Overview

Environment & Business Senior Advisor, Air Quality - 31816

Join the Environment Agency’s National Air Quality Team to lead key streams of ongoing air quality work and a programme of Air Quality Projects. Provide advice and guidance on air quality issues both internally and externally to the organisation.

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 air quality and amenity considerations in development plans; support the Environment Agency’s approach to responding to planning application consultations; and 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, in particular 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).

The Team

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 and work with colleagues across the country. We’re part of Regulatory Resilience in the Chief Regulator Group within Environment and Business, 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 Required

In capability-based answers demonstrate:

• 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 include a good understanding of:

• UK and international air quality legislation
• Air Quality standards, targets and legislation
• The 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

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs and provide appropriate training. The role is national with flexible/hybrid working locations (EA Office base). Some travel and overnight stays may be required as we stay connected using smart tools.

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries: 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. Length of contract: Up to 6 months with possible extension.

Competencies

Competence 1 – Scientific Knowledge

Description: Applies scientific knowledge of air quality and atmospheric pollutants to provide sound, science-based evidence to internal and external customers. Describe your knowledge and experience of air quality and how you would apply this to the role described.

Competence 2 – Shapes organisational approach & delivery

Description: Informs Government Policy and designs/improves approaches to translate it into cost-effective operational activity delivering outcomes for people and the environment. Provide an example of introducing a new or improved way of working in your field, obstacles faced, and how you influenced colleagues.

Competence 3 – Legislative Knowledge

Description: Applies statutory environmental and technical requirements to protect the Environment Agency and the environment. What do you view as the most significant pieces of legislation for air quality, and why?

If applying from the Civil Service, note that the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant. We welcome flexible working patterns and guarantee an interview to eligible applicants with a disability. For more information, see the candidate pack and the Redundancy Arrangements note referenced in the original posting.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and value flexible working arrangements, including job share. For details on becoming a supplier, please refer to the Crown Commercial Service guidance.

Location & Status

Bournemouth, Weymouth, Christchurch, Blandford Forum, New Milton, Dorchester, Fordingbridge, Salisbury, and other locations; full-time, contract-based role up to 6 months with possible extension. National/hybrid working options apply.