Flooding has been a big problem in parts of Sussex in recent years.

But it is hoped a regional recruitment drive by the largest flood and coastal defence operator will help improve the situation.

The Environment Agency builds and maintains defences that protect more than 500,000 people and their homes across Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

It has advertised 15 posts across the southern region, some of which will be based at its regional office in Worthing.

The jobs will appeal to people ranging from technically-minded school-leavers who want to gain qualifications "on the job" to chartered engineers.

Strategic planning engineer Steve White said: "Flood defences have been expanded and we've a number of new positions to fill alongside a few outstanding vacancies. It's obviously a very big issue for people in the region and the increased funding reflects these concerns."

The agency wants to recruit operations staff and flood warning engineers for Sussex plus improvements and strategic planning staff for the area and the entire southern region.

Operations staff will focus on tasks including the maintenance of river and coastal assets and will be expected to have a good grasp of current environmental policies, a clear understanding of Health and Safety legislation and practice for construction works.

Mr White said he expected candidates for the flood warning engineering positions to have a background in hydrology.

An engineering background is essential for the improvements jobs, which will focus on developing programmes of large-scale capital works as well as the design and construction of minor works.

The strategic planning positions will require project management skills.

Strategic planners will manage the coastal planning programme and flood plain mapping, as well as analysing flood defence data.

Mr White said: "A number of the jobs, especially the ones which include management responsibilities, are for experienced candidates with engineering skills but others have been designed for recent graduates or school leavers.

"Staff are expected to manage their own career development but we actively support training initiatives to help them make the most of their abilities.

"We're looking for enthusiastic people with the right skills to work in this area, which is obviously very important to the region."

Benefits for employees include 25 to 27 days' annual leave, depending on the level of the appointment, in addition to the eight statutory bank and public holidays.

Family friendly policies include maternity, paternity and parental leave and flexible working.

Staff who are expected to undertake more than 5,000 business miles a year may be entitled to choose a car under the agency's lease car scheme.

There is also a final salary pension scheme. For further information visit www.environmentagency.gov.uk/jobs or email sue.lade@environment-agency.gov.uk or phone 01903 703808.

Alternatively, for regional positions, email clare.bolger@environment-agency.gov.uk or call 01903 832035.

Thursday May 1 2003