Overview
The Enforcement Advisory Officer plays a critical national role in supporting the Environment Agency’s statutory functions under the Reservoirs Act 1975. You will lead the resolution of complex non-compliance issues, manage enforcement action, and provide specialist regulatory advice in safety-critical situations. You will act as account manager for undertakers, including water companies, supporting proactive engagement, identifying risk early, and driving compliance through consistent, risk-based interventions. You will lead high-risk non-compliance casework using the Compliance Action Plan (CAP) model, represent enforcement in account meetings, and contribute to the delivery of Balmforth Review recommendations and the future Environmental Permitting Regulations regime. You will liaise with engineers, legal advisors, and other regulators to ensure public safety risks are effectively managed. Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate in incident response duties when the need to respond arises. Having an incident role is an essential part of working for the Environment Agency and an active way to support communities and prevent harm to the environment.
Responsibilities
* Lead the resolution of complex non-compliance issues and manage enforcement action.
* Act as account manager for undertakers (including water companies); engage proactively, identify risk early, and drive compliance through risk-based interventions.
* Lead high-risk non-compliance casework using the CAP model; represent enforcement in account meetings; contribute to Balmforth Review recommendations and Environmental Permitting Regulations reform.
* Liaise with engineers, legal advisors, and other regulators to manage public safety risks.
* Participate in training and incident-response duties when required to support communities and protect the environment.
Experience and skills
* Experience managing complex regulatory or enforcement cases with strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
* Ability to manage conflict constructively, stay focused on compliance and public safety, and be resilient under challenge.
* Ability to analyse legal and technical information, assess risk, and provide sound recommendations for proportionate action.
* Strong written and verbal communication; ability to engage diverse stakeholders (undertakers, engineers, legal advisors, internal leadership).
* Desirable: knowledge of the Reservoirs Act 1975, enforcement frameworks, public safety regulation, or infrastructure management; familiarity with Balmforth Review or Environmental Permitting Regulations reform.
Additional information
* This is a national role; you can be based at any Environment Agency office. Some travel and overnight stays will be required.
* The team is part of the Environmental Assessment and Reservoir Regulation department within Flood & Coastal Risk Management (FCRM). The Reservoir Regulation Team regulates over 2,140 large raised reservoirs across England.
Application notes
* Interviews will take place remotely by Microsoft Teams on the 22nd and 23rd of October. You may be asked to deliver a short 5-minute presentation during the interview.
* Please note: answers may be used for interview selection; using the STAR technique is encouraged.
* We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce; flexible working patterns, including job share, are welcome. This includes a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support disabled applicants whose application meets minimum criteria.
* The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by Defra. We participate in Central Government frameworks for external recruitment and cannot engage with the market directly by post, email or phone calls. For information on becoming a Crown Commercial Service supplier, visit the UK government link provided in the job description.
* Artificial intelligence can support applications, but all content must be truthful and from your own experience. Plagiarism may lead to withdrawal of the application.
Role details
* Seniority level: Associate
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Management and Manufacturing
We are providing this description as part of ongoing recruitment for the Environment Agency. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals.
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