Overview
The Enforcement Advisory Officer plays a critical national role in supporting the Environment Agency’s statutory functions under the Reservoirs Act 1975. You will lead the resolution of complex non-compliance issues, manage enforcement action, and provide specialist regulatory advice in safety-critical situations. You will act as account manager for undertakers, including water companies, supporting proactive engagement, identifying risk early, and driving compliance through consistent, risk-based interventions. This role is national and can be based at any Environment Agency office.
You will lead high-risk non-compliance casework using the Compliance Action Plan (CAP) model, represent enforcement in account meetings, and contribute to the delivery of Balmforth Review recommendations and the future Environmental Permitting Regulations regime. You will liaise with engineers, legal advisors, and other regulators to ensure public safety risks are effectively managed. All staff are required to undertake training and participate in incident response duties when needed.
The Environment Agency is committed to being an inclusive employer with equal opportunities for all. We welcome flexible working patterns, including job share.
This is a national role; some travel and overnight stays may be required.
Responsibilities
* Lead resolution of complex non-compliance issues and manage enforcement action under the Reservoirs Act 1975.
* Act as account manager for undertakers (e.g., water companies), supporting proactive engagement and identifying risk early.
* Drive compliance through consistent, risk-based interventions and proportionate formal action when needed.
* Lead high-risk non-compliance casework using the CAP model; represent enforcement in account meetings.
* Contribute to Balmforth Review recommendations and the future Environmental Permitting Regulations regime.
* Liaise with engineers, legal advisers, and other regulators to manage public safety risks.
* Undertake training and participate in incident response duties as part of EA operations.
Experience and Qualifications
* Experience managing complex regulatory or enforcement cases with strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
* Ability to manage conflict constructively, remain resilient, and focus on compliance and public safety.
* Ability to analyse legal and technical information, assess risk, and provide sound recommendations for proportionate action.
* Strong written and verbal communication; ability to engage diverse stakeholders including undertakers, engineers, legal advisers, and internal leadership.
* Desirable: knowledge of the Reservoirs Act 1975, enforcement frameworks, public safety regulation, or infrastructure management; familiarity with Balmforth Review recommendations or Environmental Permitting Regulations reform.
* Organised, adaptable, and motivated to deliver results through collaboration and regulatory impact.
Interviews and How to Apply
Interviews will take place remotely by Microsoft Teams on the 22nd and 23rd of October. Applicants will be asked to prepare and deliver a short 5-minute presentation on a stakeholder engagement scenario.
As part of the interview, you will be assessed on communication and presentation skills using the provided competency prompts. You may use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Competencies (examples)
* Influences and Persuades Others
* Communicates Effectively
* Achieves Results
* Customer and Partner Relations
Notes for Applicants
If you are applying from the Civil Service, note that the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant if appointed. The Environment Agency is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes flexible working, including job share. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support disabled applicants whose applications meet minimum criteria. If you need more information on eligibility or status, consult your HR team.
The Environment Agency, a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to value for money and uses Central Government frameworks for recruitment. For information about becoming a supplier through Crown Commercial Service, visit the official GOV.UK page on suppliers.
Contact and Additional Information
For further information or an informal chat about the role, contact:
* Zoe Wilson, Senior Team Leader – zoe.wilson@environment-agency.gov.uk
* Karl Hunter, Enforcement Adviser – karl.hunter@environment-agency.gov.uk
Location and Travel
National role; some travel and overnight stays may be required. Offices located across England with national scope.
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