Overview

Flood and Coastal Risk Management - Advisor - Natural Flood Management (NFM). We’re on an ambitious journey to embed nature-based solutions at the heart of flood resilience. Natural Flood Management (NFM) plays a vital role in reducing flood risk while delivering wider benefits for nature, communities, and society.

This permanent role offers an exciting opportunity to help deliver and upscale NFM across England. You’ll support our £25 million NFM Programme through project tracking, grant management, and secretariat support, and help mainstream approaches trialled through the programme into the wider FCERM investment portfolio. You’ll also coordinate the NFM Community of Practice and respond to stakeholder enquiries. We’re looking for someone who can confidently lead specific workstreams such as environmental and hydrological monitoring, permitting, or asset management with initiative and independence. The role involves hybrid working with some travel and overnight stays. Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do, with an incident role and potential for additional payment; full training and workplace adjustments will be available to support you.

The team

You’ll join a small, inclusive Natural Flood Management Team within the Strategy and Adaptation Department of the national Flood and Coastal Risk Management Directorate. We’re a collaborative team driving forward NFM. The department works closely with Defra and other partners to shape the future of flood resilience, set strategic direction, and drive innovation. Flexible working is welcomed for all roles.

Responsibilities

• Support the £25 million NFM Programme through project tracking, grant management, and secretariat support.
• Help mainstream innovative approaches trialled through the programme into the wider FCERM investment portfolio.
• Coordinate the NFM Community of Practice and respond to stakeholder enquiries.
• Lead specific workstreams such as environmental and hydrological monitoring, permitting, or asset management with initiative and independence.
• Work in a role that may involve travel and occasional overnight stays.
• Respond to incidents as part of the incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident; training and workplace adjustments are available.

Experience / skills Required

• Relevant qualification or experience in FCRM or a related discipline is essential.
• Experience in Natural Flood Management – commissioning, funding, delivery, and identifying opportunities and barriers to upscaling.
• Project and grant management.
• EA processes and governance (e.g., Scheme of Delegation and assurance).
• Building and sustaining stakeholder relationships, including supporting a wide range of delivery bodies.
• Clear, effective communication.
• Strong digital and data skills, including coding, Power BI, Power Automate and effective use of tracking and filing systems.
• Using GIS tools and carrying out spatial data analysis.

Additional information

We’re committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds. 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. Flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share, should be clearly indicated on your application.

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 information about becoming a Crown supplier, please visit the Crown Commercial Service guidance.

Artificial intelligence usage note: AI can assist your application, but all examples must be truthful and drawn from your own experience. Plagiarism or presenting AI-generated content as your own may result in withdrawal of the application. The Environment Agency aligns with Civil Service guidance on AI use.

Contact and recruitment notes

Interviews will take place virtually in the week commencing 3 November. If you have questions about the role, contact Eleanor Heron (eleanor.heron@environment-agency.gov.uk) or Jon Hollis (jon.hollis@environment-agency.gov.uk).