Senior Advisor - Chemicals and Water - 31861
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. The team identifies emerging chemical risks, uses evidence to shape policy, and guides regulatory responses. This dispersed team works via MS Teams with travel for face-to-face meetings (usually in Birmingham or Bristol).
Overview
We are looking for a motivated strategic thinker with a passion for shaping environmental regulation and reducing chemical risks in our water environment through smart, evidence-based policy. 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.
Responsibilities
* Lead development of our chemical 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.
* Opportunity to take online management responsibilities, supporting the growth and development of others in the team.
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
Working Arrangements
You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan and training will be provided. The EA base location is flexible as this is a national role. Some travel and overnight stays will be required. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel.
Equality & Inclusion
The Environment Agency is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment.
Recruitment & Selection
Applications are blind assessed using competency questions. Interviews are via MS Teams. If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll keep your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post. If you are applying from the Civil Service, please note the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of appointment.
Competencies
1. Shapes organisational approach & delivery
o Description: Informs Government Policy and/or designs, implements and supports an approach to translate it into cost-effective operational activity delivering outcomes for people and the environment.
2. Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
3. Influences and Persuades Others
4. Manages Self
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Other
Note: The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks for recruitment needs.
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