Assistant Technical Advisor

Port of London Authority; Greater London; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)

Generous pension

Onsite parking with electric charging

Occupational Health

Mindfulness

Counselling

Physiotherapy

Cycle to Work Scheme

MyGymDiscounts

Job summary

The Port of London Authority invites applications for an Assistant Technical Advisor in the Environment team. Based at Gravesend/London with travel across the river, you will support air quality, water quality and ecology initiatives and assist with field surveys and project delivery.

The role requires a degree in an environmental field, familiarity with water/air quality or ecology, and experience with marine infrastructure consent processes. An inclusive, safety‑minded work environment awaits.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in an environmental field.
• Solid understanding of water quality, air quality, or ecology.
• Experience providing technical advice and coordinating projects.
• Experience with the consenting process for marine infrastructure projects (Water Framework Directive or Habitat Regulations)

Responsibilities

• Support the Environment team’s environmental goals for the tidal Thames.
• Assist with planning and conducting environmental field surveys.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of projects and related technical tasks.

Job description

Department: Environment

Reporting to: Senior Advisor (Technical & Projects)

Grade: 9

Salary: £36,721 per annum

Base: The Port of London Authority is headquartered in Gravesend, Kent, which will serve as the primary base for this role, with a secondary office located in central London. The position will also require travel across the full extent of the river as required to meet work responsibilities.

Closing date: 5th October 2026 (We may close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received ahead of the closing date)

Interview date: 14th & 19th October 2026

Who We Are

The Port of London Authority is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames and responsible for 95 miles of the River Thames from the Estuary to Teddington Lock in West London. We work to keep river users safe, protect and enhance the environment and promote the use of the river for trade and travel.

The Port of London Authority is dedicated to protecting and improving the tidal Thames for future generations. Our 2050 Vision for the Thames is of a clean, thriving river, free of sewage and other pollutants, supporting greater biodiversity and recreational use. The Environment team plays a key role in turning this vision into reality, driving the actions needed to create a thriving and sustainable river.

The Role

As an Assistant Technical Advisor, you will play an essential role in supporting the Environment team’s efforts to achieve our environmental goals for the tidal Thames. Working alongside lead technical advisors in air quality, water quality, and ecology, you will provide support across a variety of technical tasks, assist with planning and conducting environmental field surveys, and contribute to the successful delivery of projects. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with a wide range of environmental issues and make a tangible impact on the sustainability of the UK’s largest port.

The Port of London Authority is headquartered in Gravesend, Kent, which will serve as the primary base for this role. However, the position will require travel across the full extent of the river as required to meet work responsibilities.

What We Are Looking For

The successful candidate will be degree (or equivalent) educated in an environmental field. You will have a solid understanding of environmental considerations particularly in water quality, air quality, or ecology, alongside experience providing technical advice and coordinating projects. Strong written communication, interpersonal skills, and a good understanding of river and estuary ecosystems are essential, as is a willingness to learn about the specific challenges within the port.

Experience with the consenting process for marine infrastructure projects, including experience with assessments under the Water Framework Directive or Habitat Regulations, is highly desirable.

Benefits Package

• 28 days annual leave
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to MyGymDiscounts

Inclusion Statement

The PLA are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Candidates will be assessed against the essential requirements for the role. Where candidates can demonstrate relevant transferable skills and experience, we encourage them to apply.

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.

A thriving tidal Thames and home to the UK’s number one port. We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.