Overview

Environment & Business Senior Advisor, Air Quality - 31816

We are seeking a driven, proactive individual to join the National Air Quality Team. The role leads 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 air quality and amenity considerations in development plans; support EA’s approach to planning 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 using 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.
• 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 developing new or updated air quality policy (e.g., input to the Gothenburg Protocol).

Team and Context

You’ll join the Air Quality team within Monitoring and Assessment. We provide technical leadership on pollution issues across regulated industry. The team is dispersed nationwide. We are part of Regulatory Resilience in the Chief Regulator Group within Environment and Business (E&B), promoting an inclusive culture that values evidence, expertise, engagement, and innovation to enhance delivery, influence policy, and secure resources.

Experience / Skills

Required capabilities

• Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, and actively encourage diversity considerations in work.

Baseline requirements

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

Delivery capabilities

• 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 manage to time and budget

Contract, Location & Travel

A full range of development and training opportunities will be provided. You will have an EA Office base location; as a national role, the working location is flexible / hybrid. Some travel and overnights may be required.

Application Information

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. 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.

Additional Notes

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Flexible working patterns are welcome, including job share. We have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria. For more information, contact lucia.susani@environment-agency.gov.uk.