Overview
The Environment Agency has a broad, varied remit to protect and enhance the environment, with a goal to create a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for people and wildlife. Water is at the heart of all we do, including drinking, washing, recreation, industry and health. Our environment and economy depend on this precious resource, and clean, available water is essential. As water becomes an increasingly scarce resource, we need to do more to protect it.
Water companies must invest billions of pounds over the next five years to protect the environment from pollution. We need your knowledge and experience to help advise water companies on their plans and hold them to account for protecting the water environment. Join the teams that ensure our environment is protected now and for future generations.
What will you do
You will work alongside Water Quality Officers to establish and embed Bathing Waters work in our teams and support the Operational community of practice to fulfil its responsibilities. This includes assessing Water Company proposals to meet bathing water standards and developing innovative methods to achieve this. You will work closely with Environment Agency teams such as Local Area Integrated Environmental Planning and National Water Quality Guidance Teams, and you will engage with water companies and other external stakeholders to achieve outcomes for Bathing Waters.
Responding to incidents is a central part of our work. You will be required to have an incident role, making yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. Training is available to support you in your incident role, which may attract an additional payment.
The team
Operations Catchment Services works to secure outcomes across key stakeholders, influencing significant investment in the water environment. This post will be part of the OCS Water Quality team. We take a one business approach, working closely with colleagues across the organisation. We are a dispersed team, meeting face to face when needed. Training and mentoring support will be provided.
Essential
Experience/skills required
* Knowledge of water quality planning, bathing water regulations, an understanding of the water industry and price review processes. Excellent communication and networking skills, as you will work with a range of Environment Agency colleagues and external stakeholders.
* The ability to analyse technical information
* Experience of presenting technical information to a wide audience.
* Organisational skills and the ability to plan, track, deliver and evaluate work, meeting relevant standards and timescales.
* Work experience in an environmental discipline – for example, but not limited to – Water companies, Environmental consultancies, regulatory roles, research and education and environmental charities.
Desirable
* Degree or postgraduate qualification in an environmental discipline – for example, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Ecology, Environmental science, Sustainability, Data science and analytics.
* Experience in water quality modelling.
Contact and additional information
You will be working as part of a dispersed team and are expected to travel for national meetings with occasional overnight stays.
We aim to create and maintain a diverse workforce that reflects the UK’s economically active population. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME), disabled, female and LGBT+ candidates who are under-represented across our workforce. We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible working patterns, including part-time and job share.
If you have any questions regarding the vacancy or application process, please contact the recruiting manager dave.sanderson@environment-agency.gov.uk
Interviews will be held using MS Teams and will involve competency-based questions. For information on these competencies please see the Environment Agency capability dictionary: https://en.calameo.com/books/004433680aab41adf893b
Competencies (examples used in interview process)
Note: Your answer will be used for interview selection — please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
Competence 1: Data and Information Management
Description: Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes. Provide an example of when you have managed technical data to inform a decision or produce a report. Include the data nature, how you filtered relevant data, how you organised your report, how data was stored, and how you would approach a similar situation now. Please use the STAR approach when formulating your response.
Competence 2: Communicates Effectively
Description: Listens and communicates clearly with technical and management audiences. Describe when you have conveyed technical information effectively. Please use the STAR approach when formulating your response.
Competence 3: Works in Teams
Description: Works co-operatively as part of a dispersed team to achieve common goals. Describe a team-based example and your role within it. Please use the STAR approach when formulating your response.
If you are applying from the Civil Service, note that the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant upon appointment. Flexible working patterns, including job share, are welcome. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support candidates with disabilities.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and uses government frameworks for external recruitment. For information about becoming a supplier through the Crown Commercial Service, see the GOV.UK guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know
Artificial intelligence note: Applications should reflect your own experience. The Environment Agency aligns with Civil Service guidance on AI usage.
Job details
Senior Officer role, based in Pickering, North Yorkshire area. Travel to national meetings may be required. Full-time role. Referrals may increase interview chances. Employment type: Full-time. Seniority level: Associate.
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