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Working for
Defra

Everyone who works with us or in one of our agencies and public bodies has a part to play in achieving our vision of ‘creating a great place for people to live’. The work we do impacts the lives of everyone living in the UK – from the food they eat and the air they breathe, to the water they drink.

Our objectives are

To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future.

To lead the world in food, farming and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production.

To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

Check out our latest jobs

We are always looking for talented people to join us at Defra. Find out more about our current vacancies and apply today.

A great place for people to live

People who work for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs all play their part in creating a healthier environment, developing a world-leading food and farming industry, expanding a thriving rural economy and securing robust defences against natural threats and hazards such as flooding and animal and plant diseases.

Our people come from a wide variety of backgrounds and include policy makers, scientists and research specialists.

Whatever your skills, background or specialism, you will find that we offer work with a profound purpose. There has never been a more exciting time to join us.

Our focus is on working in a transformative way, embracing every opportunity to be more agile, efficient, focused and innovative than ever before.

For you, this promises an opportunity to impact on millions of lives, building a bright future for us all.

ecologist inspecting young trees

What we can offer you

We want everyone to be the best they can be. You will have access to learning and development, mentors and coaches to help you progress your career and build on your skills. Your professional development will be encouraged and supported.

Our comprehensive benefits offer includes:

  • An occupational pension with an employer contribution of over 26% plus a range of other benefits – Benefits of the pension scheme – Civil Service Pension Scheme
  • Generous holiday allowance of 25 or 27 days for new starters (dependent on grade) based on full-time work pattern, which increases to 30 days over time, in addition to public/bank holidays
  • Flexible working options, including full-time, part-time, job share and hybrid working for some roles
  • A range of family friendly policies such as generous maternity, adoption or shared parental leave
  • Excellent learning and development opportunities
  • A culture encouraging inclusivity and diversity with a range of local and national employee networks
  • A comprehensive wellbeing offer which includes support for mental and physical wellbeing
  • An Employee Assistance Programme – a free and confidential service providing information and counselling to help with a range of work, family and personal issues
  • A comprehensive reward scheme which includes vouchers and monetary awards
  • Sports and social activities
  • Access to discounts on a range of products and services
  • A range of schemes to help you budget certain costs
  • Support for volunteering and charitable giving activities, including time off

What you could do

We promote inclusivity and value equality and diversity. We value and support all our employees, have strong and proactive employee networks, special leave policies, workplace adjustments for those who need them, flexible working and diversity talent programmes to help everyone irrespective of background.

Female scientist work together in a laboratory

Latest news

View of a pedestrian and bicycle path between grassy embankments

New housing developments to deliver nature boost in landmark move

In a world first, developers in England are now required to deliver 10% Biodiversity Net Gain when building new housing, industrial or commercial developments.

A puffin with small fish in its beak.

Nature recovery to be accelerated as the government delivers on measures to protect land and sea

One year on since the publication of the Environmental Improvement Plan, the government launches new measures to halt and reverse nature’s decline.

New measures to boost access to nature announced

The new package of measures includes launching a search for a new National Park, 34 new landscape recovery projects, new forests and funding to help more children get outdoors and into the great British countryside