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Job Description
The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.
We’re looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the Solent & South Downs Sustainable Places Team. This is an opportunity to help create places where people and nature thrive for generations to come.
You’ll play a key role in guiding development and shaping decisions that protect people and the environment. You’ll influence developers during pre-application discussions, guide local authorities through strategic planning, and provide expert advice as a statutory consultee on planning applications. Every decision you help shape will contribute to reducing flood risk, improving water quality, tackling land contamination, and enhancing biodiversity.
What you’ll do
* Manage a varied caseload of planning work, including applications, Environmental Impact Assessments, and marine licensing.
* Build strong relationships with partners and stakeholders to achieve positive environmental outcomes.
* Coordinate advice from specialists across the Agency and present it clearly and confidently.
* Embrace new ways of working to improve efficiency and customer service. You’ll be supported by the team while managing your own workload.
If you’re passionate about shaping sustainable growth and influencing planning decisions that make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to sit your needs. Appropriate training will be given.
The team
You’ll join our enthusiastic Sustainable Places team that takes pride in delivering environmental results. We have a diverse group of knowledgeable people who are keen to positively influence the Environment Agency’s input into the planning process. We take a pragmatic approach to our work, continually developing our skills to become more evidence-driven, business-focused, and customer-oriented. To achieve this, our team collaborates with a wide range of internal technical experts across the Environment Agency.
Experience/skills Required
We are looking for someone qualified to at least degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. In your capability-based answers, you should demonstrate:
* Experience with relevant planning systems and environmental issues.
* Understanding of the Environment Agency and its role within the Town and Country Planning System.
* Ability to think strategically and see the bigger picture.
* A positive, approachable, and enthusiastic attitude, with a drive for innovation.
* Strong time management and organisational skills, with flexibility to meet changing priorities.
* Self-motivation and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
* Excellent customer service, communication, and relationship-building skills – written and verbal.
* Ability to work effectively with diverse backgrounds and promote inclusion.
* Confidence in negotiation and influencing, supported by a wide professional network.
* Sound decision-making skills when faced with complex or competing factors.
Contact and additional information
You’ll have an EA Office base location of either Romsey, Chichester or Worthing but through a flexible hybrid model that allows a balance of working at offices or home to suit the needs of both individuals and the business. Some occasional travel to team meetings will be required.
Please read the Candidate Pack for information.
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. The capabilities you will be assessed by at interview will be:
* Providing technical advice on Planning Liaison consultations
* Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
* Communicates Effectively
* Uses Initiative
Interviews will be held via MS Teams week commencing 19th January 2026.
Any queries, contact Sophie.Brown@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Competence 1
Providing technical advice on Planning Liaison consultations
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Provides timely and effective specialist technical advice on land use planning consultations to protect & enhance the environment.
Question: Give an example of when you have put your knowledge of the land use planning system into practice & how would this benefit you in the role of Sustainable Places Advisor?
Competence 2
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.
Question: Describe a time when you had to solve a particularly complex problem in your current/previous role:
* What was the problem?
* What made it complex?
* What information did you need to solve it?
* What were the main challenges and how did you overcome these?
* What was the outcome?
* What did you learn and is there anything you would do differently if in a similar position in the future?
Competence 3
Communicates Effectively
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
Question: What attributes do you feel make a good communicator?
* Please give examples of times when you have personally demonstrated these attributes
Other information
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls. Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Seniority level
* Associate
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Consulting, Information Technology, and Sales
Location and Salary
Fareham, England, United Kingdom - Salary: £50,000.00-£55,000.00 (Posted 14 hours ago)
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