Environment Planning Specialist – Water Quality – 32375
Join to apply for the Environment Planning Specialist – Water Quality – 32375 role at Environment Agency
The Environment Agency is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.
Job Description
We are recruiting a Water Quality Specialist to join our Integrated Environment Planning (IEP) Team in Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (DCIS). IEP drives improvements in local rivers, lakes and coastal waters by understanding the pressures they face, finding solutions, and working with those who can deliver change.
Given the scale of future investment by water companies in England and the record number of improvements required by the Environment Act, a significant priority will be reviewing and shaping water company proposals. You will work closely with the local Water Company, reviewing the data and information they provide, communicating effectively and influencing them to go further against competing priorities.
You will also lead business‑as‑usual activities of improving and maintaining our designated Protected Areas (Bathing Waters and Drinking Waters). You will work with National colleagues who provide guidance and technical support, and with other local Area Teams with specialist knowledge in different aspects of the local environment and environmental regulations.
Responding to incidents is a central part of our work. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment; full training and alternative working arrangements will be available.
Responsibilities
* Review and shape water company proposals.
* Communicate effectively with local Water Companies and influence their priorities.
* Lead improvement and maintenance of designated Protected Areas.
* Collaborate with National colleagues, technical support teams, and local Area Teams.
* Maintain an incident role and respond to incidents or provide business continuity support.
Experience / Skills Required
Essential
* Degree or equivalent qualification in an environmental discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Engineering, Geoscience, Ecology, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Data Science) OR substantial relevant professional experience.
* Relevant environmental work experience (e.g., water companies, environmental or engineering consultancy, regulatory roles in government/public bodies, research, education, environmental charities).
* Technical background in water quality, with understanding of current environmental pressures and solutions.
Desirable
* Ability to analyse and present technical information to diverse audiences.
* Strong organisational skills, including planning, tracking, delivery, and evaluation to meet standards and deadlines.
* Effective influencing and persuasion skills with external partners.
* Experience working with water companies and knowledge of their operations.
* Membership of, or working towards, a relevant professional institute (e.g., CIWEM, IEMA).
Contact
This is a permanent role in the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Environment Planning team. The role will be based in our Exeter, Launceston or Bodmin office, but through a flexible hybrid model that allows a balance of working at offices or home to suit the needs of both individuals and the business.
Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact Charles Ikediashi, charles.ikediashi@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Interviews will be held mid‑January 2026 in person at Manley House, Exeter.
We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability.
#J-18808-Ljbffr