Job Description
The Environment Agency is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities and our environment. Protecting and enhancing Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire's natural resources are unique and exciting challenges. Working with partners and communities from The Humber to the Wash. We help people and wildlife adapt to climate change, work to reduce the impacts of flooding, drought, rising sea levels and coastal erosion. We improve the quality of our water, land and air by addressing pollution and work with businesses to help them comply with environmental regulations. For more info on working with us see Protect our world - Environment Agency. If you have a passion for the environment, this Degree Apprenticeship will develop your skills and capabilities as well as equip you with experience and opportunities to make a real difference. This opportunity is aimed at people whose highest qualification to date is A levels. There are other opportunities/apprenticeships within the EA for graduates. The role requires working outdoors and in a variety of indoor office settings. The study aspect of the apprenticeship is with Keele University over 4 or 5 years. A mix of block release, online sessions and field trips. You must be willing to travel for study and also work from home to complete parts of this apprenticeship. Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.
The team
You’ll receive coaching and mentoring from professional team members, working with and learning from experienced Environmental Practitioners. You'll gain experience in different types of work and get involved in the delivery of various projects. You will rotate around several teams, all of which will enhance your knowledge and skills. You’ll gain experience of Environmental Practices, learn about various parts of our organisation, our great colleagues, obtain insight and knowledge to support your role and career
Experience/skills Required
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria:
- Three A-Levels at Grade BBC, or equivalent such as BTEC Nationals, preferably Science based
subjects/Geography
- GCSE Maths and English at Grade C (4) or equivalent
You will be someone with a genuine interest in science and the environment and be passionate about
creating a better place for people and wildlife. You will be flexible in your approach and have
determination to make positive change happen.
We want applicants who;
- are responsible/organised
- can manage competing work demands/responsibilities of university study
- communicate well
- work well in teams
- achieve results
There is no upper age limit.
Job contract to start 31/08/2026 to commence apprenticeship September 2026.
UK driving licence or obtaining one by end of apprenticeship is expected.
Please note: Applicants with environmental or science-based degrees (including geology/geography)
will not be eligible as a second similar degree cannot be funded.
Contact and additional information
Your base location will be Ceres House in Lincoln, with some hybrid homeworking.
As part of your induction you will be provided with all equipment required for your role.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.
Environmental Practitioner - Keele University - for more information about the course.
There will be weekly drop-in sessions via MS Teams on Fridays at 4pm-5pm while the advert is live.
We will be holding open office sessions at Ceres House, Lincoln on Monday, 22nd Dec and Monday, 5th
January 2026 from 4:30 – 6:30pm.
Please email Recruitment.LNA@environment-agency.gov.uk for an invite/to reserve your place.
Interviews will be held in person at the Lincoln office in April 2026.
Competence 1
Manages Self
Description
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack. 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: Please can you give an example of when you had to manage your time? How would you describe your strengths and weakness when under pressure to deliver a piece of work? Please note; Your answer will be used for interview selection. You may want to use the STAR structure when writing your response (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Competence 2
Achieves Results
Description
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Question: Please give an example of when you had to get a job/task done under time pressures? What did you do to make sure the people around you knew your goals and how you were going to deliver them? Please note; Your answer will be used for interview selection. You may want to use the STAR structure when writing your response. (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Competence 3
Works in Teams
Description
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Question: Tell us about a successful team you have been part of. What made the team successful? What was your personal contribution to the success of the team? What did you learn from working in this team? Please note; Your answer will be used for interview selection. You may want to use the STAR structure when writing your response (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Role specific license requirements
A Full UK driving licence or expected to have obtained one by the end of the apprenticeship.
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. 
