City/Town
Reading
Region
South East
Vacancies
2
Salary Minimum
£25,301
Post Type
Permanent
Job ID
33879
Closing date
27 Apr 2026
Published date
14 Apr 2026
Grade
Staff Grade 2
Role type
Analytical, Engineering
Security check
Basic Check
Job description
At the Environment Agency we work to create better place for people and the wildlife and support sustainable development. We are an evidence-based organisation and we monitor the environment to enable us to make informed decisions.
The Environment Agency are fully committed to inclusivity and equal opportunities, offering flexible work arrangements for all our vacancies. Join us in a diverse environment where every voice is heard and valued.
We are looking for an Assistant Scientist to assist in the cleaning and maintenance of a wide range of water quality monitoring equipment. In addition, you will assist in the operation of our quality assurance system.
The high-resolution evidence produced is vital if we are to better understand our water environment.
The National Water Quality Instrumentation Service provides support to instrument-based water quality monitoring undertaken.
We deliver a service that underpins the Environment Agency’s regulatory responsibilities. We are playing a central role in the development and expansion of real time water quality monitoring.
The Environment Agency are fully committed to inclusivity and equal opportunities, offering flexible work arrangements for all our vacancies. Join us in a diverse environment where every voice is heard and valued.
You should have an interest in science or engineering.
Be open and willing to learn.
Have good communication skills.
Be a team player
GCSE English, maths, and science would be an advantage but not essential.
All training will be provided.
We offer a benefits package including annual leave starting at 25 days, and an award-winning Pension Fund
The role is based a Caversham Lakes, Reading.
You will be required to have an incident role or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you in your incident role.
Interviews expected to be held week commencing 04/04/26
To discuss this role, please contact:
- Ian McIntyre Team Leader – [email protected]
- why did they need support?
- what was the impact on you?
- what did you do to support them?
- How did you go about gathering the information required?
- How did you ensure you understood all of the information?
- How did you pull all the different pieces of information together?
- What was the issue?
- How did you approach it?
- In what way was the solution creative?
- What was the outcome?
- Would you do anything differently?
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
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, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
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. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.