Recruitment and public appointments

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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

Administrative Assistant (RCRE 1022)
Animal Health, Carmarthen

8 August 2008

Grade 7 (RCRE 1011)
Trade Policy Analyst, London

1 August 2008

Senior Executive Officer (RCRE 1017)
Trade Policy Analyst , London

1 August 2008

Executive Officer (RCRE 1019)
Sustainable Development Commission, London

1 August 2008

Executive Officer (RCRE 1007)
PVS, Cambridge

30 July 2008

Senior Civil Service (SCSHR145)
Rural Payments Agency, HR Director

28 July 2008

Senior Executive Officer (RCRE 1013)
Sustainable Buildings, Sustainable Development Commission, London

24 July 2008

Administrative Officers (RCRE 1005)
Animal Health, Preston

17 July 2008

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.

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

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 choose between two pensions arrangements:

  • Membership of the premium a final salary occupational scheme with a member contribution rate of 3.5%.
  • Joining 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.

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: 18 July 2008

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs