Overview

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. 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. You will be required 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 and workplace adjustments will be available to support you with your incident role.

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. We’re a collaborative and passionate 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. It’s a dynamic space, and we welcome flexible working for all roles.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the NFM Community of Practice and respond to stakeholder enquiries.
• Lead workstreams such as environmental and hydrological monitoring, permitting, or asset management with initiative and independence.
• 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.
• Travel as required and participate in incident response as part of business continuity planning.

Qualifications and experience

• Relevant qualification or experience in FCRM or a related discipline is essential.
• Experience in Natural Flood Management, project and grant management, and EA processes and governance (e.g. Scheme of Delegation and assurance).
• Strong stakeholder relationship building and sustaining, plus clear, effective communication.
• Strong digital and data skills, including coding, Power BI, Power Automate, and effective use of tracking and filing systems.
• Experience using GIS tools and carrying out spatial data analysis.

We are 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.

Contact and application

If you’ve got questions about the role, 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 3rd November.

Additional information

• We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. Please include any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
• The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by Defra and participates in government frameworks for external recruitment. For suppliers, refer to Crown Commercial Service information on becoming a supplier.
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