Department: Environment
Reporting to: Senior Advisor (Technical & Projects)
Grade: 9
Salary: £36,721 per annum
Base: The Port of London Authority is headquartered in Gravesend, Kent, which will serve as the primary base for this role, with a secondary office located in central London. The position will also require travel across the full extent of the river as required to meet work responsibilities.
Closing date: 5th October 2026 (We may close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received ahead of the closing date)
Interview date: 14th & 19th October 2026
The Port of London Authority is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames and responsible for 95 miles of the River Thames from the Estuary to Teddington Lock in West London. We work to keep river users safe, protect and enhance the environment and promote the use of the river for trade and travel.
The Port of London Authority is dedicated to protecting and improving the tidal Thames for future generations. Our 2050 Vision for the Thames is of a clean, thriving river, free of sewage and other pollutants, supporting greater biodiversity and recreational use. The Environment team plays a key role in turning this vision into reality, driving the actions needed to create a thriving and sustainable river.
As an Assistant Technical Advisor, you will play an essential role in supporting the Environment team’s efforts to achieve our environmental goals for the tidal Thames. Working alongside lead technical advisors in air quality, water quality, and ecology, you will provide support across a variety of technical tasks, assist with planning and conducting environmental field surveys, and contribute to the successful delivery of projects. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with a wide range of environmental issues and make a tangible impact on the sustainability of the UK’s largest port.
The Port of London Authority is headquartered in Gravesend, Kent, which will serve as the primary base for this role. However, the position will require travel across the full extent of the river as required to meet work responsibilities.
The successful candidate will be degree (or equivalent) educated in an environmental field. You will have a solid understanding of environmental considerations particularly in water quality, air quality, or ecology, alongside experience providing technical advice and coordinating projects. Strong written communication, interpersonal skills, and a good understanding of river and estuary ecosystems are essential, as is a willingness to learn about the specific challenges within the port.
Experience with the consenting process for marine infrastructure projects, including experience with assessments under the Water Framework Directive or Habitat Regulations, is highly desirable.
To view the full job description click here
For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Emily McLean on 01474 562294 or Emily.McLean@pla.co.uk.
The PLA are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Candidates will be assessed against the essential requirements for the role. Where candidates can demonstrate relevant transferable skills and experience, we encourage them to apply.
The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.
As a trust port, the Port of London Authority has no shareholders and operates for the benefit of customers and stakeholders now and in the future. Our operations cover 95 miles of the River Thames, from Teddington to the North Sea. We work to keep commercial and leisure users safe, protect and enhance the environment, and promote the use of the river for trade and travel.
