DEFRA Jobs UK – Environment, Policy & Administration Roles

DEFRA careers in the UK offer meaningful work if you’re passionate about defending the environment and promoting sustainable agriculture and food production. The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs is a big part of the government. Its jobs include protecting the environment, making rules for farms, helping people in rural areas, and making sure food is safe. DEFRA has hubs and offices in places like London, Bristol, York, Newcastle, Reading, and Warrington, giving professionals a lot of chances to help the public in important ways.

When you look at DEFRA jobs, you can find ones that involve making policies, doing science and study, running operations, doing economics work, or doing digital or office work. DEFRA is a great place to learn, grow, and make a real difference, whether you’re a recent college graduate who cares about the environment, an experienced scientist or economist, or someone who has worked in the public sector or in regulatory bodies. Take on a part that affects making the air cleaner, food safer, and land greener.

Job Details:

DEFRA Recruitment 2025 – Apply Online for Public Sector Roles

A brief overview of DEFRA:

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is a ministerial department of the United Kingdom government that is dedicated to the preservation of the nation’s natural environment, the promotion of the food and agricultural industry, and the preservation of rural areas. They are responsible for the management of climate change, pollution, biodiversity, refuse, and animal welfare, as well as the supervision of land use and the sustainability and resilience of agriculture. Their labor affects numerous daily aspects of life, including the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat.

DEFRA has evolved into a multifaceted organization with numerous agencies, scientific organizations, and associates. It has established a reputation through expert research, effective policy formulation, regulatory oversight, and collaboration with stakeholders, including farmers, local governments, scientific institutions, and EU/devolved administrations. DEFRA is a unique entity that is recognized for its dedication to environmental development, public accountability, and inclusive working practices. It is a place where you can make a significant, long-term impact.

Qualifications and Abilities:

Because DEFRA’s jobs are so important and technical, it needs to keep a staff that is highly skilled, flexible, and dependable. The department needs experts who can look at complicated data, turn science into policy, make sure rules are followed, and work with people from different backgrounds.

• A relevant degree or qualification (e.g. environmental science, biology, agricultural science, economics, policy, digital/IT) for technical, policy or scientific roles
• Strong communication and writing skills to produce reports, briefings or policy documents
• Analytical skills and ability to work with data, statistics or scientific evidence
• Experience or demonstrable interest in policy, regulation, sustainability, or environmental issues (for more senior roles)
• Ability to work in multi-department teams, often with external partners, and manage projects or priorities
• Flexibility in working patterns, including across multiple sites or hubs, sometimes needing travel or fieldwork depending on role
• Awareness of public sector protocols (e.g. regulatory compliance, impact assessments, stakeholder engagement)

Good Salary and Benefits:

DEFRA offers salary scales and benefits that align with Civil Service standards, reflecting both job grade and duty complexity. Salaries vary significantly depending on level (e.g. entry, mid, senior) and location, especially where London weighting or additional allowances apply.

Typical salary/grade ranges:

• Administrative / Support (AA/AO) ~ £23,000 – £30,000 per year
• Executive Officer (EO) ~ £27,000 – £35,000 per year
• Higher Executive Officer (HEO) / Senior Executive Officer (SEO) ~ £33,000 – £45,000+ per year
• Policy, Science or Specialist Mid-level Roles £40,000 – £55,000+ depending on seniority and responsibilities
• Management / Leadership / Grade 6 / Grade 7 roles £52,000 – £80,000+ per year for higher grade positions

Employee benefits include:

• Generous Civil Service pension schemes, with employer contributions of over 25% in many cases
• Flexible working arrangements, including blended or hybrid models and flexible hours in many roles
• Substantial annual leave entitlements rising with service, plus public holidays
• Learning and development programmes, mentoring, and options for career progression across science, policy, digital, economics and operational delivery paths
• Staff recognition schemes and performance‐based awards
• Additional support such as voluntary benefits, salary sacrifice options, child care vouchers or subsidies where available

What Is the Process for Applying for DEFRA Jobs?

The following is a step-by-step guide to applying for DEFRA careers in the UK:

1. Go to DEFRA’s official careers site or Civil Service Jobs, where vacancies are listed.
2. Use search filters to locate roles by category (policy, science, digital, etc.), location (London, York, Bristol, Newcastle, etc.) or grade.
3. Click on the job post to read the full description, responsibilities, and essential criteria.
4. Create an account or sign in to the Civil Service’s application system.
5. Prepare your CV, and where requested, a cover letter or personal statement showing how your experience meets the job criteria.
6. Complete any tests or assessments required (e.g. numerical, verbal reasoning, judgement tests) as stated in the advert.
7. Submit your application before the closing deadline, ensuring all required information is included.
8. Keep an eye on your email for confirmation or interview invitations, and track your application via your dashboard.

Apply Here

Available Job Opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kinds of roles does DEFRA hire for?
DEFRA hires for many roles, including policy, science & research, environmental regulation, digital/IT, operations, project delivery, economics, finance, communications, and administrative support.

2. What qualifications are needed for DEFRA roles?
Qualifications vary by role: entry level support roles may need GCSEs or equivalent; more technical or senior roles often require degree-level study in relevant fields like environmental science, economics, or policy; specialist or scientific roles may need postgraduate experience or proven technical proficiency.

3. Are DEFRA jobs open to fresh graduates or those without experience?
Yes. DEFRA offers opportunities for entry-level or junior positions and apprenticeships. While some roles require experience, many jobs focus on potential, transferable skills, and willingness to learn.

4. How much can I expect to earn working for DEFRA?
Earnings depend on the grade and location. Entry roles start in the low to mid-£20,000s; mid to senior roles can range £35,000 to £60,000 or more; leadership or specialist roles may go beyond this.

5. What are some of DEFRA’s benefits and work conditions?
Benefits often include generous pension schemes, flexible working (hybrid/flexible hours), learning and development, substantial holidays plus public holidays, staff recognition, and equality-driven policies.