About Us
At the Environment Agency (EA), our mission is to protect and enhance the environment so that everyone can enjoy a cleaner, safer and healthier place to live. Water is at the heart of everything we do — essential for people, wildlife, industry and the economy. As climate change and population growth place increasing pressure on this vital resource, our work in water management has never been more important.
You’ll be joining a friendly, skilled and welcoming team of hydrologists within the West Midlands Area. Our team combines scientific expertise with a shared passion for protecting the water environment and ensuring communities and businesses have access to sustainable water supplies.
As part of the EA, you’ll benefit from an inclusive and supportive culture that encourages learning and development. We’ll invest in your professional growth and help you shape a career that makes a real difference to people and nature.
Benefits include:
- £29,751 salary
- Employer pension contribution 19%
- 25 days annual leave (plus 8 bank holidays and 2 environmental outcome days)
- Overtime opportunities through standby and incident response
- Structured training programme with professional development and potential apprenticeship routes
- Career progression opportunities to more senior hydrology and technical roles
- Flexible and part-time working options available
- Comprehensive maternity, paternity, and adoption leave schemes
What You Will Do
As an Assistant Hydrologist, you’ll be part of our Area Water Resources Hydrology Team, supporting the management of water resources across the West Midlands. This entry-level role is ideal for those starting or developing a career in environmental science or water management. You’ll learn how hydrological data is used to inform evidence-based decisions that shape environmental policy, planning and operational work.
Working under the guidance of experienced hydrologists, you will:
- Collect, analyse and interpret hydrological data such as rainfall, river flow and groundwater levels.
- Provide technical assessments and advice on hydrological issues using established methods and best-practice techniques.
- Assist in dry weather and drought incident response, supporting senior colleagues in protecting water supplies during critical periods.
- Contribute to hydrological modelling and forecasting, helping to predict water availability and manage risks from floods and droughts.
- Undertake occasional fieldwork, including river surveys and data collection, gaining a practical understanding of local catchments and water systems.
You’ll be mainly office-based, using hydrological and statistical tools to analyse environmental data, but will also gain hands-on experience in the field. Over time, you’ll develop the technical knowledge and analytical skills required to progress within the hydrology profession.
What You’ll Need
Essential:
- A-Level (or equivalent) in a scientific or numerical subject (e.g. Geography, Maths, Physics, Environmental Science).
Desirable:
- A relevant environmental degree (e.g. Geography, Environmental Science, Geoscience, Engineering or Data Science).
- Awareness of hydrological concepts such as catchment behaviour, rainfall-runoff processes and data analysis.
- Strong organisational, analytical and communication skills, with enthusiasm for the water environment.
Additional Information
Learn more about the role and recruitment process by joining our candidate information call on:
Wednesday 8 October 2025, 15:10–16:10 (Microsoft Teams).
This is open to all — you don’t need to apply beforehand. Hit the apply button for more information about joining the call.
This role must be undertaken from within the UK and does not qualify for visa sponsorship.
The Environment Agency values diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
Join us and help tackle the challenges of a changing climate while protecting one of our most precious resources.
Closing date: 20 October 2025.
Interview dates: Week commencing 10 and 17 November 2025.