Overview

The Environment Agency is seeking a driven, proactive individual to join our National Air Quality Team. In this role you will lead key streams of ongoing air quality work and a programme of Air Quality Projects; and provide advice and guidance on air quality issues both internally and externally to the organisation. The work will include but is not limited to development of Environmental Assessment Levels for key atmospheric pollutants in support of Net Zero delivery, planning and permitting input on air quality and amenity issues, data capture and use to underpin regulatory decisions, and mentoring of junior team members.

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 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 technical queries on air quality issues.
• Undertake site visits to high-profile industrial sites to support emission reduction measures.
• Support Defra in the development of new or updated air quality policy (e.g., input to the Gothenburg Protocol).

Team & Culture

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 Required

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.

Baseline requirements:

• Good understanding of UK and international air quality legislation
• Understanding of air quality standards, targets and legislation
• Knowledge of regulation of industrial installations and use of Environmental Assessment Levels in setting permit limits
• Knowledge of 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

Additional Details

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. The working location is flexible/hybrid; this is a national role with an EA Office base location. 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 competency answers. 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 include: - Scientific Knowledge: Applies scientific knowledge of air quality and atmospheric pollutants to provide sound, science-based evidence to internal and external customers. - Shapes organisational approach & delivery: Informs Government Policy and designs/implements an approach to translate it into cost-effective operational activity delivering outcomes for people and the environment. - Legislative Knowledge: Applies knowledge of statutory environmental and technical requirements to protect the Environment Agency and the environment.

Note: If applying from the Civil Service, the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. We are committed to diversity and flexible working patterns and have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with disabilities who meet minimum criteria. We also participate in Crown Commercial Service recruitment frameworks.

Location

Northamptonshire, England, United Kingdom (hybrid working acceptable).