Overview
We are seeking an experienced advisor to join the Water Quality Permitting Strategy Team within the Environment & Business (E&B) department. This role is an exciting opportunity to be at the centre of the Environment Agency to improve England’s water quality. The tasks will be varied but will focus on our work on regulation of water discharge activities.
The team focuses on:
* Developing permitting strategies to address complex water quality issues across industries.
* Creating and embedding evidence-based policies to improve regulatory outcomes.
* Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to align permitting with environmental challenges.
* Streamlining processes and adopting digital tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Responsibilities
* Both lead and support complex water quality permitting projects to meet legal and environmental standards.
* Develop and implement long-term strategic approaches to water regulation.
* Be customer focused, seeking opportunities to work with others across government, other Agencies, industry and environmental bodies.
* Analyse water quality data to inform policy and permitting approaches.
* Drive innovation and continuous improvement in regulatory practices.
* Be flexible and creative, sometimes working in unfamiliar territory and without established processes or guidance to base decisions on.
* Be supported in the role by specialists within the team and wider organisation.
Examples of work
Examples of work the post holder will be involved in include surface water permit review guidance, developing innovative permitting approaches, and development of standard rule sets.
Culture and development
The Environment Agency is committed to developing your professional and personal skills to help you succeed and flourish in your career. We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome diversity and strive to reflect it in our workforce, communities, and environment.
Experience and skills
We’re looking for candidates with enthusiasm in supporting the development and delivery of programmes, initiatives, training and projects designed to improve regulation of the water industry and wider water sector.
You will have:
Technical expertise
* A degree (or equivalent) in environmental science, water management, or related field.
* Strong knowledge of water quality legislation, policies and standards.
* Experience in water quality permitting, wastewater discharge regulation or environmental permitting.
Collaboration and communication
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
* Enthusiasm and experience of working collaboratively and creatively to deliver innovation.
* An ability to effectively communicate and engage people — to motivate them to act and to resolve conflicts and challenges, both internally and externally.
* Commitment to promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace.
Project Management
* Proven ability to manage complex projects and deliver results within deadlines.
* Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Personal Effectiveness
* Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Location and working arrangements
You’ll have an EA Office base location; as a national role, the working location is flexible / hybrid. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel; some travel and overnights may be required.
Equal opportunity and accessibility
We recognise the challenges that people with protected characteristics may experience on the job market. We are committed to being an inclusive employer, ensuring equal opportunities. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We guarantee an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body committed to value for money and uses Central Government frameworks and contracts for external recruitment. For information about becoming a supplier through the Crown Commercial Service, see the government guidance.
Competencies
Competence 1 — Achieves Results
In this role, you will need to gather information and evidence to make recommendations which may change at short notice. Describe a time when you had to adapt your plans to new circumstances. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) approach.
Competence 2 — Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
In this role, you will need to answer technical questions about permitting and water regulation. Tell us about coordinating information from various sources to solve a difficult technical problem. Use the STAR approach.
Competence 3 — Influences and Persuades Others
Describe a time when you persuaded a key stakeholder to your point of view. Use the STAR approach.
Competence 4 — Legislative Knowledge
Understand and interpret legislation such as the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. Describe a situation where you interpreted or applied a regulation to achieve an outcome. Use the STAR approach.
For more guidance, refer to the Candidate Pack.
Note: If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and would not be a Crown Servant, etc.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and flexible working. If you’re applying from disability, there is a Guaranteed Interview policy. Interviews may be conducted via MS Teams within three weeks of the closing date. For questions, contact Ben Bradford (ben.bradford@environment-agency.gov.uk).
Job locations mentioned: Redruth, Cornwall, Truro and Cornwall, England, United Kingdom.
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