviews to be held in person, mid-July.  

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. 

For any questions relating to this role, please contact Rachel Heath at rachel.heath@environment-agency.gov.uk. And Southeastresourcing@environment-agency.gov.uk

Achieves Results
DESCRIPTION OF CAPABILITY: Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.

QUESTION:Describe a time when you were responsible for delivering a challenging objective or target within a tight deadline. How did you prioritise your work and respond to any challenges?

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.
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
DESCRIPTION OF CAPABILITY: Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.

QUESTION: Tell us about a time when you have had to make a decision or solve a problem under challenging circumstances. How did you make your decision and what impact did it have?
Influences and Persuades Others
DESCRIPTION OF CAPABILITY: 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 a time when you had to persuade others to support an idea or way of working. What approach did you take, and what was the result?
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.