Join to apply for the Sewerage Technical Advisor - 32397 role at Environment Agency
Overview
The Environment Agency is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We do not just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it for the benefit of our staff, communities, and the environment.
Responsibilities
We are looking for an urban drainage advisor with sewer hydraulic modelling experience. This is an exciting and busy time for the wastewater sector. You will join an experienced and supportive national team working to design and implement new regulatory approaches, enabling strategic change in the way we regulate and work with sewerage companies in delivering their storm and emergency overflow improvement programmes.
You will apply your experiences of building and using sewer hydraulic and modelling tools to inform our guidance to the sector and assure programme delivery. Working proactively with Environment Agency teams and external organisations, you will lead the development of audit processes for water quality investigations carried out under the Storm Overflows Assessment Framework and Environment Act. You will also co‑develop training courses on Urban Pollution Management (UPM), respond to technical queries, and coach staff on sewerage and water quality investigations.
Responding to incidents is a central part of this role. You’ll have the option to take an incident role and be available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident, which may attract additional payment and training.
Experience / Skills Required
* A relevant degree such as civil engineering, geography or environmental science is desirable, although alternatives may be considered alongside relevant professional experience.
* Experience of sewer modelling and/or river quality impact modelling for Urban Pollution Management studies, including model audits.
* Knowledge of environmental planning and the regulation of Water and Sewerage Companies.
* Excellent organisational skills and effective coaching ability.
* Experience embedding new approaches into business, developing new processes through collaborative relationships across dispersed teams.
Additional Information
Office base location is flexible; you should be prepared to occasionally travel or stay overnight to attend meetings.
Contact for further information: phil.hulme@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications will be "blind" assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Competencies
Competence 1 – Numerical Modelling and Forecasting
Interpret data and information to forecast the state of the environment, including large‑scale trends such as climate change, and more localised forecasting such as pollution, flooding and water availability. Describe sewer and/or river quality impact models you have developed, their purpose, the audit or quality assurance processes followed, problems encountered, and how these were resolved.
Competence 2 – Strategic Environment Planning
Develop, deliver and implement strategic plans for the sustainable use, protection and improvement of our environment. Provide a summary of your technical knowledge and experience from the wastewater sector and describe how you have applied environmental planning, along with your technical and professional skills, to have a significant positive impact on water quality.
Competence 3 – Coaches Others
Use a variety of methods, including direct instruction, coaching and feedback, to help others develop. Provide an example of where you successfully enhanced the capability of a group of people within your organisation or an external organisation.
Competence 4 – Shapes Organisational Approach & Delivery
Shape organisational approach and delivery, inform government policy and design, implement and support approaches to translate it into cost‑effective operational activity delivering outcomes for people and the environment. Describe a process you have developed and embedded at an organisational level.
Application Process
Interviews will be held using MS Teams during the week commencing 12th January 2026. If you consent to be recruited onto a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.
Legal and Inclusion Statements
The Environment Agency welcomes flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share, and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. The Agency is a Non‑Departmental Public Body and is not part of HM Civil Service.
Artificial Intelligence Guidance
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. All examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified, applications may be withdrawn.
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