Marine Water Quality Officer

4 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

• Review reports and summarise key information for decision-making
• Use data to inform water quality models
• Apply sound records management principals

We work collaboratively, sharing skills and building strong relationships with customers to ensure they understand and trust our advice.

Incident response is part of the role. You’ll take on an incident management duty, with full training and support provided. This may include additional payment and flexible arrangements.

• Interpret monitoring data and model outputs to support environmental protection
• Summarise and communicate technical work and escalatory challenges when needed
• Build strong relationships across a dispersed team and with external partners
• Use your initiative to contribute to the work of the team and wider organisation

Knowledge of water quality and marine environment is desirable. A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline is expected, and you may be working towards professional membership. You should be comfortable working in a virtual team and travelling for occasional national meetings. Training and development opportunities will be provided.

The Environment Agency is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Diversity is central to how we work and deliver for people and the environment.

Are you passionate about the marine environment? Would you like to work with experts in marine water quality and water industry regulation? Can you use your initiative to solve problems and work collaboratively to achieve results?

Our ambition is that by 2050, waters from catchment to coast are cleaner and thriving. We need a Marine Water Quality Officer to help make this happen.

You’ll join the Marine team in Operations Catchment Services, applying technical expertise in marine environments, modelling, and data analysis to support evidence‑based decisions.

We assess the impact of discharges on water quality across key areas, including Nuclear New Build, major infrastructure projects and the Water Industry National Environment Programme. We also model bathing water quality and nutrient loads in estuaries.

We have 2 positions to backfill: one permanent and one fixed term for 6 months.

As one of three Water Quality Officers, you will support our technical specialists to:

• Provide timely answers to technical questions
• Review reports and summarise key information for decision‑making
• Use data to inform water quality models
• Apply sound records management principals

The team is a national ensemble of marine water quality specialists within Operations Catchment Services. We work virtually using smart tools and meet in person when needed, offering flexibility on location. Training and mentoring will be provided.

You should have experience in data analysis and ideally some knowledge of modelling software.

Skills in tools such as Excel, Access, R, Power BI, GIS and specialist packages like Mike or Cormix are an advantage.

You'll be able to:

• Review complex reports and clearly communicate key issues to non‑technical audiences
• Interpret monitoring data and model outputs to support environmental protection
• Summarise and communicate technical work and escalatory challenges when needed
• Build strong relationships across a dispersed team and with external partners
• Use your initiative to contribute to the work of the team and the wider organisation

Knowledge of water quality and marine environment is desirable. A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline is expected, and you may be working towards professional membership. You should be comfortable working in a virtual team and travelling for occasional national meetings. Training and development opportunities will be provided.

Contact and additional information:
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.
If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.

We’re fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. We…