The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.

Our Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS) for environmental permit holders is an essential component of our permitting and regulatory approach. MCERTS sets out the framework for permit holders to meet the Environment Agency’s quality requirements for emissions monitoring. [SR22.1]

We are recruiting a specialist to support the development, implementation and regular review of our MCERTS standards for monitoring water quality and effluent flow. As part of this role, you will:

• help shape and update the content and technical detail of MCERTS standards, drafting documents as required
• respond to queries from EA staff, operators and consultants on MCERTS standards for water monitoring and MCERTS certification of equipment and accreditation of test laboratories
• be comfortable presenting technical information to a range of different audiences
• represent the EA on MCERTS water standards with a variety of external groups, comprising regulators, stakeholders, certification bodies and UKAS
• keep abreast of and influence international developments on water monitoring standards, cascading necessary information within the EA through appropriate briefings and presentations.
Our MCERTS team provides specialist advice on monitoring discharges from wastewater treatment and industrial processes. Our advisors have expertise in air, water and land monitoring. We manage the Environment Agency’s MCERTS schemes.

You will be working in the MCERTS team, part of Monitoring and Assessment within the Chief Regulator’s Group.

We’re a dispersed team, working with a wide range of colleagues across the country, and part of the Environment and Business (E&B) Directorate. In E&B we promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued. We use evidence, expertise, engagement, and innovation to enhance and support delivery, influence policy, legislation, and secure resources.

You’ll provide technical support to others, having developed your expertise in water quality monitoring. You’ll have a good understanding of:

• water quality sampling instrumentation and analysis to laboratory standards
• the role of MCERTS accreditation and certification standards in water monitoring
• the approach to regulation of wastewater processes
• principles of quality assurance and traceability

A good understanding of flow and level monitoring and the use of continuous water monitoring equipment is desirable but not essential.

You’ll also:
• be a good communicator
• produce technical documents to a high standard
• work comfortably with a wide range of internal and external customers
• be able to work indpendently but also as part of a team

You’ll have a degree or equivalent in a scientific, environmental or engineering discipline.

We will offer a range of development opportunities, and provide appropriate training.

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given. #LI-DNI

You’ll have an Environment Agency Office base location; the working location is flexible / hybrid.

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact [email protected]

Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.

Interviews will be held via MS Teams within three weeks of the closing date.