Groundwater Senior Technical Specialist

Job Description

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.

We are looking for a Senior Advisor to provide national leadership on groundwater quality, shaping how England manages one of its most vital natural assets. In this high‑impact, strategic role you will be at the heart of setting the Environment Agency’s technical direction on protecting and improving groundwater quality. You will influence national policy, guide major programmes, and provide expert advice on complex issues such as diffuse pollution, emerging pollutants, and climate change impacts on groundwater.

Your insight will help drive evidence‑led decisions that protect ecosystems, support sustainable abstraction, and safeguard drinking water supplies.

You will work across the organisation and with external partners, translating cutting‑edge science into practical regulation and guidance. You will mentor and support technical specialists, set standards and best practice, and represent the Environment Agency at a national level, including with government, industry, and the research community.

We’re looking for someone with deep technical expertise in hydrogeology and groundwater quality, a strong understanding of regulatory and environmental pressures, and the credibility to lead and influence at senior levels. Just as important is your ability to communicate complex science clearly, think strategically, and inspire confidence in others.

Key responsibilities

• Set the technical direction for national groundwater quality protection and improvement.
• Influence policy and guide major programmes at the national level.
• Provide expert advice on complex groundwater issues.
• Mentor and support technical specialists across the organisation.
• Set standards, best practice, and represent the Agency nationally.

Key qualifications and experience

• Significant industry or regulatory experience as a groundwater quality specialist.
• Technical skills in hydrogeology, including constructing and interpreting conceptual models, hydrogeological risk assessment, groundwater chemistry/quality, and contaminant transport.
• An honours degree (or equivalent) and ideally an MSc level qualification in geology/hydrogeology or a relevant equivalent discipline.
• A detailed knowledge of relevant groundwater legislation and practical experience implementing it.
• Chartership, or a commitment towards working for chartership, is highly desirable.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with a proactive, self‑motivated approach.
• Ability to present complex science clearly and effectively.

As part of the selection process you will be asked to give a 10‑minute presentation on a topic provided by the interview panel.

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. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment.