Overview

Environment & Business Senior Advisor, Air Quality - 31816. We are seeking a driven, proactive individual to join the National Air Quality Team. The role will lead key streams of ongoing air quality work and a programme of Air Quality Projects; providing advice and guidance on air quality issues internally and externally.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of Environmental Assessment Levels for key atmospheric pollutants, in support of Net Zero delivery.
• Provide strategic input to bridging planning and permitting issues, including input on air quality and amenity issues in development plans; support the Environment Agency’s approach to responding to planning application consultations; shape our role as Air Quality Partners.
• Oversee and guide the capture and use of emissions data and evidence to underpin decisions and regulate more effectively, particularly the use of the Pollution Inventory data.
• Provide mentoring and development support to junior Air Quality team members.
• Contribute to all areas of the Environment Agency Air Quality work and respond to internal and external technical queries on air quality issues.
• Undertake site visits to high-profile industrial sites to support emission reduction measures.
• Support Defra as required in the development of new or updated air quality policy (e.g., input to the Gothenburg Protocol).

Team & Culture

You’ll join the Air Quality team within Monitoring and Assessment. We provide technical leadership on pollution issues for our regulated industry. We’re a dispersed team, working with a wide range of colleagues across the country. We’re part of Regulatory Resilience, in the Chief Regulator Group within Environment and Business (E&B), promoting an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued. We use evidence, expertise, engagement, and innovation to enhance delivery, influence policy and legislation, and secure resources.

Experience & Skills

In capability-based answers please demonstrate your ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work.

• UK and international air quality legislation
• Air Quality standards, targets and legislation
• Regulation of industrial installations and the use of Environmental Assessment Levels in setting permit limits
• The Environment Agency’s role in the planning regime
• Ability to work with a wide range of internal and external customers
• Deliver technical information in accessible language
• Prepare, run, and respond to technical consultations
• Influence outcomes through effective relationships with colleagues and customers
• Project management to time and budget

Baseline Requirements

• A good understanding of UK and international air quality legislation
• Knowledge of air quality standards, targets, and legislation
• Familiarity with the regulation of industrial installations and use of Environmental Assessment Levels in setting permit limits
• Understanding of Environment Agency’s role in the planning regime

Delivery Capabilities

• Work with a wide range of internal and external customers
• Deliver technical information in accessible language
• Prepare, run and respond to technical consultations
• Influence outcomes through effective relationships
• Project manage to time and budget

Other Information

A full range of development and training opportunities will be provided. You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given.

Location: EA Office base with national scope; the role is flexible/hybrid. Some travel and overnights may be required. Read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact lucia.susani@environment-agency.gov.uk. Applications are “blind” assessed using competency questions. Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date. Length of contract: Up to 6 months with possible extension.

We welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. We have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria.

Notes for applicants from Civil Service: Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant if appointed. For continuous service eligibility, refer to your HR team. This role includes environment-related duties and public-facing responsibilities as described above.