We’re proud to promote a safe, inclusive, flexible and supportive culture at the Environment Agency, as a life-enhancing place to work, creating better places for people and wildlife.   

If you are an enthusiastic and passionate freshwater ecologist, a strong team player who can achieve results and adopt changing priorities quickly, join us and develop in a really fulfilling role. 

The core work is aquatic ecological surveying, species identification and analysing data to assess the changing environment.  We also support pollution, drought and flooding incident response. 

The role is full of variety; with opportunities to build expertise.  

We work together in the field, undertaking ecological field surveys of aquatic plants, macroinvertebrates, algae, fish, freshwater habitat, salt marsh survey, sonde deployment and water quality chemical analysis  

• In our laboratory based in Sale, we analyse samples of aquatic macroinvertebrates to mixed taxon level (including some to species) and identify algae. 

• From our office based in Warrington and out in the field, we monitor Sondes, interpret both ecology and chemistry data and write compelling reports to inform and influence partners, protecting the environment through advice, regulation and enforcement. 

Locations include lab, office, field and some appropriate working from home.   

We develop our people, set clear objectives and commit to an inclusive, safe, fair and empowering culture. 

You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.

Officers help develop and schedule our monitoring programme, conduct surveys, analyse and report on quality-controlled data.  We investigate environmental issues identified and our data underpins decision-making and delivering statutory responsibilities. 

Our induction, development and team-working will help you gain proficiency within the organisation and build on the strengths you bring to our team. 

All staff train to support our combined Area response to a wide range of incidents including pollution, flooding, waste and drought. 

Essential – driving licence  

An ecological technical degree or sufficient relevant freshwater ecology experience will provide a strong base for this post. 

A foundation in freshwater species identification, microscopy, using dichotomous keys, environmental investigation and familiarity with field survey methodologies for macroinvertebrates, plants, fish and habitat in freshwater would demonstrate potential for success in this role. 

Planning and conducting surveys, populating databases, data interpretation, reporting and effective communication are part of the core work. 

Expected behaviours include teamwork, initiative, organisation and adaptability to changing priorities. 

Understanding of risk assessments and health & safety procedures. 

Training is provided in areas including river habitat survey, freshwater macroinvertebrate and plant identification. 

Experience in hydroacoustic survey and boat driving, data visualisation and water quality statistical expertise would be an advantage. 

This is a physical role, physical tasks are necessary such as manoeuvring boats and equipment and walking on uneven ground.  

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan, with full training and support to find a suitable role.  

Our area-wide team covers Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and Cheshire. Travel between sites, field work and attendance at pollution incidents across the area will be required.  

A valid driving licence, good bankside mobility, and swimming ability are essential.  

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, though occasional overnight stays may occur.  

Applications are blind assessed via competency questions.  

Interviews take place face to face in Warrington or Sale, within two weeks of the closing date.  

With consent, details may be held on a six-month reserve list.  

For enquiries, contact Lyndsey Hamer: [email protected]