Job Description
If you’re part of the Environment Agency, you’re part of the solution. Working with us means protecting and improving the environment and tackling issues of national importance. We’re based across England, and our responsibilities span industry regulation, flood defences, land contamination, water quality, fisheries and conservation.
Such broad scope of work calls for diverse, multi-skilled teams. Together, we’ll promote sustainable growth, tackle climate change and secure a better future for everyone.
As an Assistant Estates Surveyor (Graduate), you will advise and assist all our teams. You’ll be studying for a professional qualification or recently qualified as an Associate Surveyor and will work alongside our Estates Surveyors and Senior Estates Surveyors as you provide a professional service to our business. The role supports hybrid, part time and flexible working, so we’ll provide you with plenty of support as you build the foundations of your career.
You’ll be involved in a variety of surveying projects, work that will enable you to develop a wide breadth of knowledge and experience. Your focus will be on managing a diverse land portfolio (extending over 25000ha) as well as helping to deliver our national flood risk programme and overseeing various operational projects. You may also be asked to provide assistance to the acquisition and compensation programme for major capital works.
Responding to incidents is an important part of what we do, and with this in mind you’ll have an incident role and should be ready to make yourself available to respond or provide business continuity support. This may attract an additional payment, and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you.
The team
The Estates Team sits within the larger Corporate & National Services directorate. You can read more about the directorate in the Additional Information pack.
The Estates service extends to 130 people, offering professional support for Environment Agency land, property, compensation and valuation matters.
Experience/skills Required
To apply for this role you must meet the criteria below:
Hold one of the following qualifications/memberships:
hold a RICS accredited degree with the ability and commitment to enrol onto and complete your APC in either the land and resources, commercial or rural pathway.
We will accept applications from those who are in their final year of a RICS accredited degree and looking to start work in August/September 2024
Or enrolled onto your APC with the commitment to complete in one of the mentioned sector pathways
qualified as a RICS Associate member (AssocRICS) with the commitment to becoming qualified MRICS
Full and valid driving licence
a strong desire to progress towards qualifying for your APC
credible and enthusiastic communicator with good networking skills
good planning, prioritisation and time-management skills with the ability to achieve targets and meet deadlines.
Contact and additional information
You can read more about this role and the Estates Team by downloading the Additional Information pack.
You’ll need to attend a hub office (Peterborough or Worthing for the South & East Hub, or Birmingham, Lincoln or Shrewsbury for the Central Hub) for events like induction, training and team meetings. Outside these, you can use hybrid working arrangements and our flexible working policy.
A full UK driving licence is essential to travel to sites and offices across our hubs, some of which are inaccessible by public transport. You'll be provided with a vehicle to carry out this work if required.
Interviews are expected to take place w/c 19 January 2026 via MS Teams.
If you have any further enquiries about this role, please email RecruitmentEstates@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Competence 1
Communicates Effectively
Description
We are looking for someone who listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
In no more than 250 words, please give an example of a time when you have had to tailor your communication style to a specific individual/situation. You may want to use the STAR structure when writing your response (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Please note we do not assess CVs. It is your answer given to this question that will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your response. We encourage you to refer to our EA Capability Dictionary.
Competence 2
Achieves Results
Description
We are looking for someone that consistently delivers to high standards whilst meeting targets. You will be able to prioritise and organise tasks to ensure timely achievement of results.
In no more than 250 words, please tell us about a challenging goal you have set yourself and the steps you took to achieve it? You may want to use the STAR structure when writing your response (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Please note we do not assess CVs. It is your answer given to this question that will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your response. We encourage you to refer to our EA Capability Dictionary.
Competence 3
Manages Self
Description
Has full awareness of own strengths, weaknesses, impact and approach. Effectively organises self and takes personal responsibility for own role in the Environment Agency.
In no more than 250 words, please describe an occasion when you were working to a tight timescale and/or budget, and how you managed yourself to ensure you successfully delivered.
Please note we do not assess CVs. It is your answer given to this question that will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your response. We encourage you to refer to our EA Capability Dictionary.
Competence 4
Works in Teams
Description
We are looking for someone that works co-operatively as part of a team to achieve common goals.
In no more than 250 words, please tell us about a successful team you have been part of? What was your personal contribution and what did you learn? You may want to use the STAR structure when writing your response (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Please note we do not assess CVs. It is your answer given to this question that will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your response. We encourage you to refer to our EA Capability Dictionary.
Competence 5
Technical Skills
Description
This is an unscored question and for information only.
To apply for this role, you must hold a RICS accredited degree or be in your final year, with the ability and commitment to enrol onto and complete your APC in one of the following sector pathways: land and resources, commercial or rural, OR already be enrolled for your APC, OR qualified as a RICS Associate member (AssocRICS) with the commitment to becoming qualified MRICS.
Please confirm here how you meet the criteria.
Role specific license requirements
A full UK driving licence is essential to travel to sites and offices across our hubs, some of which are inaccessible by public transport.
Role specific professional membership requirements
- Hold a RICS accredited degree or be in your final year, with the ability and commitment to enrol onto and complete your APC in one of the following sector pathways: land and resources, commercial or rural.
- Or, enrolled onto your APC with the commitment to complete in one of the mentioned sector pathways. Or, be qualified as a RICS Associate member (AssocRICS)with a commitment to gain MRICS
IMPORTANT: PLEASE STATE WHICH QUALIFICATION/MEMBERSHIP YOU HOLD ON THE APPLICATION FORM.
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. 
