Project Support Officer - 35222

Environment Agency; Penrith; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension

Flexible working

Training and development

Job summary

Environment Agency in Kendal is seeking a Project Support Officer to assist the project team within the NW Hub, delivering the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme. You will support project managers with administrative, financial, data and organisational tasks to aid delivery of workstreams.

You will build relationships, apply environmental guidance, and gain insight into project management. The role is hybrid with some travel and development opportunities to progress your career.

Qualifications

• Experience using MS Office and preparing reports.
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Experience in accurate data management and presenting information to stakeholders.
• Effective communication with varied audiences.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and organisational support to project managers.
• Assist with financial and data tasks.
• Support delivery of workstreams within NW Hub.
• Prepare reports and present information to stakeholders.

Skills

MS Office

Data handling

Stakeholder comms

Organi sation & planning

Communication skills

Education

A Levels

Job description

Job Description

We value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community wishing to join a workforce which embraces difference and welcomes everyone.

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

Ready to make a difference? We are looking for a Project Support Officer (PSO) to join our team delivering the Kendal Flood Risk Management Scheme.

The main role of a PSO is to provide support to the project team in the NW Hub. You will assisting Project Managers with administrative, financial, data or organisational tasks supporting the delivery of their workstreams. These are valued roles with a diverse range of work, giving you an in-depth insight into project management.

You’ll develop your interpersonal skills, building a network of relationships. You will learn how to apply environmental legislation, policy and guidance and will be fully immersed in a professional project management service. As you grow in confidence, we’ll support your ambitions too, helping you use the experience as a springboard for your career.

The team

We are Programme & Project Delivery (PPD), creating a better place through excellence in project and programme management. The North-West PPD hub is led by a Delivery Manager overseeing approximately 75 staff, supported by Programme Specialists, Programme Managers and Project Team Managers (PTM). Each PTM manages Project Executives, Project Managers and Project Support Officers who manage the delivery of projects within our flood & coastal erosion risk management programme using our framework suppliers.

Experience/skills Required

Essential

• Experience in using MS Office, particularly Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Ability to prioritise workload and meeting deadlines, with relevant support.
• Experience in accurate data management, report writing and presenting relevant information to stakeholders.
• Efficient and adaptable communication skills, with a variety of audiences.
• Organisational and planning skills.

Desirable

• A Levels (or equivalent). Subjects that may be particularly advantageous include maths/statistics, geography, English, environmental studies, business studies, economics, and computer science.
• You should be positive, keen to help colleagues and take pride in your work.
• Experience or exposure of working in a project environment.

We are keen to explore transferrable skills if you are unsure whether this role is for you, please contact the hiring manager.

Contact and additional information

Benefits include generous pension provision and leave entitlement. Our flexible working supports a healthy work/life balance and offers numerous choices to accommodate the demands that personal commitments may present. Excellent training and learning opportunities are available, including personal and professional development.

The role requires working in the Kendal Hub Office 2 days per week. Hybrid working is available and the remaining days can be split between working from home and our Area Offices. Additional travel to other offices might be required along with occasional overnight stays when necessary.

For further information please contact [e-mail].

A driving licence is required.

Please state your preferred office location (Penrith or Preston) when applying.

Interviews are anticipated to occur w/c: 30/11/2026

Competence 1

Data and Information Management

Description

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

"When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills. CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection." “Question: Give an example of when you have had to analyse and interpret data and present your findings to others“

“PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.”

If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.

Competence 2

Communicates Effectively

Description

Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.

"When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills. CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection." “Question: Please tell us about a situation where you have used your communication skills to explain a complex issue to a group of people?“

“PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.”

Competence 3

Manages Self

Description

Has full awareness of own strengths, weaknesses, impact and approach. Effectively organises self and takes personal responsibility for own role in the Environment Agency.

"When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills. CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection." “Question: Describe a time when you had to take responsibility for delivery of a key piece of work. How did you organise yourself to ensure it was completed to a satisfactory standard? What techniques did you use to make sure you completed the task? What challenges did you face?“

“PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.”

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 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

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. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.