Overview
We are seeking an experienced advisor to join our 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.
Responsibilities
* Develop permitting strategies to address complex water quality issues across industries.
* Create and embed evidence-based policies to improve regulatory outcomes.
* Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align permitting with environmental challenges.
* Streamline processes and adopt digital tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
* 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 include surface water permit review guidance, developing innovative permitting approaches and development of standard rule sets.
The Environment Agency is committed to developing your professional and personal skills to help you succeed in your career and to having an inclusive workforce.
Team
You’ll join the Environment and Business, Water Regulation – Water Quality Permitting Strategy Team. We’re a national dispersed team that uses evidence, engagement and innovation to support delivery, influence policy and secure resources for regulation of the water industry and wider water sector. We collaborate with National and Area teams to deliver impactful regulatory permitting strategies.
In Environment and Business we promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued.
Experience/skills Required
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.
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.
* Ability to effectively communicate and engage people to motivate action and 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.
Contact and additional information
EA Office base location; as a national role the working location is flexible / hybrid. Some travel and overnight stays may be required. We are committed to diversity and equal opportunities. Everyone is required to hold an Incident Management role, and appropriate training will be given. If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post in the future. Interviews will be held via MS Teams within three weeks of the closing date. For questions contact Ben Bradford (ben.bradford@environment-agency.gov.uk).
The Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body committed to diversity, inclusion and flexible working arrangements, including job-sharing. We guarantee interview access to applicants with disabilities whose applications meet the minimum criteria for the post.
Competences
Competence 1: Achieves Results. Describes gathering information and evidence to make recommendations that may change on short notice. Use STAR approach in answers as part of shortlisting and interview.
Competence 2: Takes Decisions and Solves Problems. Describes coordinating information from multiple sources to solve a difficult technical problem.
Competence 3: Influences and Persuades Others. Describes achieving buy-in from stakeholders to improve environmental outcomes.
Competence 4: Legislative Knowledge. Requires understanding and applying legislation such as Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.
If applying from Civil Service, note that Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant. If unsure of status, consult your HR Team.
The Environment Agency is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and flexible working patterns. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for candidates with disabilities.
Seniority level
* Associate
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Quality Assurance
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