Field Monitoring Officer

Job Description

At the Environment Agency we aspire for inclusivity to thrive in our workforce. We embrace equal opportunities and flexible work arrangements, ensuring everyone can contribute and succeed.

We’re looking for dedicated individuals to join us in the Wessex Monitoring Field Team, working in the Salisbury area and across Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset.

• Collecting samples, including river water, effluents, bathing waters, invertebrates, diatoms, and groundwater.
• Conducting electric fishing surveys and qualifying as an Officer in Charge.
• Using scheduling software to plan efficient routes and ensure accurate data collection.
• Working in all weather conditions, rain or shine.

• Procuring and managing sampling equipment.
• Maintaining bottle and fishery stores.
• Communicating effectively with site contacts, the public and internal teams.
• Mentoring and training colleagues to uphold high standards.

• Access to small/medium-sized van for field duties.
• Uniform and all necessary equipment.
• A dynamic, hands‑on role that keeps you moving and engaged.
• Working in and/or near water confidently and safely.
• Good organisational skills including driving to a schedule and managing time effectively.
• Confidence in driving long distances in urban and rural environments.
• Able to work independently and as an effective team member both remotely and in‑person.
• Ability to communicate effectively with external and internal customers.
• Proficient with standard IT packages and specialised systems used in field operations.
• Experience of health, safety and wellbeing procedures.
• Training and mentoring staff.

• Electric fishing experience and freshwater fish identification.
• Ecology sampling including kick sampling for macroinvertebrates.
• Salesforce App knowledge.
• Preparation of risk assessment documentation.
• Experience of biosecurity procedures.

The Wessex Monitoring Team are dispersed covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and the Bristol area. We collect field‑based samples and environmental data for local, national, and statutory requirements. The data collected supports the wider Monitoring Department to serve diverse community and environmental needs. Our work means we work closely with colleagues across the organisation, closely support our neighbouring teams and occasionally support other wider teams.

• Field sample collection.
• Working in and/or near water confidently and safely.
• Good organisational skills including driving to a schedule and managing time effectively.
• Confidence in driving long distances in urban and rural environments.
• Able to work independently and as an effective team member both remotely and in‑person.
• Ability to communicate effectively with external and internal customers.
• Proficient with standard IT packages and specialised systems used in field operations.
• Experience of health, safety and wellbeing procedures.
• Training and mentoring staff.

This is a 37‑hour per week role, Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend work to support statutory monitoring. We welcome flexible working patterns; please include any preferences in your application.

The base location for this role could be either Blandford, Bridgwater, Romsey or Chippenham, where you would drop off samples most days. Travel to other sites may be required to meet operational needs.

All staff are required to participate in Incident Management duties.

Interviews will be held on MS Teams in mid‑February.

If you consent, we may hold your details on a reserve list for up to six months.

For enquiries, contact Stephanie Barons on 02030 259 402 or by email stephanie.baro

Please describe any recent experiences where you have demonstrated your ability to collect, record, update and manage field data, and the equipment and systems used.

Explain a situation where you have exhibited good health and safety practices and tell us how you keep health and safety as a top priority in all of your work activities.

Please tell us about a successful team you have been part…