Hydrometeorologist

Job Description

As part of this role, you are required to complete the Met Office’s Operational Meteorologist Foundation Course and pass the operational assessments. You will need to be available for up to 10 weeks for initial training and induction, which will be based in Exeter. Scientific capability to pass this course will be assessed at interview.

You will combine weather forecasting and flood forecasting to deliver critical products and services, supporting the responder community to aid decision‑making and timely action to reduce flood impacts. You will undertake service improvement projects and apply new science and approaches to enhance user experience.

• Expertise in hydrology or meteorology with demonstrable capability in areas such as hydrological modelling, flood risk management or flood forecasting.
• Degree in geography, environmental science, a physical science, meteorology or mathematics (at 2:2 or higher), or relevant technical experience.
• A‑levels in mathematics and physics, or direct equivalent (e.g. Scottish Highers), or alternative ways of demonstrating the required standard.

This position requires a 24/7 roster (issued roughly three months in advance) which will include on‑call, night shift, weekend and bank holiday working, with a 20% shift allowance.

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, including full‑time, part‑time, job‑share and compressed hours options.

All Environment Agency staff undergo baseline personnel and security standard checks before they start work. This role requires a more extensive security check; you must be able to obtain and maintain suitable security clearance (minimum SC) within the first six months. A requirement is to have been resident in the UK for at least three of the last five years.

The Flood Forecasting Centre (FFC) is based in the Met Office headquarters in Exeter, in partnership with the Environment Agency. Exeter is the preferred base location, but we welcome applications based at an EA Forecasting hub (Leeds, Peterborough, Warrington, Birmingham, Reading, Exeter, Worthing). You will be expected to meet with your team regularly at the Met Office Headquarters in Exeter. Smart tools are used to stay connected;

some travel and overnights may be required.

For further questions or an informal chat, contact clare.mill The Flood Forecasting Centre website and recruitment video provide more information about the team and role.

The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We actively seek, embrace and live diversity, and we welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share.

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.

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. Plagiarism or AI‑generated content presented as your own may result in withdrawal of the application or disciplinary action.

Further information on AI use and guidance is available on the Civil Service Careers website.