Urban Drainage Advisor – Water Regulation Directorate
We are looking for an urban drainage advisor with sewer hydraulic modelling experience. This is an exciting and busy time for the wastewater sector. You will join an experienced and supportive national team working to design and implement new regulatory approaches, enabling strategic change in the way we regulate and work with sewerage companies in delivering their storm and emergency overflow improvement programmes.
Key Responsibilities
* Apply your experience of building and using sewer hydraulic and modelling tools to inform guidance to the sector and assure programme delivery.
* Lead the development of audit processes for water quality investigations carried out under the Storm Overflows Assessment Framework and Environment Act.
* Co‑develop training courses on Urban Pollution Management (UPM), respond to technical queries, and coach staff on sewerage and water quality investigations.
* Work proactively with Environment Agency teams and external organisations, maintaining effective communication with internal and external customers.
* Provide incident support or a full‑time incident role on an as‑needed basis, with additional payment and full training if chosen.
* Involve in strategic water quality regulatory development and communicate with government policy teams where required.
Key Qualifications
* A relevant degree such as civil engineering, geography or environmental science, or equivalent professional experience.
* Experience of sewer modelling and/or river quality impact modelling carried out for Urban Pollution Management (UPM) studies, including model audits.
* Knowledge of environmental planning and the regulation of Water and Sewerage Companies.
* Excellent organisational skills and experience of coaching others.
* Experience embedding new approaches into business processes across dispersed teams.
Experience & Skills Required
As well as technical knowledge, you will need to have excellent organisational skills and be effective at coaching others. Experience of embedding new approaches into our/your business will help, as the role will involve developing new processes through collaborative relationships across dispersed teams.
Competencies
Competence 1 – Numerical Modelling and Forecasting
Interpret data and information to forecast environmental state, including large‑scale trends such as climate change and localised forecasting such as pollution, flooding and water availability. Describe sewer and/or river quality impact models you have developed, their purpose, audit or quality assurance processes followed, problems encountered, and how these were resolved.
Competence 2 – Strategic Environment Planning
Develop, deliver and implement strategic plans for the sustainable use, protection and improvement of the environment. Provide a summary of your technical knowledge and experience from the wastewater sector. Describe how you have applied environmental planning, along with your technical and professional skills, to have a significant positive impact on water quality.
Competence 3 – Coaches Others
Use a variety of methods, including direct instruction, coaching and feedback, to help others develop. Provide an example where you successfully enhanced the capability of a group of people within your organisation or an external organisation.
Competence 4 – Shapes Organisational Approach & Delivery
Shape organisational approach and delivery. Inform government policy and design, implement and support an approach to translate it into cost‑effective operational activity delivering outcomes for people and the environment. Describe a process you have developed and embedded at an organisational level.
Application Process
Contact and additional information: phil.hulme@environment-agency.gov.uk. Applications will be “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. Interviews will be held using MS Teams during the week commencing 12th January 2026. If you consent to be recruited onto a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The Environment Agency is fully committed to creating an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Flexible working patterns are welcomed, and we have a Guaranteed Interview policy to support those with a disability meeting the minimum criteria for the post.
Artificial Intelligence and Applications
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, applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may face disciplinary action.
#J-18808-Ljbffr