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Environmental Practitioner Degree (Level 6) Apprenticeship - 32935

Environment Agency • Bedford, England, United Kingdom • £29.75k / year • 1w ago

Environmental Practitioner Degree (Level 6) Apprenticeship - 32935

Environmental Practitioner Degree (Level 6) Apprenticeship - 32935

Number of jobs available

Region

East of England, South West, Yorkshire and the Humber

City/Town

Bedford , Beverley , Bodmin , Cambridge , Exeter , Leeds , Sheffield , York

Building/Site

DEFRA GRP BEVERLEY CROSSKILL, HU17 9JB, DEFRA GRP EA BEDFORD DEPOT, MK42 0LE, DEFRA GRP EA ELY OFFICE, CB7 4TX, DEFRA GRP EA MANLEY HOUSE, EX2 7LQ, DEFRA GRP EA QUADRANT TWO, S9 4WF, DEFRA GRP EA SIR JOHN MOORE HOUSE, PL31 1EB

Grade

Staff Grade 3

Post Type

Permanent

Role Type

Environment & Sustainability

Working Pattern

Full Time

Salary Minimum

£29,751

Closing Date:

06/04/2026, 23:55 hours

Job description attachment 1

ER03 Job Family Role Profile Environment & Regulation, Grade 3

Job description attachment 2

Additional Candidate Information Pack_EPDA 2026 (1).pdf – 628KB Opens in a new window

Candidate pack

Candidate Pack - 32935.docx – 6579KB Opens in a new window
Converted File Candidate Pack - 32935.docx.pdf – 2188KB Opens in a new window

Security checks level

Basic Check

Job description

Do you want to play a part in tackling climate change, protecting ecosystems, and shaping a more sustainable future? At the Environment Agency, our Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship puts you at the heart of work that genuinely matters.

At the Environment Agency, we help communities prepare for a changing climate, reduce the risks of flooding and drought, and protect coastlines from erosion. We work closely with partners, businesses and local communities to make sure the environment is cared for now and for future generations. Everything we do is grounded in evidence and driven by our commitment to create a better, greener, more resilient future for people and nature

If you’re enthusiastic about the environment and ready to start building your career, this programme will develop your skills, confidence and real-world capability. It’s designed for people whose highest qualification is A level (or equivalent), offering a route into professional environmental work without needing a prior degree. If you already hold an environmental or science-based degree, you may wish to explore other entry routes on our early careers' website.

Your academic study will be delivered by Keele University, over four or five years, through online learning, block release teaching and field trips. You’ll need to be able to travel for study periods, and some elements of the apprenticeship will involve working from home.

To learn more about the degree programme, please see Additional Candidate Pack attached to this advert

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. Full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.

The team

Our teams work nationally and locally, with opportunities in Exeter, Bodmin, Cambridge, Bedford, Sheffield, York, Leeds and Beverley. Whether in rotating or non-rotating teams, you’ll contribute to meaningful projects. You’ll be supported by professional coaches and mentors and learn directly from experienced Environmental Practitioners.

To learn more about each team and their working arrangements, please read the attached Additional Candidate Pack

Experience/skills required

You must meet the following entry requirements:

Minimum of three A‑Levels at grades BBC or equivalent, such as BTEC Nationals, ideally in science‑based subjects or Geography
GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or equivalent
Meet the apprenticeship funding rules (link in the Additional Candidate Pack)
May require a full UK driving licence, or the ability to obtain one by the end of the apprenticeship (see Additional Candidate Pack for more details)

There is no upper age limit.

Applicants who already hold an environmental or science‑based degree (including geology or geography) are not eligible for funding.

We’re looking for people who:

Take responsibility and stay organised
Balance commitments confidently
Communicate clearly with others
Work well as part of a team

As part of your application, you’ll be asked to select your preferred locations and teams. Please read the Additional Candidate Pack attached to learn more.

Contact and additional information

We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. You’ll receive full training, all the kit you need, and a benefits package designed to help you thrive.

Pension: Around 19% contribution to a career-average scheme invested in ethical, renewable energy businesses.

Leave: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, for work-life balance.

Flexibility: Hybrid options, flexible hours, and time back for overtime.

We use smart tools to stay connected and cut unnecessary travel, though some travel or overnight stays may be needed.

Ready to shape your future?

Interviews take place week commencing 20th and 27th April 2026. Apprentices start September 2026.

For queries, email eacareerentry@environmentagency.gov.uk.

Competence 1

Manages Self

Description

More information about what this competency involves, and how to answer competency-based questions, can be found in the Candidate Pack.

Question: Tell us about a situation where you needed support.

What was the result?

How did you decide whom to ask and when?

How have they improved your contribution?

Competence 2

Achieves Results

Description

More information about what this competency involves, and how to answer competency based questions, can be found in the Candidate Pack.

Question: Tell us about a time when you had to deliver a challenging piece of work: what was it and how did you approach it?

What was the situation?

What options were available?

How did you decide upon the best solution?

What would you do differently in retrospect?

Competence 3

Works in Teams

Description

More information about what this competency involves, and how to answer competency-based questions, can be found in the Candidate Pack.

Question: Tell us about how you currently work successfully as a team.

What was the task?

What was your input into the team?

What challenges did you come across?

What did you learn and is there anything you would do differently if in a similar position in the future?

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.