Flood Defence Team Members - Ealing

Environment Agency; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization in the UK is seeking team members passionate about the outdoors to manage flood and coastal risks. The role involves maintaining assets, responding to incidents, and participating in various environmental initiatives. Candidates should possess a driving license and have a commitment to environmental protection. Competitive salary and training support through apprenticeships are offered.

Benefits

Starting salary of £24,335

Generous pension

25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

Maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn in-house systems and use IT devices.
• A valid UK manual driving license.
• Ability to travel to base depot within 60 minutes for incident response.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain and respond to flood and coastal risk management assets.
• Tackle incidents and emergencies related to flooding.
• Contribute to initiatives such as installing flood barriers and providing assistance.

Skills

Passion for the outdoors

Literacy and numeracy skills

Basic understanding of health and safety

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about the outdoors and eager to contribute to a greener, more sustainable future? This is your chance to be part of a dynamic team working on the front line to combat the climate emergency and address environmental challenges like flooding, drought, and coastal changes.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain and respond to flood and coastal risk management assets, ensuring their optimal performance in safeguarding communities.
• Tackle incidents and emergencies related to flooding and other environmental challenges, playing a vital role in our 24/7 standby roster. Your dedication will be compensated in addition to your basic pay.
• Contribute to initiatives, such as installing flood barriers, building sandbag walls, deploying high-volume pumps and providing assistance to affected communities during flood situations.
• Utilise a wide range of tools and equipment, including chainsaws, strimmers/bush cutters, heavy plant machinery, boats, and more. Your proficiency will be key to preventing and mitigating flood risks.
• Participate in various tasks such as structural maintenance, vegetation management, small construction projects, soft engineering methods, beach maintenance, and culvert and grille clearances.
• Operate, maintain and respond to a range of assets, from a large flood relief channel and flood storage reservoirs to local flood defences. Day-to-day duties involve working in both urban and rural environments with a mix of asset operation, asset maintenance (e.g., vegetation control and small construction tasks), and incident response. Use of IT devices to track work tasks and communicate with team members.

Why join us / What we offer

• Meaningful Impact: As an emergency responder, you'll be at the forefront of safeguarding communities and ecosystems. Your efforts contribute to our goal of Carbon Net Zero by 2045 to 2050.
• Diverse and Exciting Role: A wide range of duties across structural maintenance, vegetation management, small construction projects, soft engineering, beach maintenance, and flood response.
• Training and Support: New Flood Defence Team Members are enrolled in our Water Environment Worker Apprenticeship (WEW). The WEW Apprentice Programme delivers training in tool use, equipment, and health & safety protocols.
• Continuous Learning: Opportunities to develop practical abilities and environmental awareness, including specialist training when required.
• Team Environment: Work with a close-knit team that shares a passion for the environment and making a positive impact.
• Additional benefits include: Starting salary of £24,335; a generous pension; overtime opportunities through standby and incident pay; 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays (holiday entitlement adjusted for non-standard hours); maternity, paternity, and adoption leave; and potential full-time, part-time, or job-share arrangements.

What we’re looking for / Qualifications

• A passion for the outdoors and a genuine commitment to protecting the environment.
• Literacy and numeracy skills, willingness to learn in-house systems and use IT devices.
• Basic understanding of site health and safety requirements; full training will be provided.
• A valid UK manual driving license (DVLA licence check may be conducted if invited to interview).
• Ability to travel to your base depot within 60 minutes to respond to incidents and meet urgent business needs.

Where you will work

You will be expected to travel to your depot to check in daily, then be dispersed from there in smaller teams to carry out field work within our geographical area. Details on shift patterns will be explained at the interview.

This is the UK\'s biggest environmental organisation with an ambition to be Carbon Net Zero by 2045 to 2050. As part of the Environment Agency, you will protect and improve the environment in partnership with government, local councils, businesses, civil society groups and communities.

You’ll benefit from a culture that embraces difference and is inclusive, with opportunities to grow your career. We support you to complete and achieve the Water Environment Worker apprenticeship where appropriate.