Overview

Advisor - Water Quality Permitting Strategy - 31813

We are seeking an experienced advisor to join our Water Quality Permitting Strategy Team within the Environment & Business (E&B) department. This role is an exciting opportunity to be at the centre of the Environment Agency to improve England’s water quality. The tasks will be focused on regulation of water discharge activities.

Team focus

• Developing permitting strategies to address complex water quality issues across industries.
• Creating and embedding evidence-based policies to improve regulatory outcomes.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to align permitting with environmental challenges.
• Streamlining processes and adopting digital tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support complex water quality permitting projects to meet legal and environmental standards.
• Develop and implement long-term strategic approaches to water regulation.
• Be customer focused, engaging with government bodies, other agencies, industry and environmental groups.
• Analyse water quality data to inform policy and permitting approaches.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in regulatory practices.
• Be flexible and creative, sometimes working in unfamiliar territory without established processes or guidance.
• Receive support in the role from specialists within the team and wider organisation.

Examples of work include surface water permit review guidance, developing innovative permitting approaches, and development of standard rule sets.

Experience / skills Required

We’re looking for candidates with enthusiasm for supporting the development and delivery of programmes, initiatives, training and projects designed to improve regulation of the water industry and wider water sector.

• Technical expertise
  • A degree (or equivalent) in environmental science, water management, or related field.
  • Strong knowledge of water quality legislation, policies and standards.
  • Experience in water quality permitting, wastewater discharge regulation or environmental permitting.
• Collaboration and communication
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
  • Experience collaborating and innovating to deliver improvements.
  • Ability to communicate and engage people to motivate action and to resolve conflicts.
  • Commitment to promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace.
• Project Management
  • Proven ability to manage complex projects and deliver results within deadlines.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Personal Effectiveness
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Location & Working Arrangements

You’ll have an EA Office base location; as a national role, the working location is flexible / hybrid. Some travel and overnights may be required.

Additional information

• We are committed to an inclusive workforce reflecting the communities we serve. Flexible working patterns are welcome, including job share.
• We have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria.
• The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body and uses Central Government frameworks for external recruitment.

Interviews and contact

Interviews will be held via MS Teams within three weeks of the closing date. For questions, contact Ben Bradford (ben.bradford@environment-agency.gov.uk).