Job Description
The Environment Agency is committed to having an inclusive workforce, reflecting the communities we serve. We dont just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.
We are recruiting a Senior Advisor within our national Planning and Place team, leading and shaping our work on nature recovery through the spatial planning system. This role is at the heart of how we enable growth and development to deliver better outcomes for nature, climate resilience, and environmental capacity.
Key Responsibilities
* Leading the Environment Agency’s spatial planning approach to nature recovery.
* Shaping legislation, policy and guidance, including leading Government consultation responses with a current focus on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
* Managing work programmes, including governance, budget planning and reporting.
* Supporting our cross‑organisation thinking on nature‑recovery‑led growth, including alignment with our operational teams and key national programme leads, and supporting consistent implementation approaches.
* Supporting the team’s work on Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS).
* Collaborating with colleagues across national policy teams to strengthen alignment between nature recovery and other spatial planning policies, including BNG, LNRS, the Nature Restoration Fund/Environmental Delivery Plans, climate adaptation plans, and wider planning and investment programmes.
* Building organisational capability on spatial planning and nature recovery through guidance, tools, training, communications and technical advice.
* Acting as a proactive and influential partner with Government, arm’s‑length bodies, local authorities and sector networks to drive nature‑positive, place‑based growth.
You may also provide line management, supporting capability, wellbeing and performance, and help build a positive, inclusive and learning‑focused team culture.
You may be asked to work on other programmes of work as required.
Experience and Skills Required
* Strong understanding of nature recovery and environmental legislation and policy, and the ability to translate this into practical tools, guidance and ways of working.
* Knowledge and experience of Biodiversity Net Gain and other nature recovery policies in practice.
* Good understanding of the spatial planning system and how it can be used to support environmental outcomes.
* Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, including with senior policy leads.
* Experience working in the environment or planning sector, or ability to demonstrate relevant transferable skills.
* Project/programme management experience.
* Ability to prioritise and manage complex workloads.
* Confidence working independently and collaboratively.
* Flexible and adaptable mindset, with the ability to respond positively to changing priorities.
Line management experience would be an advantage but is not essential.
You’ll have access to a range of development opportunities, and appropriate training and support will be provided.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel; some travel and overnights may be required. The working location is flexible and you will have an EA Office base location.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment.
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