Environmental Lead Advisor (Wastewater Treatment)
Hello! Thanks for stopping by. Let us tell you about all the great reasons to join us here at Yorkshire Water:
• We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience from £40,760
• Annual incentive related bonus
• Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution)
• Development opportunities in line with the Environmental Lead Advisor progression plan
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays – plus an extra wellness day!
• Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary
• A great benefits package – choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover
• Retail savings scheme
• Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!
Location: Hybrid Working (Please note that this role is initially based in Bradford (Leeds from mid-2026) and there will be one to two days in the office every week).
Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday.
Environmental Lead Advisor (Wastewater Treatment) – Make a Difference at Yorkshire Water.
Join a leading team driving positive change for Yorkshire’s environment and river health.
Are you passionate about the water environment and looking for a role where your expertise can help shape the future of river and coastal health Yorkshire? We have an exciting opening for an Environmental Lead Advisor (Wastewater Treatment) to join our Environmental Regulation and Permitting Team at Yorkshire Water. If you thrive on embracing environmental regulatory opportunities and want to make a real impact, this is the opportunity for you.
Your Impact!
As an Environmental Lead Advisor, you’ll become a trusted expert for our business, offering invaluable advice on environmental regulation and permitting for over 600 wastewater treatment works, leading permitting activity for around 300 water quality improvement projects totalling over £700million in phosphorous, ammonia and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) removal under Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, Water Framework Directive and Environment Act obligations, as well as improvements to wastewater treatment works to meet inland bathing water requirements, river water quality monitoring and flow monitoring. You will also be essential in supporting our Nature First ambition by working closely with the Environment Agency to deliver Nature Based Solutions.
You’ll play a pivotal role in:
• Building constructive relationships with the Environment Agency at both national and regional levels to achieve positive regulatory outcomes through collaborative negotiation
• Assessing and advising on the impact of new and existing environmental legislation such as the Water Framework Directive and Environment Act, ensuring Yorkshire Water always has the correct regulatory permissions (permits/ licenses/ exemptions) to achieve our goal of 100% compliant 100% of the time
• Supporting the transition from water resources licences to modern environmental permits, collaborating with internal colleagues and regulators
• Providing expert guidance on all matters concerning wastewater treatment environmental permitting, and compliance
• Representing Yorkshire Water at national industry and regulator task and finish groups, research and investigations related to wastewater treatment
About Yorkshire Water!
Everyone has an idea of what a water company does. Here in Yorkshire, we make sure that over million people living in the region and the millions of people who visit our region each year, can rely on our services, and have clean and safe drinking water on tap and that their wastewater is taken away. But for us, it’s so much more than this.
We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire’s water, today, tomorrow 24/7, 365 days a year. We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region, and play a key role in the region’s health, wellbeing, and prosperity.
What we’re looking for!
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about the environment, has an understanding of environmental legislation within the water industry, and an ability to analyse complex regulatory guidance to ensure requirements are met. Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills are required and an ability to engage with colleagues and the regulator at all levels and to mentor colleagues within the team. The ability to analyse and interpret complex data and develop and monitor internal processes are also essential.
Skills & Qualifications
Essential
• Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject ( environment, environmental sciences, geography, law)
• Knowledge of environmental legislation and regulatory policy in relation to the Water Industry
• Experience in applying environmental regulations to operational activities
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to coach and mentor colleagues, and influence regulatory decisions
Desirable
• Knowledge of water industry operations
• Experience in obtaining permits or licences
• Membership of an appropriate professional institution
Accessibility
Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it’s important to us that we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can), to help you make the best of both your work and home life. We know that juggling caring responsibilities or getting that ideal work/life balance isn’t always easy! We will be willing to discuss part-time or flexible working options for this role.
We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible.
If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that requires changes to the recruitment process, please include this information in your application. We will then discuss any reasonable adjustments required.