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. This requires excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills, the ability to manage conflict constructively, and confidence to take proportionate formal action when needed.
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.
All colleagues undertake training and participate in incident response duties when required. An incident role is an essential part of working for the Environment Agency and supports communities and protects the environment.
The Environment Agency is committed to being an inclusive employer with equal opportunities for everyone. Flexible working patterns, including job share, are welcome. This is a national role and you can be based at any Environment Agency office.
Responsibilities
* Lead resolution of complex non-compliance issues and manage enforcement action under the Reservoirs Act 1975.
* Act as account manager for undertakers (e.g., water companies) and drive proactive, risk-based engagement and interventions.
* Lead high-risk casework using the CAP model; represent enforcement in account meetings; contribute to Balmforth Review implementation and Environmental Permitting Regulations reform.
* Liaise with engineers, legal advisors, and other regulators to manage public safety risks.
* Engage in incident response duties as required.
Qualifications and Experience
* Experience managing complex regulatory or enforcement cases with strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
* Ability to manage conflict constructively and stay focused on compliance and public safety.
* Ability to analyse legal and technical information, assess risk, and recommend proportionate actions.
* Strong written and verbal communication; ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders including undertakers, engineers, legal advisors, and internal leadership.
* Desirable: knowledge of the Reservoirs Act 1975, enforcement frameworks, public safety regulation, or infrastructure management. Familiarity with Balmforth Review recommendations or Environmental Permitting Regulations reform is advantageous.
* Organised, adaptable, and motivated to deliver results through collaboration and regulatory impact.
Additional Information
* Travel and overnight stays may be required as the team is nationally dispersed.
* Some roles of travel and base locations include Lichfield, Sutton In Ashfield, Derby, and other England offices.
* Interviews will be conducted remotely by Microsoft Teams on the specified dates; candidates may be asked to prepare a short presentation as part of the process.
Contact and How to Apply
* Zoe Wilson, Senior Team Leader – zoe.wilson@environment-agency.gov.uk
* Karl Hunter, Enforcement Adviser – karl.hunter@environment-agency.gov.uk
Guaranteed Interview policy is available to support applicants with disabilities. The Environment Agency is committed to diversity and inclusion and to flexible working patterns.
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