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 supports your professional and personal development to help you succeed in your career. We are committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Team and Culture
You’ll join the Environment and Business, Water Regulation – Water Quality Permitting Strategy Team. We are 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. 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. 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.
* 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.
Location and Conditions
You’ll have an EA Office base location; as a national role, the working location is flexible / hybrid. Some travel and overnights may be required. We support flexible working patterns and encourage you to indicate preferred arrangements in your application. Interviews will be held via MS Teams within three weeks of the closing date.
Contact: Ben Bradford (ben.bradford@environment-agency.gov.uk).
Important notes
We are committed to an inclusive workforce and welcome applicants with protected characteristics. The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service. For applicants from local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, continuous service options may apply. A Guaranteed Interview Policy exists to support those with a disability.
If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer an alternative post in the future.
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