Overview
We are seeking an experienced advisor to join our Water Quality Permitting Strategy Team within the Environment & Business (E&B) department. This role is an exciting opportunity to be at the centre of the Environment Agency to improve England’s water quality. The tasks will be varied but will focus on our work on regulation of water discharge activities.
The team focuses on:
* Developing permitting strategies to address complex water quality issues across industries.
* Creating and embedding evidence-based policies to improve regulatory outcomes.
* Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to align permitting with environmental challenges.
* Streamlining processes and adopting digital tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Responsibilities
* Both lead and support complex water quality permitting projects to meet legal and environmental standards.
* Develop and implement long-term strategic approaches to water regulation.
* Be customer focused, seeking opportunities to work with others across government, other Agencies, industry and environmental bodies.
* Analyse water quality data to inform policy and permitting approaches.
* Drive innovation and continuous improvement in regulatory practices.
* Be flexible and creative, sometimes working in unfamiliar territory and without established processes or guidance to base decisions on.
* Be supported in the role by specialists within the team and wider organisation.
Examples of work that the post holder will be involved in are: surface water permit review guidance, developing innovative permitting approaches and development of standard rule sets.
Experience/Skills Required
We’re looking for candidates with enthusiasm in supporting the development and delivery of programmes, initiatives, training and projects designed to improve regulation of the water industry and wider water sector.
Technical expertise
* A degree (or equivalent) in environmental science, water management, or related field.
* Strong knowledge of water quality legislation, policies and standards.
* Experience in water quality permitting, wastewater discharge regulation or environmental permitting.
Collaboration and communication
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
* Enthusiasm and experience of working collaboratively and creatively to deliver innovation.
* An ability to effectively communicate and engage people - to motivate them to act and to resolve conflicts and challenges, both internally and externally.
* Commitment to promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace.
Project Management
* Proven ability to manage complex projects and deliver results within deadlines.
* Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Personal Effectiveness
* Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Location, travel and working arrangements
You’ll have an EA Office base location; as a national role the working location is flexible / hybrid. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel; some travel and overnights may be required.
Equity, inclusion and accessibility
We recognise the challenges that people with protected characteristics may experience on the job market. We are committed to being an inclusive employer, ensuring equal opportunities. The Environment Agency promotes a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment.
Additional information
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and uses Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls. If you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts, please visit the Crown Commercial Service information page.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams within three weeks of the closing date. If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed.
Contact: Ben Bradford (ben.bradford@environment-agency.gov.uk)
Competencies
Competence 1 — Achieves Results
In this role, you will need to gather information and evidence to make recommendations which may change at short notice. Describe a time when you had to adapt your plans to take into account new circumstances. Include Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) in your response.
Competence 2 — Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Describe a time when you have had to coordinate information from a variety of sources to solve a difficult technical problem. Include STAR in your response.
Competence 3 — Influences and Persuades Others
Describe a time when you successfully persuaded a key stakeholder to your point of view. Include STAR in your response.
Competence 4 — Legislative Knowledge
Describe a situation where you had to interpret or apply a regulation to achieve an outcome and ensure compliance. Include STAR in your response.
Note: If applying from the Civil Service, Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service. For more information, refer to the Candidate Pack.
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