Flood and Coastal Risk Management - Advisor - Natural Flood Management - 32108

We’re on an ambitious journey to embed nature‑based solutions at the heart of flood resilience. As outlined in our FCERM Strategy and Roadmap, 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. You’ll also help mainstream innovative approaches trialled through the programme into the wider FCERM investment portfolio.

In addition, you’ll coordinate the NFM Community of Practice and respond to stakeholder enquiries. You’ll 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 the work; you will have an incident role and may be required to provide business continuity support during an incident. Additional payment and training are available.

The team

You’ll join a small, inclusive Natural Flood Management Team within the Strategy and Adaptation Department of our national Flood and Coastal Risk Management Directorate. 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 welcome for all roles.

Experience / Skills Required

We are seeking a proactive individual with a strong track record of delivering results. You will be confident managing a varied workload, coordinating across teams, and progressing work independently. A relevant qualification or experience in FCRM or a related discipline is essential.

• 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

We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Candidates from all backgrounds are welcome.

Competency Questions

• Achieves Results: Please give an example of a time when you successfully delivered a complex or challenging outcome despite having incomplete information or uncertainty around the solution. How did you approach the situation, and what steps did you take to move forward and achieve results?
• Manages Self: Please give a work example where you drew on your personal organisation skills and resilience to manage a demanding situation. What techniques or approaches did you use to stay effective, and how did you ensure your wellbeing was maintained?
• Works in Teams: Describe a time when you worked as part of an effective team. How did your behaviour, skills, and knowledge contribute to the team’s effectiveness, and what was the outcome?
• Data and Information Management: Describe a time when you collected, analysed, and interpreted a complex set of data. What tools did you use, and how did you present your findings?

Additional Information

For questions, contact Eleanor Heron (eleanor.heron@environment-agency.gov.uk) or Jon Hollis (jon.hollis@environment-agency.gov.uk). Interviews will take place virtually week commencing 3 rd November.

We have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria. Flexible working patterns, including job‑share, are encouraged.

Artificial intelligence may be used to support your application, but all examples and statements must be truthful and derived from your own experience. Misuse may result in withdrawal of the application.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Associate
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Finance and Sales