Environment and Science Graduate Training Scheme - Water Resources, Water Quality, Groundwater and Contaminated Land

Environment and Science Graduate Training Scheme

Role profile

Theme: Water Resources, Water Quality, Groundwater and Contaminated Land

Salary: £26,575 -£31,000

Regions:

• Thames area: GU10 4LH - Goldcrest House, Farnham; RG1 8DQ - Kingsmeadow House, Reading; OX10 8BD - Red Kite House, Wallingford; OX2 OAZ - Osney Depot, Oxford
• Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire area: LN2 4DT - Ceres House, Lincoln
• East Anglia area: IP3 9JD - Iceni House, Ipswich; NR3 1UB - Dragonfly House, Norwich
• Kent and South London area: ME19 5SH - Orchard House, Addington
• Cumbria and Lancashire area: PR58BX, Lutra House, Preston; CA11 9BP, Ghyll Mounty, Penrith
• Wessex area: TA6 4YS - Rivers House, Bridgwater; DT11 8ST - Sunrise Business Park, Blandford
• East Midlands area: PE2 5ZR Peterborough

Post type: 37 Hours per week (Part time considered)

Interviews dates: 19 June – 23 July

Positions available: 13

About the scheme

At the Environment Agency (EA), we protect and enhance the environment as a whole and promote sustainable development. Join us to kickstart your career in the environment sector and be part of our mission to create better places to live and work for people and wildlife.

On our four-year Environment and Science Graduate Training Scheme (ES-GTS), you will be welcomed into one of a diverse range of permanent environmental and science-based roles across the EA. When you join us on the Scheme you will start your environment and science career by:

• Focusing on your professional development with our blended learning approach including training, mentoring, on-the-job experience, and development opportunities to work in various roles within the organisation.
• Contributing to a range of exciting projects and initiatives.
• Working towards chartership with the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) and/or other relevant professional institutions.

Your role with us in Water Resources, Water Quality, Groundwater and Contaminated Land

Immerse yourself in a dynamic team dedicated to environmental protection and play your part towards protecting the water environment. As part of your role, you'll have the chance to take on a range of tasks and responsibilities:

• Supporting the work of the Environment Agency to protect the water environment (rivers, streams, and groundwater), working across multi-functional teams focused on protecting both the quality and quantity of water resources in England).
• Working to regulate and influence the activity of water companies, farmers and the wider water industry. 
• Using evidence, expertise and innovation to enhance and support hydrology and groundwater protection projects.
• Analysing data and information, hydrological modelling, developing plans, and implementing projects. 
• Influencing and informing our industry partners, informing our abstraction and discharge permitting regime, and addressing industry non-compliance with environmental legislation.

We have a vital role to play in responding to incidents that have the potential to damage the water environment.  We work with industry partners and business where land is identified as contaminated and requires remediation back to an acceptable standard.

We also advise Government and influence policy to ensure that the regulation of groundwater resources and quality sustainably balances the needs of the environment with those of businesses and society.

You will be joining a team on the frontline of tackling the climate emergency. 

Who we are looking for

We are looking for individuals who have passion and drive to be part of tackling the climate emergency. We need individuals who want to learn, progress, and develop into professional water and environmental scientists.

A successful application will include clear statements about YOU and why you want to make a tangible difference to improve and protect the environment in England. Do reference these five key competencies in your application.

• Motivation to work in the Environment sector. Why you are interested and motivated to join this graduate training scheme and work in the environment sector? How do your goals and values align with the Environment Agency?

• Achieves Results. Effectively organises work to meet high standards and achieve personal and team goals, adapts plans to get desired outcomes at pace. Demonstrates resilience and commitment to get things done.

• Communicates Effectively. Actively listens and seeks to understand perspectives of others, considers impact on audience when speaking, writing, and presenting

• Uses Initiative. Uses initiative to ensure tasks are done efficiently and proactively finds ways to make greater contribution. Takes personal responsibility to achieve goals

• Works in Teams. Builds positive relationships within/between teams, ensures active involvement and engagement, and participates fully in team activities and helps resolve conflict/tension.

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree (e.g., BSc or BA) in environmental science or equivalent science-based subjects expected to be received before 24 July 2023. Any job offers made will be subject to achieving and giving evidence of the entry requirements noted here.

Desirable 

• Expected or achieved award grade of Upper Second Class (2:1) honours.
• Relevant experience gained through work and voluntary experience, internships, year-in-industry placements or similar.

Those applying must be able to prove right to work in the UK and have this in place before making an application. You should also be aware of and be able to meet the requirements set out in standard Environmental Agency employment terms and conditions. You can find more information on our Working for EA pages.

Please note that not all roles are available in all locations.

Working at the Environment Agency

Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we understand that everyone is different. Be part of a diverse and inclusive organisation which takes pride in welcoming applicants from all sections of the community. We want to help you grow and thrive! That’s why we offer training, career opportunities, support for professional development, and actively look out for your wellbeing. Download the Candidate Information Pack now to learn more about our impressive range of employee benefits - such as a great salary starting at £26,575, flexible hybrid working, and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

We’d love to hear from you. Click ‘apply’ and start your application today!