34176 - Technical Officer - Groundwater and Contaminated Land
| Posting date: | 16 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £34,320 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 30 March 2026 |
| Location: | Warrington |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 5 days per week |
| Company: | Environment Agency |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 34176 |
Summary
This role offers an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic geoscientist to grow their technical skills in groundwater resources, groundwater quality, and contaminated land. You will play a key part in protecting and enhancing the groundwater environment through evidence‑based, risk‑led decision‑making, supporting delivery of our Water Framework Directive (WFD) responsibilities and contributing to incident response.
We are seeking individuals who enjoy problem solving and working collaboratively as part of a team. As a technical officer, you will contribute across multiple work areas, including:
Advising local planning authorities on developments that may pose risk to groundwater resources or quality, and assessing risks to controlled waters from contaminated land.
Reviewing risk assessments.
Providing technical guidance to customers on pollution incidents affecting groundwater.
Working with colleagues to support the Environment Agency’s EA2030 strategy for a better environment.
While you will bring existing knowledge and experience, the role also offers opportunities to broaden your technical expertise. As a technical leader, you will help promote, coordinate and deliver the team’s planning‑related work, with particular focus on contaminated land and brownfield regeneration.
You will have access to a range of tools, local and national technical specialists, and internal training to support your professional development. This position is ideal for someone looking to build a career in hydrogeology.
The role also includes supporting incident management, either by providing direct technical input or by assisting colleagues to ensure risks to the wider business are effectively managed.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and we welcome applications from people seeking flexible working arrangements.
The team
Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, a densely populated area, with one of the busiest groundwater and contaminated land portfolios, alongside rapid growth in brownfield development.
We play an important role in ensuring development is environmentally sustainable, preventing pollution of groundwater and surface waters while promoting enhancement of the natural environment.
We advise partners on protecting water resources and water quality and provide technical support to departments including the National Permitting and Regulated Industry.
Experience/skills required
We are seeking a versatile, self‑motivated, experienced individual who can quickly fit in and contribute to our busy team. You will hold a degree in a relevant geoscience discipline and have proven knowledge of hydrogeology, water resources, contaminated land and waste management. You'll be able to prioritise work based on environmental and business risk and demonstrate strong organisational skills, including managing your own workload and meeting tight deadlines.
You'll be an effective communicator with strong influencing skills and ability to build productive relationships across the organisation. A proven track record of delivering results through others, with a focus on efficiency, innovation and quality, is essential.
You will also have a sound understanding of the WFD, Environmental Permitting Regulations, Water Resources Management, Contaminated Land Regulations and Town and Country Planning. Proficiency in GIS, data handling and records management is required, along with strong interpersonal skills.
We are seeking individuals who enjoy problem solving and working collaboratively as part of a team. As a technical officer, you will contribute across multiple work areas, including:
Advising local planning authorities on developments that may pose risk to groundwater resources or quality, and assessing risks to controlled waters from contaminated land.
Reviewing risk assessments.
Providing technical guidance to customers on pollution incidents affecting groundwater.
Working with colleagues to support the Environment Agency’s EA2030 strategy for a better environment.
While you will bring existing knowledge and experience, the role also offers opportunities to broaden your technical expertise. As a technical leader, you will help promote, coordinate and deliver the team’s planning‑related work, with particular focus on contaminated land and brownfield regeneration.
You will have access to a range of tools, local and national technical specialists, and internal training to support your professional development. This position is ideal for someone looking to build a career in hydrogeology.
The role also includes supporting incident management, either by providing direct technical input or by assisting colleagues to ensure risks to the wider business are effectively managed.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve, and we welcome applications from people seeking flexible working arrangements.
The team
Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, a densely populated area, with one of the busiest groundwater and contaminated land portfolios, alongside rapid growth in brownfield development.
We play an important role in ensuring development is environmentally sustainable, preventing pollution of groundwater and surface waters while promoting enhancement of the natural environment.
We advise partners on protecting water resources and water quality and provide technical support to departments including the National Permitting and Regulated Industry.
Experience/skills required
We are seeking a versatile, self‑motivated, experienced individual who can quickly fit in and contribute to our busy team. You will hold a degree in a relevant geoscience discipline and have proven knowledge of hydrogeology, water resources, contaminated land and waste management. You'll be able to prioritise work based on environmental and business risk and demonstrate strong organisational skills, including managing your own workload and meeting tight deadlines.
You'll be an effective communicator with strong influencing skills and ability to build productive relationships across the organisation. A proven track record of delivering results through others, with a focus on efficiency, innovation and quality, is essential.
You will also have a sound understanding of the WFD, Environmental Permitting Regulations, Water Resources Management, Contaminated Land Regulations and Town and Country Planning. Proficiency in GIS, data handling and records management is required, along with strong interpersonal skills.