Overview

Environment & Business Senior Advisor, Air Quality - 31816

At the Environment Agency, we are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.

We are looking for a driven, proactive individual to join our National Air Quality Team. In the role, you will lead key streams of ongoing air quality work, and a programme of Air Quality Projects; and provide advice and guidance to air quality issues both internally and externally to the organisation. The work will include but not be limited to:

• Leading the development of Environmental Assessment Levels for key atmospheric pollutants, in support of Net Zero delivery;
• Providing strategic input to bridging planning and permitting issues, including input on air quality and amenity issues in development plans; supporting the Environment Agency’s approach to responding to planning application consultations; and shaping our role as Air Quality Partners.
• Overseeing and guiding the capture and use of emissions data and evidence to underpin our decisions and regulate more effectively, in particular the use of our Pollution Inventory data
• Providing mentoring and development support to junior Air Quality team members
• Contributing and inputting to all areas of the Environment Agency Air Quality work
• Responding to internal and external technical queries on air quality issues
• Undertaking site visits to high profile industrial sites to support emission reduction measures
• Supporting Defra as required in the development of new or updated air quality policy, e.g. input to the Gothenburg Protocol

Team & Location

You’ll join our Air Quality team, within Monitoring and Assessment. We provide technical leadership on pollution issues of 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

Experience/skills Required

In your 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.

Baseline requirements

• UK and international air quality legislation
• Air Quality standards, targets and legislation
• The approach to regulation of industrial installations, and the use of Environmental Assessment Levels in setting permit limits
• The Environment Agency’s role in the planning regime

To deliver this role effectively, you will be able 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 manage to time and budget

A full range of development and training opportunities will be provided.

Additional Information

Location & Working Arrangements

EA Office base location; as a national role, the working location is flexible / hybrid. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel; some travel and overnights may be required.

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact lucia.susani@environment-agency.gov.uk

Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.

Contract Length

Up to 6 months with possible extension

Note on Civil Service status

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. You will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

Equal Opportunities

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Auditing & Procurement

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls. Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.