Senior Environmental Monitoring Officer

We are looking to recruit an experienced and knowledgeable aquatic environmental scientist for the role of Senior Environmental Monitoring Officer.

At the Environment Agency, your work makes a real and lasting difference. As one of the UK’s leading environmental regulators, we tackle the major challenges of water quality, pollution, and land management. We’re values-driven, impact-focused, and committed to protecting the environment and communities across the country.

The role

We are a friendly and supportive team of environmental scientists who provide a vital role in collecting, analysing and interpreting ecological, habitat and water quality data. We turn data into evidence and provide this to client teams across the Environment Agency and to external organisations. This information is used to assess the status of our environment; to direct and inform our management actions; and to monitor the environmental response to our own and others’ activities.

As a senior member of the team working alongside Senior Environmental Monitoring Officers you’ll be coaching, mentoring and developing less experienced team members to improve resilience across work areas, ensuring reports produced by the teams are of appropriate quality for their target audience.

In this key role, you’ll:

• Provide technical leadership across the Analysis & Reporting team.
• Represent the team in technical discussions, internally, externally, and nationally.
• Oversee and ensure effective delivery of high-profile work areas, particularly our bathing water investigations.
• Analyse, interpret and report on multifunctional datasets.
• Design fit-for-purpose monitoring programmes, utilising a variety of monitoring techniques.
• Be public facing, translating and presenting complex data for different audiences.

What we are looking for

You’ll be educated to degree level or similar in a relevant discipline, e.g., chemistry, ecology, biology, or have equivalent practical work experience, with the following skills/experience:

• Experience of aquatic science, preferably in a regulatory capacity.
• Excellent knowledge of water quality chemistry.
• Robust statistical analysis and reporting of complex, multifunctional data sets, and interpreting this suitably for the target audience.
• The designing and delivery of water quality investigations.
• Overseeing successful delivery of significant work areas.
• Managing successful relationships and liaison with internal; external and national stakeholders.
• Coaching and mentoring less experienced staff.
• Knowledge of bathing water compliance and investigations is desirable.

You can be based in either our Blandford (DT11 8ST) or Bridgwater (TA6 4YS) office, but there will be a requirement to attend pollution incidents and deliver field work across the area and therefore you’ll need to have a full UK driving licence. There is some flexible home working included however, it is expected that you will be in the office a minimum of 3 days/week.”

What We Offer You:

• A salary up to £43,198
• Generous Pension: Secure your future with our excellent pension scheme.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy 27 days holiday + 8 bank holidays, with options for flexible working.
• Career Growth & Comprehensive Training: Benefit from structured development, mentorship, and continuous learning.
• Impactful Work: Directly contribute to protecting and enhancing the environment, making a real difference.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a supportive team that values diversity and collaboration.
• Extra Perks: Paid environmental outcomes days, and comprehensive leave schemes (maternity, paternity, adoption).
• Options for flexible and / or part-time working may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Why Choose the Environment Agency?

Join the UK's largest environmental organisation and be part of a team that tackles national challenges head-on. We are committed to achieving tangible results, from implementing industry regulations to restoring polluted water bodies. We invest in our people, providing tailored training, equipment, and a collaborative community where your contributions truly matter.

As an organisation we strive to reflect the communities we serve. To achieve this, we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, and religion.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the UK's biggest environmental organisation. Join us, and together, let's tackle the challenges of a changing climate and build a more sustainable future. Apply now and embark on a rewarding and fulfilling career journey with the Environment Agency.

Please note.

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance on our careers site for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Candidates selected for interview will be notified by email at least five days in advance. Please check both your inbox and junk mail folders to ensure you don’t miss our message. Interviews are anticipated to be held face to face in Blandford. If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.

Closing date for applications: 10th April 2026
Interview Dates: End of April 2026.