Environment and Science Graduate Training Scheme

graphic image in green and white reading "your environment, your career"

We are looking to recruit the environment and science professionals of the future onto our four-year Environment and Science Graduate Training Scheme. You will be welcomed into one of a diverse range of permanent science-based roles across the organisation. With a variety of jobs on offer, you can apply for a role based on your specific preferences, interests, and specialisms.

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a real difference in tackling the climate emergency? We’re hiring passionate individuals with drive, who are ready and eager to kickstart their career as water and environmental managers, scientists or environmentalists.

You’ll be ready to shape the career you want, working on exciting and challenging projects. This will enable you to develop your skills and knowledge with plenty of support every step of the way from your line manager, technical coach, colleagues, and other trainees on the scheme.

Environment Agency employee speaking on the telephone

Our scheme provides the framework, mentoring, and opportunities for success in your chosen profession. The blended learning approach we offer includes a combination of events, training modules, professional development mentoring, and on-the-job experience to help you build skills, competency, and knowledge.

After building expertise in your chosen field, you’ll receive recognition of how far you’ve come. With the support of your professional development mentor, you’ll be ready to apply for accreditation with the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM). Plus, you’ll have the chance to apply for other professional registrations. Join us now to kick off your science career!

Water resources, water quality, groundwater, and contaminated land

Environmental assessment, fisheries, biodiversity, geomorphology, environmental evidence and risk

Programme, project, contract management and innovation

Environmental permitting and industry regulation

Environmental planning, flood management, community engagement and partnerships

Why consider the Environment and Science Graduate Training Scheme

The Environment and Science Graduate Training Scheme is a four-year development programme for new entrants into permanent science-based roles. It offers exciting opportunities to contribute, learn and develop in line with your personal aspirations and our business needs. 

We welcome graduates and post-graduates with qualifications that reflect the broad environmental emphasis of the training scheme. As such we expect applicants from a wide range of scientific fields, including but not limited to: 
– environmental sciences 
– physical geography 
– catchment and river basin management 
– hydrology and hydrogeology 
– hydraulic modelling  
– ecology and biodiversity 
– geomorphology 
– coastal processes 
– climate science 
– carbon management  
– sustainability and environmental management 
– data science and informatics 

You will be able to put your degree to good use straight away. Approximately three quarters of your time will be spent working directly on projects and initiatives where you will “earn and learn” as part of your team’s core business activity. The remainder will involve more structured learning and development focusing on building your skills and technical knowledge.  

Whichever role you apply for, climate change and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do. You will help create a better place, now and for future generations.  

“As an environment and science professional, you will be integral to helping us to tackle the challenges of today and years to come. Are you ready to help us create better places for people, wildlife, and the environment? Join us.” – Colin Berghouse, Strategic Workforce Planning and Skills Manager

Available roles

The ES-GTS is unique in that graduates are recruited for specific roles across different teams and offices in our fourteen Operational Areas in England. Some positions are also available within our ‘National’ teams. You can learn more about our organisational structure via our website.

The roles are split into five themes; you can find out more about the themes and roles in our Candidate Information Pack. Please read this carefully before you apply, as not all roles are available in all locations.

No matter your role, the scheme will prepare you to apply for professional accreditation through CIWEM, and potentially other accrediting bodies. Your development opportunities will include: working in action learning sets with your peers, meeting with technical coaches and attending relevant courses. Job swaps and shadowing may also be available to experience other areas of the Environment Agency. Every role, even those without ‘climate’ in the title, plays a vital part to our ambitious climate goals, such as getting to net zero by 2030.

Application window now closed

Water resources, water quality, groundwater, and contaminated land

Environment and Science Graduate Officer

Reading, Oxford, Wallingford, Farnham

Hydrogeologist – Groundwater Protection Officer

Addington, Lincoln, Ipswich, Norwich, Preston, Penrith

Water Quality and Water Resources Officer

Bridgewater, Blandford, Preston, Penrith

Asset Management Officer

Preston, Penrith

Groundwater and Contaminated Land Officer

Bridgewater, Blandford