Scientist - Water Resources Unit

Your passion has never had a greater purpose

Here at SEPA, we’re connected by a passion that drives us to be purposeful in every action we take – to protect our environment. Through our expertise, we lead projects that make a difference for Scotland, and our workplaces are grounded in respect for that expertise.

That’s why, when you join us as Scientist - Water Resources Unit, you’ll discover enriching benefits, meaningful support, and opportunities to learn every day. That’s what it means to be Passionately Purposeful – for our environment, and for your career.

Work that goes beyond your desk

Experts at what we do, we work in a professional way towards our shared goals, knowing the work we do makes a genuine, lasting difference on the environment. As Scientist - Water Resources Unit, that involves:

• Perform environmental monitoring, modelling, assessment and reporting work using a range of specified methods and QA procedures.
• Undertake scientific surveys and analysis, reporting analytical data and provide advice and information on its significance.
• Participate in development work and investigative studies liaising with internal and external customers as required.
• Prepare written and oral reports which require the synthesis of data and draw conclusions and provide advice to internal and external customers.
• Plan and undertake field work where required.
• Participate in working groups to contribute to and develop improvements.
• Operate allocated organisational assets or equipment in a safe manner.
• Undertake and supervise assistants’ fieldwork relevant to the team’s work areas

Respect for your expertise

This is a highly important role within our Data, Evidence and Innovation portfolio, which means you’ll need:

• At least degree level qualification in Environmental Science, Engineering or other relevant science discipline
• Previous hydrology and / or hydrogeology work experience
• Experience of undertaking and co-ordinating environmental fieldwork and adhering to health and safety guidance and best practises
• Experience managing and interpreting large data sets
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products for email, word processing and spreadsheet

Support that goes beyond the workplace

We’re cultivating a workplace that supports not only your passion and your professional lives, but your personal life. So, you’ll find benefits that make a difference at work and at home. Such as:

• Hybrid and Flexible working opportunities
• Up to 35 days annual leave and 7 additional public holidays each year (pro rata)
• Paid time off to support your Wellbeing and enable you to Volunteer in your community
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Progressive Family Friendly policies
• Training & development to enable colleagues to improve their skills, competencies and knowledge to perform at their best.

Plus, many more lifestyle benefits such as 24/7 access to an online employee discount platform, credit union facilities and access to a Cycle to Work Scheme.

Passionately you. Purposefully supportive

SEPA is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and good relations in everything it does – as a community leader, as a provider and commissioner of services, and as an employer.

Passionately Purposeful about Scotland’s environment – and your career.

Protecting our environment, promoting our work, and supporting our people, working at SEPA means being part of an organisation that’s grounded in respect for your expertise – and your wellbeing. So you can be your best, and make the biggest impact.

We recruit solely based on merit. Our shortlisting process is conducted on an anonymous basis. Please ensure that you include all relevant information when you apply.

We support flexible working arrangements to help you maintain a healthy balance between career and homelife. This includes working part time, reduced hours, job sharing, working remotely. As a flexible first employer we are open to having conversations about flexible working arrangements that work for you and SEPA from day 1 of your employment with us.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and will work to identify and implement reasonable adjustments and equipment to support you in the role that you do.

Applicants with a visual impairment can request job descriptions and application forms in Braille, large print or on tape.

For the security and wellbeing of our colleagues, successful candidates will undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks including a level one Disclosure Scotland check.

If you have questions or need any assistance with the recruitment process please contact SEPA’s Recruitment Team at [email protected]

Apply now to join a Passionately Purposeful workplace

Closing date: 28 September 2025
Interviews for this role will take place on the 7 & 8 October 2025.