Environmental Officer
Permanent | £30,000 – £35,000 + Car Allowance & Excellent Benefits
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Environment Team at the Water Management Alliance (WMA)— a group of Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) responsible for managing flood risk and land drainage across the region.
The role is based in Stewartby, Bedfordshire and will primarily support the Upper Ouse Water Management Board (a WMA Member IDB). Some travel may be required across the wider WMA catchments (predominantly to Norfolk, Suffolk and South Lincolnshire) including to the WMA’s Head Office in King’s Lynn.
Salary & Benefits
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£30,000 – £35,000 (dependent on experience)
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Car allowance
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Local Government Pension Scheme
About the Role
As an Environmental Officer, you’ll play a key role in ensuring that WMA’s activities protect and enhance the natural environment, specifically focusing on the Upper Ouse Water Management Board in Bedfordshire.
Working closely with Operational and Technical (Catchment) Services, you will work with the WMA’s Environmental Manager to provide ecological advice to support the daily activities of the Boards such as watercourse maintenance and water level management activities. You will also lead on projects identified within the Board’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
The role focuses primarily on proactive engagement with the operations teams, both prior to and during delivery watercourse maintenance and small to medium-scale watercourse improvement projects, including:
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Culvert replacements
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Watercourse restorations
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Natural Flood Management (NFM) schemes
You will ensure works and projects:
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Prevent environmental harm
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Minimise ecological disturbance
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Enhance biodiversity wherever possible
About You
You will typically have:
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At least two years’ relevant experience in an ecological or environmental role
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Experience undertaking a range of ecological surveys and assessments, such as:
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Habitat and species surveys
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Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
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Water Framework Directive (WFD) assessments
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Habitats Regulations Assessments (HRAs)
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Experience working with or alongside public authorities, infrastructure projects, or water management schemes would be advantageous.
Further Information
A detailed job pack, including the full job description and person specification can be found here.
How to Apply
To apply please submit your CV and covering letter explaining why you are a suitable candidate to caroline.laburn@wlma.org.uk.
The closing date for receipt of applications is noon on 31 May 2026.
For an informal discussion about the WMA and this position please contact Caroline Laburn (Environmental Manager) on 01553 819600.
We look forward to receiving your application.
