Important note: 2 roles are available. One is permanent, the 2nd is a fixed term role until March 2027. The criteria and details below apply to both roles. We will consider applicants for both roles- you do not need to apply separately for them.
The Role
Water quality is a growing, high-profile topic in both the public and political spheres. Nutrient enrichment of freshwater habitats and estuaries due to elevated nitrogen and phosphorus levels is one of the primary reasons for habitats being in unfavourable condition.
Water quality plays a critical role in all four of Natural England’s strategic outcomes: Recovering Nature, Building Better Places, Improving Health and Wellbeing, and Delivering Security through Nature. It is also central to achieving key targets under the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan.
As a water quality specialist in Natural England’s Chief Scientist Directorate, your expert technical advice and interpretation of evidence will inform national decision-making and policy development, shape local decisions and help drive ambitious nature recovery delivery on the ground.
You will join a team of national specialists leading on a range of specialisms across climate change and environmental quality, working alongside a wider community of scientists advising on a range of specialisms, from habitats and species to social science and economics.
We are seeking candidates with expert understanding of water quality and the natural environment. You will be confident in working internally across your organisation, and externally with partners and stakeholders. We are looking for a clear communicator with an understanding of how evidence is best developed and applied in decisions across Government to support positive outcomes for nature and for people.
Working closely with other specialists, you will interpret evidence to provide expert, practical advice across Natural England, while also working with external partners to enhance the evidence base and achieve environmental outcomes to support delivery of the 25 Year EIP.
Key Tasks/Principal Accountabilities
Specific responsibilities will develop and change over time and the post holder will need to maintain a flexible and adaptable approach. Initial broad work areas are described below:
- Provide technical advice and support to national programmes such as Diffuse Water Pollution Plans (DWPPs), Protected Sites Strategies and the Water Company Price Review process. There will be a particular initial focus on providing technical advice into the development of the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF). This will include developing a robust evidence base, processes and tools to support the creation of nutrient Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs).
- Work closely with Natural England’s habitat and species specialists to progress Natural England’s delivery of water-dependent site, habitat and species conservation and condition assessment.
- Review Water quality data and identify and develop new evidence and innovative solutions to inform and improve NE’s approach to addressing water quality issues.
- Build awareness and understanding of Water Quality issues both internally and externally. Ensure that staff understand how Water Quality relates to their work and build organisational capability through provision of advice, tools, guidance and training.
- Represent Natural England externally as an expert in Water Quality. This will include leading Natural England’s engagement on strategic consultations, including liaison with the Environment Agency and other water managers on strategic matters relating to water quality.
- Respond to the direction set by Natural England’s Science, Evidence and Analysis Framework, to develop research areas, publish evidence and build scientific partnerships with academics and other research partners.
There is some scope for personal development and developing areas of personal interest.
Benefits
At Natural England, we support a healthy work-life balance by offering full-time, part-time, and flexible working arrangements.
We provide excellent opportunities for career progression, training, and development tailored to your role. This includes ten days annually for personal learning and development, plus three additional days for volunteering.
You’ll receive a generous leave allowance of 33 days per year (pro rata), access to the Civil Service Pension scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution, and a range of benefits such as shopping discounts and a cycle-to-work scheme. Staff can also join the Civil Service Sport club for discounts on sports, leisure activities, and social events.
We are committed to fairness, equality, and inclusivity. Our employee-led diversity networks help foster a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Locations
Natural England has adopted hybrid working – which means our staff work from a flexible range of locations, encompassing home, offices (ours and our partners) and relevant sites. All new staff will be formally linked to one of our 25 offices across England, and the expectation is that all new staff will be able to access their local office to be part of the community of staff in their geographical area. Staff are expected to attend their associated office for 20% of their contractual hours.
Staff members are required to carry out all their duties working in this way and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time. Travel expenses will be paid if work-related travel is required but does not apply to travel between home and your associated office.
National team roles can be linked with any Natural England office while Area Team roles will be linked with an office in the relevant geographic area.
View a map of our office locations here: online map of Natural England office locations
Pay
It is Natural England policy to employ at the entry point of the salary range.
How to Apply
We welcome and encourage applications from all communities. Natural England is accredited to the Disability Confident Scheme, which denotes organisations which have a positive attitude towards disabled people. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum requirements for the role at the shortlisting stage are guaranteed an invitation to interview.
If you require a reasonable adjustment at interview, or there is anything else you would like the panel to take into consideration, you should notify us of this at application stage where possible, or well in advance of your interview. We now provide primary interview questions in advance for all formal recruitments.
This vacancy uses competency-based assessment. We'll assess you against the competencies below during the selection process:
- Technical Skills and Knowledge
- Personal Effectiveness
- Putting People at the Heart of the Environment
- Work Delivery
When completing the application form you should present relevant examples using the STAR format. Give us an example of how you have demonstrated the competency (which can be work related or from another area of your life) and tell us about the Situation, the specific Task you had to undertake, the specific Actions you took, and the Result (both immediate and in a wider context) of your Action.
Please note that STAR format is not required when answering a Technical Skills & Knowledge competency.
Examples should be given in no more than 250 words for each competency.
If you are successful at the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to attend an interview via MS Teams or a suitable alternative, where you will be asked to give examples for all competencies as set out in the Job Description.
Please note: 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. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
