Catchment Engineer - Yorkshire - 36187

Environment Agency; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The Environment Agency in Yorkshire seeks a Chartered Engineer to provide specialist advice and guidance on asset management of flood defence structures and to lead our teams on engineering issues. You will drive decisions on asset refurbishment and mentor junior staff.

You will respond to incidents as part of a hybrid team, visiting sites across Yorkshire. A full driving licence and Chartered status are essential.

Qualifications

• Engineering qualification and practical experience, hold Chartered Civil/Structural Engineer status.
• Strong communication skills and great customer focus.
• Health, Safety & Environmental knowledge/experience.
• Technical leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice and guidance in the Yorkshire Area on asset management of flood defence structures.
• Lead teams on engineering issues and develop Deputy Catchment Engineers.
• Assure asset investment programme and advise on refurbishment decisions.
• Mentor less experienced engineers and support professional development.

Skills

Chartered Engineer

Communication skills

HSE knowledge

Technical leadership

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Building/Site: DEFRA GRP EA LEEDS LATERAL, LS11 9AT, DEFRA GRP KINGS POOL, YO1 7PX

Grade: Staff Grade 6

Post type: Permanent

Role Type: Operational Delivery

Security checks level: Basic Check

Closing Date: 27/09/2026, 23:55 hours

The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect 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.

In Yorkshire we look after over 3800 assets on the river network covering 2157Km, which better protects 320,000 properties.

We have an exciting opportunity and are looking for a Chartered Engineer to provide specialist advice and guidance in the Yorkshire Area. This role provides a great opportunity to work on a range of projects, as you help us to continue protecting people and property in flood risk areas. You will contribute to the asset management of Statutory Reservoirs, flood embankments, defence walls and other large civils structures. As an experienced engineer you will provide independent supervision for our critical assets and reservoirs, lead our teams on engineering issues and help to develop our Deputy Catchment Engineers.

You will work with the teams to technically assure our asset investment programme and advise on technical decisions for asset refurbishment. You will encourage, coach and mentor less experienced members of the department to help develop the next generation of engineers in Yorkshire.

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment, and full training will be provided.

The team

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Yorkshire Operations Leadership Team. Operations Teams are responsible for the management of a diverse range of FCRM assets. We do this in a safe, efficient and effective manner to reduce flood risk for people and enhance our environment. As asset owners, maintainers and operators, we work to optimise our investment decisions and deliver our ambition to be an exemplar asset management organisation.

Experience/skills required

We are seeking someone with a passion and commitment to engineering within Flood Risk Management. You will be comfortable working independently and as part of a team, as well as with a national network of other Catchment Engineers.

• Engineering qualification and practical experience, hold Chartered Civil/Structural Engineer status
• Good communications skills and great customer focus
• Health, Safety & Environmental knowledge/experience
• Technical leadership experience

You must have:

• Engineering qualification and practical experience, hold Chartered Civil/Structural Engineer status
• Good communications skills and great customer focus
• Health, Safety & Environmental knowledge/experience
• Technical leadership experience

Desirable but not essential:

• Flood Risk Management knowledge
• Practical experience in managing assets
• Contract Management experience within construction sector

You’ll be an intelligent problem solver, with a methodical work approach. Leading evidence based decisions and supporting others will come naturally to you.

You will be confident to build relationships, with a can-do attitude and be dedicated to driving your own professional development as well as encouraging others.

Contact and additional information

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given.

We operate a hybrid working approach with some days required in our offices at York or Leeds. You'll be visiting sites across Yorkshire so a full driving licence is essential.

Note that salary is £54,940 plus a Market Forces Factor (MFF) allowance, currently £6000 for CEng status.

Please confirm your qualification status.

Interviews will be in-person and anticipated w/c 5th and 12th October 2026.

Please read the Candidate / Additional Pack for information.

If you require further information about this role, please forward your enquiries to [e-mail].