Overview

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 opportunity to help deliver and upscale NFM across England and to support the £25 million NFM Programme through project tracking, grant management, and secretariat support. The role also involves coordinating the NFM Community of Practice and responding to stakeholder enquiries.

The role may require leading specific workstreams such as environmental and hydrological monitoring, permitting, or asset management, with initiative and independence. The position involves hybrid working, some travel, and overnight stays. Responding to incidents is a central part of our work, and you will be required to have an incident role with training and workplace adjustments provided as needed.

We are a small, inclusive team within the Strategy and Adaptation Department of the national Flood and Coastal Risk Management Directorate. We work closely with Defra and partners to shape flood resilience, set strategic direction, and drive innovation. Flexible working is supported for all roles.

Responsibilities

• Support the NFM Programme through project tracking, grant management, and secretariat tasks.
• Coordinate the NFM Community of Practice and respond to stakeholder enquiries.
• Lead or contribute to workstreams such as environmental/hydrological monitoring, permitting, or asset management.
• Monitor progress, identify risks and opportunities, and help mainstream innovative approaches into the FCERM investment portfolio.
• Travel as required and participate in incident response and business continuity activities with appropriate training and support.

Qualifications and Skills

• A relevant qualification or experience in FCRM or a related discipline is essential.
• Experience in: natural flood management (commissioning, funding, delivery, upscaling opportunities/barriers); project and grant management; EA processes and governance (e.g., Scheme of Delegation and assurance); stakeholder relationship management; clear and 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.

Additional Information

• We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and support flexible working patterns, including job sharing. Please indicate your preferred working arrangements on your application.
• Guaranteed Interview Policy: we guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria.
• The Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra; this role is not Crown Servant status. For those in local government or certain other bodies, continuous service eligibility for redundancy payments may apply; contact your HR team if unsure.
• We do not engage with the market directly via post or phone for recruitment; see guidance for suppliers if applicable.
• Artificial intelligence use: applicants should ensure all examples come from personal experience and review Civil Service guidance on appropriate AI use.

Contact and applications: If you have questions about the role, please contact Eleanor Heron (eleanor.heron@environment-agency.gov.uk) or Jon Hollis (jon.hollis@environment-agency.gov.uk). Interviews are planned virtually during the week commencing 3 November.