Overview
Senior Advisor - Chemicals and Water
Join our Chemicals Surveillance and Emerging Risks team as a Senior Advisor and play a leading role in how we tackle chemicals of concern. This is a unique opportunity to work within the wider Chemicals Programme, influencing national strategy and delivering smarter, more effective environmental protection. This role focuses on chemicals in water and offers the chance to shape the chemicals component of the Price Review programme, contribute to the Chemicals Investigation Programme, and ensure chemical risks are addressed through permit reviews and regulatory innovation.
We are looking for a confident, experienced professional with an interest in policy development ready to lead on one of the most important environmental challenges of our time. The Environment Agency is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Responsibilities
* Lead development of our chemical’s strategy for 2030–2035 through the Price Review programme.
* Ensure effective delivery of AMP8 and AMP9.
* Review high-risk permitted activities.
* Influence national plans through collaboration with Defra, the water industry, and other stakeholders.
* Provide technical leadership across teams, mentoring colleagues and promoting innovation.
* Translate evidence into action to deliver environmental outcomes.
* Support the growth and development of others in the team, potentially taking on management responsibilities.
Team and Work Environment
* Join the Chemicals Surveillance and Emerging Risks Team within the Chemicals Programme, part of the Environment and Business Directorate.
* Identify emerging chemical risks, use evidence to shape policy, and guide regulatory responses.
* Work as a dispersed team via MS Teams with occasional travel to face-to-face meetings (usually in Birmingham or Bristol).
* Promote a positive, inclusive, supportive culture that leverages evidence, expertise, and innovation to enhance delivery, influence legislation, and secure resources.
Experience/Skills Required
We are looking for a strategic, self-motivated individual with knowledge of the water industry, water quality planning and permitting processes including Price Review cycles and River Basin Management Planning. You’ll be confident working across policy, regulation, and stakeholder engagement to influence national programmes and deliver environmental outcomes.
* Degree or equivalent experience in environmental science/policy/related fields
* Understanding of water industry planning, regulation and/or permitting
* Strong stakeholder engagement/relationship-building skills, including with government and industry
* Strategic thinking and data analysis skills in environmental planning or water quality
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical and scientific information into clear, actionable policy
* Leadership in projects, programmes, or people, with a collaborative and inclusive approach
* Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
Desirable
* Awareness of environmental risks posed by chemicals and regulations
* Membership of a relevant professional body
Contact and Additional Information
You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given.
You’ll have an EA office base location; as a national role the working location is flexible. Some travel and overnight stays will be required. Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact melanie.farmer@environment-agency.gov.uk. Applications are blind assessed using competency questions. Interviews will be held via MS Teams. 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.
Competencies (example questions in pack)
1. Shapes organisational approach & delivery: Describe a time you translated a direction into an operational approach with water quality benefits.
2. Takes Decisions and Solves Problems: Coordinate information from multiple sources to solve a difficult technical problem.
3. Influences and Persuades Others: Describe persuading a stakeholder to shift direction for an environmental outcome.
4. Manages Self: What are your development areas for this role and how will you keep your knowledge up to date?
The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant if appointed. We encourage flexible working and offer a Guaranteed Interview Policy for candidates with disabilities who meet minimum criteria.
#J-18808-Ljbffr