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 requires excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills, the ability to manage conflict constructively, and confidence to take proportionate formal action when needed.
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 also liaise with engineers, legal advisors, and other regulators to ensure public safety risks are effectively managed. Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate in incident response duties when the need to respond arises. Having an incident role is an essential part of working for the Environment Agency and an active way to support communities and prevent harm to the environment.
Location: This is a national role so you can be based at any Environment Agency office.
Responsibilities
* Lead the resolution of complex non-compliance issues and manage enforcement action under the Reservoirs Act 1975.
* Act as account manager for undertakers, including water companies, and drive compliance through proactive engagement and risk-based interventions.
* Lead high-risk non-compliance casework using the CAP model and represent enforcement in account meetings.
* Contribute to Balmforth Review recommendations and future Environmental Permitting Regulations reforms.
* Liaise with engineers, legal advisors, and other regulators to ensure public safety risks are effectively managed.
* Undertake training and participate in incident response duties as part of EA employment.
Experience and Qualifications
* Experience managing complex regulatory or enforcement cases with strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
* Ability to manage conflict constructively and remain resilient while focusing 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 a wide range of stakeholders including undertakers, engineers, legal advisors, 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.
Additional Information
* Contact for further information or informal chat: Zoe Wilson, Senior Team Leader – zoe.wilson@environment-agency.gov.uk; Karl Hunter, Enforcement Adviser – karl.hunter@environment-agency.gov.uk
* Interviews will be held remotely by Microsoft Teams on the 22nd and 23rd of October. A 5-minute presentation on engaging with undertakers/stakeholders resisting safety actions may be required as part of the interview.
* We are committed to an inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. Guaranteed Interview Policy supports those with a disability.
Organisation and Team
You will join the Environmental Assessment and Reservoir Regulation department within Flood & Coastal Risk Management (FCRM). The Reservoir Regulation Team is a nationally dispersed team of 25+ specialists who regulate over 2,140 large raised reservoirs across England. As the enforcement authority for the Reservoirs Act 1975, we manage high-risk non-compliance using proportionate enforcement powers to protect public safety. The team is based across the country, and some travel and overnight stays will be required.
Seniority and Employment Type
* Seniority level: Associate
* Employment type: Full-time
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