Senior Technical Specialist - Groundwater Quality

Environment Agency; England; On-site; GBP 47,636 - 58,221; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary up to £52,929 pro rata

Generous pension scheme at 19%

Overtime through standby and incident pay

2 additional paid environmental outcome days

Maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Job summary

A leading environmental agency is seeking a Senior Technical Specialist to oversee groundwater quality regulation. The role involves extensive technical leadership and the mentoring of teams. The successful candidate will possess a relevant degree and a strong track record in the field. Offering a competitive salary and generous benefits, this position is well-suited to individuals committed to high-quality outcomes in environmental protection.

Qualifications

• Extensive technical and regulatory experience in groundwater quality.
• Able to demonstrate strong communication skills for complex technical topics.
• Professional membership and chartership are strongly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery, regulation, and protection of groundwater quality.
• Develop hydrogeological skills and provide guidance to technical teams.
• Act as a focal point for capability development and skills recovery.

Skills

Technical leadership

Groundwater quality regulation

Coaching and mentoring

Strong communication skills

Self-motivation

Interpersonal skills

Team-working skills

Relationship-building

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's in geology or hydrogeology

Job description

Overview

Senior Technical Specialist - Groundwater Quality role at Environment Agency. National, full time or part time, fixed term until 31st March 2026. Staff Grade: 6.

Your Role

You’ll play a leading role in delivering, regulating, and protecting groundwater quality. Supporting Local Operations, you’ll develop hydrogeological and regulatory skills, and ensure technical officers and teams receive expert guidance and support.

As part of the Geoscience Resilience Programme, you’ll work closely with other Senior Technical Specialists nationally. You’ll lead groundwater quality training, coaching, and mentoring, and act as a focal point for capability development and skills recovery.

The successful candidate will influence and persuade as the operational lead in your discipline, improve consistency in regulation, support complex investigations, and may act as an Expert Witness or mentor those who do.

The Team

The Senior Technical Specialist will join our dispersed Groundwater Team and work with a wide range of technical and project teams across the country. We sit within the Environment and Business (E&B) Directorate, delivering government environmental objectives through evidence, expertise, and innovation. We support integrated delivery and build trust to help secure resources and outcomes.

What You’ll Need

We’re looking for a Senior Specialist with excellent technical leadership, a strong track record in groundwater quality regulation, and the ability to coach, train, and mentor others.

You’ll also demonstrate:

• Extensive technical and regulatory experience in groundwater quality.
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent); ideally a Master’s in geology, hydrogeology, or related discipline.
• Strong communication skills for complex technical topics.
• Technical leadership, interpersonal, and team-working skills.
• Self-motivation and commitment to high-quality outcomes.
• Relationship-building and engagement across teams.
• Ability to motivate others and manage challenges.
• Professional membership and chartership (strongly desirable).

Benefits

We offer flexible working patterns and an inclusive culture where difference is embraced and everyone feels supported. You’ll benefit from development opportunities and a competitive benefits package including:

• Salary up to £52,929 pro rata.
• Generous pension scheme at 19%.
• Overtime through standby and incident pay.
• 2 additional paid environmental outcome days.
• Maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.

Additional Information

Apply now and embark on a rewarding and fulfilling career journey with the Environment Agency. We welcome applications from all backgrounds to reflect the communities we serve. Successful candidates may be placed on a reserve list for future vacancies (up to 12 months).

Closing Date: Monday 8th September 2025. Interview Dates: w/c 15th September 2025.

Job Function

• Quality Assurance, General Business, and Strategy/Planning