Technical Specialist (Hydrology) - 31707

The Environment Agency is committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment. We’re all different, and by embracing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, we can become an equal opportunity employer where we all grow and learn together.

Overview

Are you passionate about hydrology and ready to make a real impact in managing water resources in a changing climate? Join the Wessex Groundwater, Hydrology and Contaminated Land team as a Hydrology Technical Specialist, where your expertise will help shape resilient, sustainable water systems across the region.

In this role, you’ll work closely with Senior Hydrology Technical Specialists and a wide range of internal and external partners. You’ll provide expert hydrological input to key areas such as:

• Water company water resource investigation under AMP8, the regulatory investment cycle (2025 – 2030)
• Water resource management and drought plans
• Catchment Abstraction Management Strategies (CAMS)
• Abstraction licensing and strategy development
• Drought incident response
• Groundwater modelling support

Responsibilities

• Leading hydrological analysis with a focus on low flow assessments
• Advising on complex water abstraction and permitting decisions
• Contributing to the design and optimisation of the hydrometric data network
• Undertaking both routine and reactive hydrological reporting
• Supporting to enhance data quality and streamline data management processes

You’ll collaborate across teams, national hydrology networks, and technical specialists to improve processes and share innovation. You’ll also play a key role in mentoring and developing colleagues in their hydrology career.

This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your career while helping address the hydrological challenges of the future.

For more information about working for the Environment Agency, our benefits and what we do visit our careers page environmentagencycareers.co.uk.

The team

You’ll be part of the Wessex Groundwater, Hydrology and Contaminated Land team, a supportive, collaborative group passionate about protecting water resources and quality. We work closely with internal teams and external partners to provide expert hydrological analysis, modelling and forecasting to support both people and the environment. While we’re a geographically dispersed team, some travel across the Wessex area is part of the role.

Experience/skills Required

We’re looking for someone with strong interpersonal and technical skills, who can analyse complex information and communicate clearly with a range of audiences.

• Experience in hydrology and water resource management, working with diverse customers or stakeholders
• A sound understanding of hydrological concepts and practical experience applying analytical tools and techniques
• Experience working with hydrometric data and awareness of challenges in data quality and collection
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders, including water companies and internal teams
• Strong self-motivation, with the ability to work independently and within a dispersed team environment
• Excellent planning and organisational skills, managing multiple priorities to deliver results to timescales
• Confidence using hydrological systems such as WISKI and ArcGIS; skills in Python, R, Power Apps, etc., are desirable though not essential, demonstrating a strong aptitude for learning new technical systems
• Proficiency with standard software, especially Excel, for data analysis and reporting

Role requirements

• Full UK Driving Licence

Working arrangements: The role can be hybrid with a mix of home working and regular office attendance at one of our offices in Blandford, Bridgwater or Exeter. Travel to sites and other regional offices is expected.

We offer hybrid and flexible working to support your work/life balance.

Contact: Dawn Fullthorpe (Team Leader) – dawn.fullthorpe@environment-agency.gov.uk

Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 29 September. Dates are subject to change.