City/Town
Huntingdon, Ipswich, Kettering, Lincoln, Norwich, Peterborough
Region
East Midlands, East of England
Vacancies
1
Salary Minimum
£34,320
Post Type
Apprenticeship
Job ID
34813
Closing date
11 May 2026
Published date
21 Apr 2026
Grade
Staff Grade 4
Role type
Analytical, Environment & Sustainability, Science
Security check
Basic Check
Job description
We are an evidence-based organisation where data drives every decision. With climate change placing increasing pressure on water resources, there has never been a more important time to understand and manage how water is used.
We’re seeking a Level 4 Data Analyst Apprentice with a genuine curiosity for data, an interest in analysis and modelling, and a desire to apply these within hydrology.
As an apprentice Hydrologist with the Environment Agency, you will work with a wide range of hydrological data to support decision-making in water resources. This is a unique opportunity to apply data skills in a real-world environmental context.
Your role will be varied and rewarding, including:
- Producing weekly and monthly water situation reports
- Analysing river flow and groundwater data to assess water availability across catchments
- Modelling and forecasting river flows
- Managing water transfer schemes, making decisions on when, how much, and how long to transfer water
- Quality assuring river flow data, ensuring it is fit for purpose
- Responding to abstraction licence applications
- Supporting reviews of Water Resource Management Plans and Drought Plans
You’ll also gain exposure to wider water resource activities, including drought management and long-term planning. Working within a supportive team, you will build relationships with internal and external partners, helping to deliver resilient water management for the future in East England.
You’ll complete the Data Analyst (Level 4) apprenticeship through an external training provider via online learning and remote workshops, while developing hydrology knowledge and practical experience within the Environment Agency. On successful completion, there may be opportunity to progress to a Data Scientist (Level 6) apprenticeship.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate. See the candidate pack for more on this.
Hydrology sits within the Water, Land and Biodiversity family, part of Local Operations, providing data, insight and advice across East Anglia, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.
We are a friendly, collaborative team delivering an integrated hydrology service. Through analysis, modelling, forecasting and reporting, we build a clear understanding of water availability to support decision-making, including drought management and operation of water transfer schemes, working closely with teams across the Environment Agency.
This is a career entry apprenticeship, so no prior experience in hydrology is required. You’ll receive training and all the kit you need.
You will need to have achieved (or expected to achieve) 96 UCAS points from a minimum of two A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications, including A Level Maths (Grade A-C)
We’re looking for someone who is curious, proactive and genuinely motivated to develop a career in data and hydrology.
Desirable:
- Keen interest in working with data to solve real-world problems
- Curiosity, initiative, and a proactive approach to learning
- Ability to manage your workload effectively both independently and as part of a team
- Strong communication skills and confidence engaging with a range of audiences
- Willingness to undertake training and continuous development
- Willingness to travel across the area for site visits
An interest in the environment or water management would be advantageous.
We have one full-time apprentice role available. You will attend your agreed office base as required and undertake site visits. Hybrid working is supported, depending on business need and agreement with your line manager.
You’ll contribute across East Anglia, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire, regardless of base location. Offices include Lincoln, Kettering, Peterborough, Brampton, Norwich and Ipswich.
We offer a fantastic benefits package including an attractive salary, flexible working, 25 days annual leave, and an award-winning Pension Fund. For more information on the role and how to apply, please read the candidate pack and additional information document.
If you have any questions, please do contact [email protected]
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews are planned for week commencing 14th July virtually.
Provide an example of when you have managed data (e.g. collection, analysis, manipulation, interpretation) to come to a conclusion and/or make an informed decision. Explain the situation, what needed to be done, what you did, and what the end result was.
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Feedback is generally not available at sift stage
Provide an example of a time when you have responded to the needs of a customer, explaining how you ensured their needs were met. Explain the situation, what needed to be done, what you did, and what the result was.
Describe a time when you have delivered multiple pieces of work with different deadlines whilst ensuring accuracy and high standards. Explain the situation, what needed to be done, what you did, and what the result was.
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.