Overview

Flood and Coastal Risk Management - Advisor - Natural Flood Management (NFM) – 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, 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.

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 be 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead specific workstreams within NFM (e.g., environmental and hydrological monitoring, permitting, asset management).
• Track projects and manage grants as part of the £25 million NFM Programme; provide secretariat support.
• Coordinate the NFM Community of Practice and respond to stakeholder enquiries.
• Help mainstream innovative NFM approaches into the wider FCERM investment portfolio.
• Travel as required; operate in a hybrid working environment.
• Fulfill an incident response role, with potential for additional payment and training.

Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant qualification or experience in FCRM or a related discipline is essential.
• Experience in Natural Flood Management (NFM) — commissioning, funding, delivery, and upscaling opportunities and barriers.
• Project and grant management experience.
• Experience with EA processes and governance (e.g., Scheme of Delegation and assurance).
• Proven ability to build and sustain stakeholder relationships across delivery bodies.
• Clear and effective communication skills.
• Strong digital and data skills, including coding, Power BI, Power Automate, and effective use of tracking and filing systems.
• Experience using GIS tools and performing spatial data analysis.

Additional Information

• We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve and welcome candidates from all backgrounds.
• Flexible working is supported; include any information about your preferred working arrangements on your application.
• Guaranteed Interview Policy to support applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria.
• The Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra; employees may be eligible for certain continuity and redundancy considerations.
• If applying from Civil Service, note that the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of appointment.

Contact

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). Interviews will take place virtually in the week commencing 3 November.

Eligibility and AI Notice

We are transparent about eligibility; for details on status, refer to your HR team. AI tools may support applications, but all examples must be truthful and from your own experience. The Environment Agency aligns with Civil Service guidance on AI usage.

Seniority level: Associate

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Finance and Sales

Locations

Sheffield, England; plus other UK locations (Rotherham, Matlock Bath, Huddersfield) with applications and updates posted over time.