Job Description
Make a Real Impact as a Ground Water Technical Officer – 30890
Join the Environment Agency as a Ground Water Technical Officer – 30890, where you’ll help protect one of our most vital resources—groundwater. East Anglia is the driest region in the UK and relies heavily on groundwater for over 50% of its drinking water. With rising population levels and intensive agriculture, both the quantity and quality of groundwater are at risk. This role is your chance to make a difference by contributing to groundwater safety, environmental sustainability, and public health.
Your Role as Ground Water Technical Officer – 30890
As a Ground Water Technical Officer – 30890, you’ll work within a dynamic team responding to both internal and external consultations. Your key responsibilities will include:
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Offering expert advice on groundwater risks, sensitivity, and quality.
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Supporting groundwater discharge permits and general risk assessments.
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Interpreting data such as geology and groundwater chemistry to provide technical responses.
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Engaging with stakeholders on issues related to contaminated land and water resource management.
You’ll receive training and support to help you grow professionally in this flexible, impactful position.
Your Team & Workplace
You’ll join the Groundwater and Contaminated Land team for East Anglia (East), serving Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex. Based in Norwich or Ipswich, you’ll:
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Advise on groundwater monitoring and discharge permits.
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Evaluate contaminated land risk assessments and remediation plans.
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Contribute to water resources and pollution prevention.
Flexible working is encouraged, with both full-time and part-time options available.
Qualifications & Skills Needed
Essential:
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A relevant science degree or equivalent experience.
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Confidence in presenting technical data and scientific findings.
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Sound judgment in managing routine issues, and readiness to seek support for complex ones.
Desirable:
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Hydrogeological qualifications.
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Membership in a relevant professional body.
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Some knowledge of incident response management.
You must be open to further training and professional development—fully supported by the Environment Agency.
Additional Information
This role is based in Norwich or Ipswich with some home working flexibility. You’ll be expected to:
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Participate in emergency incident response (with full training).
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Help create a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
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Note: This role does not offer skilled worker visa sponsorship.
Interview Location: Planned for early June at Ipswich (in-person), subject to change.
Note: This position is not eligible for Civil Service continuous service status.
Competency Examples for Application
Communication Skills – Ground Water Technical Officer – 30890
Q: Describe how you’ve used data to support communication.
Explain the context, what you chose to include or exclude, and the audience’s response.
Achieving Results – Ground Water Technical Officer – 30890
Q: Share your proudest work achievement.
What made it special, how was it received, and what did you learn?
Data & Information Management – Ground Water Technical Officer – 30890
Q: How did you collect and use data for reporting?
Include your role, quality checks, and how you shared the data.
Environmental Awareness – Ground Water Technical Officer – 30890
Q: Why is protecting groundwater critical in East Anglia?
Which human activities and chemicals are of concern, and how can they be controlled?
We Value Diversity and Inclusion
We’re proud to promote flexible working and inclusivity. We especially encourage applications from candidates with disabilities through our Guaranteed Interview Scheme. Please indicate any preferred working patterns in your application.
About Us – The Environment Agency
The Environment Agency is the UK’s largest environmental regulator, with over 12,000 staff working to protect people, property, and ecosystems. From issuing permits to responding to flooding and pollution, our diverse teams—including scientists, geologists, planners, and more—tackle the environmental challenges of today and tomorrow.