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Current vacancies 

Current Defra vacancies

Defra is currently recruiting candidates for the following listed vacancies. The contact address for the related application pack is shown for each vacancy.

Vacancy Closing date
Higher Executive Officers (IRC41485)
Nobel House, London		 30 November 2009
Advisory Lawyer posts and Commercial Lawyer post in Defra Legal (IRC42798)
London		 23 November 2009

Executive Officer selection board - Closed on 13 November 2009

Applications for the recent Executive Officer selection board has closed. If you have any queries please contact our resourcing support team by e-mailing them at: resourcing.shr@defra.gsi.gov.uk.  Please ensure you mark your enquiry in the subject line as “Executive Officer” and include your name & contact No.

Careers in Defra

Defra recruits many grades at first line manager level or above (see selective list below) and administrative posts. All play a defining role in the development of Defra policy.

  • First Line Managers (Executive Officers/Executive Field Officers)
  • Middle Managers (Higher Executive Officers)
  • Fast Stream - Administrative Trainees
  • Fast Stream - Higher Executive Officers
  • Librarians
  • Information Officers
  • Translators
  • Economists
  • Statisticians
  • Lawyers
  • Accountants
  • Investigation Officers
  • Scientific Officers
  • Veterinary Officers
  • River & Coastal Engineers
  • Plant Health & Seeds Inspectors

Careers in Defra (PDF 128 KB - July 2004) - Further information on the variety of jobs available in the Department.

Salary and benefits

The related annual salary or other remuneration will be stated in the relevant vacancy details. On appointment successful applicants will be able to join a partnership pension account, a stakeholder pension with an employer contribution based on your age. You do not have to contribute but if you do your employer will also match your contributions up to 3% of pensionable pay.

You do not have to join the Civil Service Pension arrangements, you may opt out and be covered instead by a personal pension or the State Second Pension (S2P). In addition to any specific benefits that will be stated in relevant vacancies, other benefits include 10½ days public holidays, flexible working patterns, subsidised canteens in some locations and sports facilities.

Commitment to equality

The Department, including its Executive Agencies, is an equal opportunities employer. We have a policy of equality of opportunity for all staff. Applications are welcome regardless of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or age. The Department operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for people with disabilities (as defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) who meet the minimum criteria for appointment.

Read more about diversity in Defra.

Nationality requirements, etc

The vacancies listed above are open to:

  • EC nationals
  • Members of the Commonwealth, European Area (EEA) and certain non-EEA family members.

Candidates from the Commonwealth must be free from any restrictions to reside and take up employment in the UK.

As part of the selection process for a Defra vacancy, you will be asked to provide, in confidence, evidence of entitlement to work in the UK and references for your character and health. We will take up these references as appropriate, depending on the progress of your application.

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Page last modified: 19 November 2009