We are recruiting for 3 full time, Edinburgh based Assistant Scientists. 2 on a permanent basis and one fixed term until end of November 2027.

Your passion has never had a greater purpose

Here at SEPA, we’re connected by a passion that drives us to be purposeful in every action we take – to protect our environment. Through our expertise, we lead projects that make a difference for Scotland, and our workplaces are grounded in respect for that expertise.

That’s why, when you join us as Assistant Scientist (Hydrometry), you’ll discover enriching benefits, meaningful support, and opportunities to learn every day. That’s what it means to be Passionately Purposeful – for our environment, and for your career.

Work that goes beyond your desk

Experts at what we do, we work in a professional way towards our shared goals, knowing the work we do makes a genuine, lasting difference on the environment.

Hydrometry is part of our Data, Evidence and Innovation Portfolio and we’re on the frontline of action to tackle our nature and climate emergencies. We provide high quality Hydrometric data to help Scotland adapt to threats arising from the climate emergency, such as floods and droughts. Our data underpins a wide range of essential services including Flood Warning, Drought Risk Assessment, Bathing Water Assessment and Flood Modelling and Mapping.

The Assistant Scientist post is an entry level post in Field Science. With this post initially focusing on Hydrometry, you will be supported to work through the Hydrometry Learning Plan utilising a combination of formal training, shadowing and mentoring. As you gain more experience, you will be encouraged to grow and develop in the various Hydrometric Specialisms and potentially wider Field Science roles.

At the start of your career, you can expect to spend an average of 80% of your time working outdoors. This can involve working in remote parts of Scotland and in all weathers, focusing on measuring flows and levels in rivers, lochs, groundwater and the sea. Given the geographically distributed nature of the monitoring network, candidates are required to hold a full UK driving license and have access to a vehicle.

Core tasks that you will be involved in include:

Undertaking field measurements and associated maintenance of infrastructure
Processing and analysis of data
Working flexibility across other business units as required
Communicating effectively with your colleagues, internal and external stakeholders
Assisting with Climate Resilience activities and participating in an on call out of hours duty rota as required

Respect for your expertise

This is a highly important role within our Data, Evidence & Innovation portfolio, which means you’ll need:

Knowledge of environmental processes (ideally hydrological processes)
Highers / SVQ / NC (or equivalent, relevant experience)
Technical or Scientific professional experience
Experience of lone working outdoors and knowledge of health and safety / safe working practices
This is a technical role and requires strong IT skills

Please open the link to the Assistant Scientist role profile link which outlines the core responsibilities and expectations of the role within a defined activity family. Please note the role profile name may be different to the job title being advertised.

Support that goes beyond the workplace

We’re cultivating a workplace that supports not only your passion and your professional lives, but your personal life. So, you’ll find benefits that make a difference at work and at home. Such as:

Hybrid and Flexible working opportunities
Up to 35 days annual leave and 7 additional public holidays each year (pro rata)
Paid time off to support your Wellbeing and enable you to Volunteer in your community
Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Progressive Family Friendly policies
Training & development to enable colleagues to improve their skills, competencies and knowledge to perform at their best.

Plus, many more lifestyle benefits such as 24/7 access to an online employee discount platform, credit union facilities and access to a Cycle to Work Scheme.

Passionately you. Purposefully supportive

SEPA is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and good relations in everything it does – as a community leader, as a provider and commissioner of services, and as an employer.

Passionately Purposeful about Scotland’s environment – and your career.

Protecting our environment, promoting our work, and supporting our people, working at SEPA means being part of an organisation that’s grounded in respect for your expertise – and your wellbeing. So you can be your best, and make the biggest impact.

We recruit solely based on merit. Our shortlisting process is conducted on an anonymous basis. Please ensure that you include all relevant information when you apply.

We support flexible working arrangements to help you maintain a healthy balance between career and homelife. This includes working part time, reduced hours, job sharing, working remotely. As a flexible first employer we are open to having conversations about flexible working arrangements that work for you and SEPA from day 1 of your employment with us.

We are proud to be a 'Disability Confident' employer and will work to identify and implement reasonable adjustments and equipment to support you in the role that you do.

Applicants with a visual impairment can request job descriptions and application forms in Braille, large print or on tape.

For the security and wellbeing of our colleagues, successful candidates will undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks including a level one Disclosure Scotland check.

If you have questions or need any assistance with the recruitment process please contact SEPA’s Recruitment Team at recruitment@sepa.org.uk

Apply now to join a Passionately Purposeful workplace