We’re growing a stronger workforce through various upskilling activities, including apprenticeships. Successful candidate can pursue a level 5 Data Engineer apprenticeship as part of the government Digital Apprenticeship Service, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.
If you want a role where your work helps to protect the environment and deliver our EA2030 ambitions, we’d love to hear from you.
Desirable
- Experience with ETL processes and data integration; ideally familiarity with Safe Software’s FME Form & FME Flow (or similar tools) and willingness to learn.
- Track record of continuous improvement and innovation.
- Experience in SQL and geospatial tools such as ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Enterprise.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Power Platform (Fabric, Power BI, Power Query, Power Automate or Power Apps).
- Familiarity with database tools such as SQL Developer or pgAdmin.
- Understanding of ITIL frameworks.
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.
Our EA2030 strategy is driving a healthier environment — cleaner air, land and water, thriving nature, sustainable growth, and a nation resilient to climate change.
Data sits at the heart of this mission. We rely on accurate, accessible and integrated data to make evidence‑based decisions that protect people and the environment.
We’re looking for a motivated, collaborative Data Engineer / Data Integration officer to join our Data Integration Team and help us make our data accessible, consistent and trusted.
As a Data Engineer / Data Integration Specialist, your role is pivotal to the organisation in delivering our data integration services to support data users and business stakeholders.
In this varied and impactful role, you will:
- Monitor and optimise ETL processes to ensure high performance and reliability, managing, investigating and resolving issues quickly to minimise impact on customers.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to design and implement new data integration solutions to be published in our service.
- Analyse service data to uncover insights and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Create and maintain documentation, standards and design specifications that support our service.
- Champion continuous improvement, helping us deliver efficient, sustainable and future‑ready services.
- Provide great customer service, using your technical expertise and teamwork to support users effectively.
We’re growing a stronger workforce through various upskilling activities, including apprenticeships. Successful candidate can pursue a level 5 Data Engineer apprenticeship as part of the government Digital Apprenticeship Service, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria.
If you want a role where your work helps to protect the environment and deliver our EA2030 ambitions, we’d love to hear from you.
The team
The Data Integration Team delivers our national integration service: connecting systems, streamlining data flows to bring data together seamlessly and work more effectively. Sitting within the Data Management centre of excellence, we specialise in turning complexity into clarity through expert integration, standards and modern data practices. Join us as part of the Service, Transformation and Assurance directorate and help drive the EA2030 vision by powering the data connections that make the ideas, systems and people connect.
Experience/skills Required
Essential
- Well-developed understanding of data and information management.
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
- Excellent problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis skills.
- Proficient in data analysis and reporting.
- High attention to detail.
- Confident using Office 365 tools, including SharePoint.
Desirable
- Experience with ETL processes and data integration; ideally familiarity with Safe Software’s FME Form & FME Flow (or similar tools) and willingness to learn.
- Track record of continuous improvement and innovation.
- Experience in SQL and geospatial tools such as ArcGIS Desktop or ArcGIS Enterprise.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Power Platform (Fabric, Power BI, Power Query, Power Automate or Power Apps).
- Familiarity with database tools such as SQL Developer or pgAdmin.
- Understanding of ITIL frameworks.
Contact and additional information
Responding to incidents is a key part of our work, and all new starters are required to undertake training and participate. Please see the candidate pack for details.
This role requires security clearance, including 5 years UK residency. We are unable to sponsor visas.
Bristol is the preferred location to support hub‑based working, though other offices may be considered depending on capacity. You will have a formal office base with the option to work from home as part of a hybrid arrangement. Some travel may be required for meetings. You should be comfortable working and collaborating remotely via MS Teams and Outlook.
Interviews are expected to take place on MS Teams in mid to late April 2026. For more information, contact Aaron Padam (aaron.padam@environment‑agency.gov.uk).
Competence 1
Data and Information Management
Description
Anticipates and understands data and information needs or user requirements while applying data management best practice. Identifies and applies the tools, technologies, and skills required to manage, integrate, and exploit data effectively. Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes and maximising data quality, accessibility, and reuse.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for interview selection.
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.
Question: Tell us about a complex data integration challenge you’ve tackled. How did you structure your approach, the tools and techniques you used and how did you guarantee the integrity of the resulting data product?
Competence 2
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for interview selection.
Question: Describe a time when you had to work out the root cause of a problem, develop options, agree and implement a solution to time, quality and within available resources?
Competence 3
Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
Description
Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods, processes and without, compromising quality or accuracy.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for interview selection.
Question: Can you give an example of a time when you identified an opportunity to improve the service you offer – how implement the change and how you measured successes?
Competence 4
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Description
Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for interview selection.
Question: Describe a time when you needed to earn a customer’s or partner’s trust. How did you approach it, and what impact did it have?
Additional Information
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
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.
The Environment Agency, as a Non‑Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls. Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
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. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non‑departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.