About Us

At the Environment Agency (EA), we protect and enhance England’s environment to create a cleaner, safer and healthier place for people and wildlife. Water is central to everything we do — from drinking and washing to industry, recreation and public health. We are committed to safeguarding  and protecting this invaluable resource, vital to our environment and economy.

Kent’s landscape offers a unique mix of geology and groundwater systems that support rivers, wetlands, agriculture, and industry. Managing and safeguarding this resource is essential, and our local Groundwater and Contaminated Land Team plays a key role in ensuring sustainable water use and quality.

When you join us, you’ll be part of a diverse, inclusive organisation that values your wellbeing and professional growth. We’ll trust you to make decisions that protect the environment and give you the freedom to develop your skills.

Benefits include:

• Salary up to £34,320
• Employer pension contribution of 19%
• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays and two paid environmental outcome days
• Overtime and standby pay for incident response work
• Career development, training, and professional membership support
• Maternity, paternity, and adoption leave schemes
• Flexible or part-time working options considered

You’ll also join an organisation committed to tackling the climate emergency and building a more sustainable future for all.

What You Will Do

As a Groundwater Protection Officer, you’ll help protect Kent’s groundwater resources by applying your technical knowledge to real-world environmental challenges. You’ll work as part of the Groundwater and Contaminated Land Team, providing expertise and regulatory support across the county.

Your work may include:

• Responding to planning consultations from local authorities and advising on groundwater protection measures.
• Providing technical advice to customers and developers on sites affected by land contamination.
• Working with the National Permitting Service to assess Environmental Permit and consent applications.
• Offering groundwater quality advice to internal teams, stakeholders, and external partners.
• Supporting technical specialists with groundwater quality and monitoring projects.

You’ll be based in one of our Kent offices (West Malling, Tonbridge or Canterbury), working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider Environment Agency. Your role will involve office-based work, occasional site visits, external meetings and training.

What You’ll Need

Essential:

• A degree in a relevant environmental discipline (e.g. Geology, Hydrogeology, or Environmental Science with hydrogeology focus).
• Awareness of groundwater quality and land contamination issues.
• A full UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• Experience in hydrogeological or engineering geology work.
• Understanding of environmental legislation and guidance.
• Strong organisational and teamwork skills with the ability to deliver work to deadlines.
• Knowledge of water quality management and the UK water industry.

Additional Information

To learn more about the role and recruitment process, join our candidate information call on

Wednesday 8 October 2025, 15:10–16:10 (Microsoft Teams). Attendance is open to all — no application required beforehand. Hit the apply button for more information regarding joining the call.

This role must be undertaken from within the UK and does not qualify for visa sponsorship.

We value diversity and are committed to reflecting the communities we serve. Applications are welcome from all backgrounds and experiences.

Please ensure you check your inbox and junk folders for interview invitations. A reserve list may be held for similar positions in other locations.

Join us at the Environment Agency — the UK’s leading environmental organisation and one of the largest employers of hydrologists. Together, we’ll protect vital groundwater resources and help build a sustainable future.

Closing date: 20 October 2025.
Interview dates: Week commencing 10 and 17 November 2025.