Groundwater and Contaminated Land Environment Officer - 31384

We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please clearly include any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

Kent has a variety of geological, groundwater interests and pressures. Groundwater is vital for maintaining the health of rivers, wetlands, and is essential for industrial and agricultural sectors.

Groundwater also serves over 70% of Kent’s private water supply for multiple Water Companies. We support the regulation and management of this resource through various activities including:

• Responding to planning consultations from local authorities.
• Providing technical advice on land contamination issues.
• Working with our Permitting Service on Environmental Permits and consents.
• Advising internal teams on compliance activities related to waste, installations, and water regulation.
• Managing Kent’s Groundwater Quality networks and analyzing data.
• Offering groundwater quality advice to stakeholders and internal teams.
• Supporting technical specialists in groundwater projects.

In this role, you will play a key part in safeguarding groundwater quality and driving improvements. Essential skills include good IT, data analysis, time management, and membership of a relevant professional body or chartered status is desirable.

Responding to incidents is integral to our work. You will be expected to participate in incident response, which may involve additional pay, training, and flexible working arrangements.

The team covers Kent, South London, and East Sussex (KSLES). Members are based across various offices and collaborate through different communication methods. We foster a supportive culture that prioritizes personal and professional development, including supporting memberships to professional bodies.

Experience and skills required:

• A degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Earth or Environmental Science, or relevant experience in the environmental sector.
• Experience with groundwater quality, land contamination, and environmental legislation.
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex hydrogeological data.
• Understanding of the planning regime and regulatory bodies.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Teamwork skills to achieve common goals.

Contact and additional info:

The role is based in Kent with interviews planned for August 2025. The process includes technical assessments. Contact Rebecca Buhrmann at Rebecca.buhrmann@environment-agency.gov.uk for more details. The preferred office location is Addington, with other offices in Tonbridge and Canterbury considered. We offer hybrid working, requiring travel within Kent and South London, including at least one day a week in the office. A full UK driving license is essential.

Competencies:

Answers to competency questions will be used for selection, focusing on managing information, scientific knowledge, customer and partner focus, and self-management. Use the STAR approach to structure responses.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, offering flexible working and guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants. We do not engage directly through post, email, or phone for recruitment; please refer to the Crown Commercial Service for supplier opportunities.