Freshwater Ecologist (Environmental Monitoring Officer) - 31165

Environment Agency; Spalding; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The Environment Agency is seeking a Freshwater Ecologist to join their team in Spalding. This full-time position will involve laboratory analysis of samples and conducting ecological surveys. Candidates should possess a passion for the environment, relevant experience, and be willing to undertake necessary training.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years' experience in a relevant discipline (ecology, environmental sciences, biology).
• Full UK driving licence required.
• Understanding of environmental monitoring and current ecological challenges.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory analysis of biological samples.
• Perform seasonal ecological surveys across the area.
• Interpret data and report findings to various stakeholders.

Skills

Ecology

Environmental Sciences

Biology

Data Analysis

Education

A levels

Job description

Freshwater Ecologist (Environmental Monitoring Officer) - 31165

Freshwater Ecologist (Environmental Monitoring Officer) - 31165

Number of jobs available

2

Region

East Midlands

City/Town

Spalding

Building/Site

DEFRA GRP EA SPALDING OFFICE, PE11 1DA

Grade

Staff Grade 3

Post Type

Permanent

Role Type

Administration / Corporate Support, Analytical, Science

Working Pattern

Full Time

Salary Minimum

£28,607

Closing Date:

29/06/2025, 23:55 hours

Job description attachment 1

Candidate pack

Security checks level

Basic Check

Job description

We are the Environment Agency. We work with government, local councils, water companies, businesses, and communities to make our environment cleaner, safer, and healthier for people and wildlife.

The team investigates how water "quality" and "quantity", and habitat and anthropogenic factors are impacting on ecological communities and communicate this information to a range of audiences.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team and develop your career in environmental monitoring and data analysis and interpretation.
This role will involve:
• Laboratory analysis of biological samples, including aquatic invertebrates to species level. This will be based at the Spalding laboratory and will form a large part of this role.
• Seasonal field based ecological, water quality and/or fisheries survey work across the whole area (Lincolnshire & Northamptonshire).
• Interpretation of field and laboratory data to report findings to our customers using both standard and bespoke computer applications.
• Supporting investigations into impacts of environmental pollution incidents.
Training in survey techniques and identification will be available, although some experience is desirable.

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. As an organisation we strive to reflect the communities we serve and continue to develop diversity throughout our workforce. We welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, or religion.

Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate in incident response duties when the need to respond arises, having an incident role is an essential part of working for the Environment Agency and is an active way to support communities and prevent harm to the environment. Further information on incident response can be found within your candidate pack.

The team

Our friendly and dedicated Analysis and Reporting team collect, analyse and interpret freshwater environmental data to inform a range of legislative, national and local requirements.
The team are skilled in environmental monitoring fieldwork and lab work and use their expertise to assess a wide variety of ecology, water quality and fisheries data from a range of sources.

Experience/skills required

You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person with a genuine passion for the environment. You will be keen to use and develop knowledge and skills to help support environmental outcomes and be willing to undertake specialist training when necessary.

You will need:
• An enquiring mind and enthusiasm for collection and use of environmental data
• An understanding of what environmental monitoring is and why it matters as well as an appreciation of current environmental challenges and topics
• You will have a minimum of two years' experience in a relevant discipline (e.g. ecology, environmental sciences, biology). This experience can have been gained in a voluntary capacity.
• You will be qualified to at least 'A' level. You may have the opportunity to gain qualifications as part of our apprenticeship scheme.
• You must possess a full driving licence.

Contact and additional information

Base location - Spalding Laboratory / Office. Laboratory work cannot be completed at home.
Expected to travel within the area as part of the role to complete fieldwork.

To find out more please contact - Emma Walker-Holden on email: [e-mail]

Interviews will be held face-to-face at the Spalding Office and will include an interview and macroinvertebrate identification test. Interviews will be held w/c 14th July 2025 and w/c 21st July 2025.

Competence 1

Scientific Knowledge

Description

Applies scientific knowledge (various disciplines, depending on team role) to provide sound, science-based evidence to our internal and external customers.

Please give details of your experience of carrying out ecological surveys

What survey methods did you use?
What was the purpose of the survey work?
What were some of the considerations in planning the survey work?

Competence 2

Works in Teams

Description

Works co-operatively as part of a team to achieve common goals.

Provide an example of how you have worked within a team to achieve a common goal.

How did working co-operatively improve the outcome?
What was your role and personal contribution?

Competence 3

Data and Information Management

Description

Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.

Use examples to detail your experience of analysing and presenting scientific data.

What methods did you use?
Who was the audience?
What was the format?
What were your most important considerations?

Role specific license requirements

Full UK driving licence

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit for more information.

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