Overview

The Environment Agency invites applications for the Environment & Business Senior Advisor, Air Quality - 31816. This is a national air quality role within the Monitoring and Assessment team. 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. The role supports the Environment Agency’s approach to planning, permitting, data use, and policy input related to air quality.

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 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 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 developing new or updated air quality policy (e.g., input to the Gothenburg Protocol).

Experience / Skills Required

• Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, and actively encourage consideration of diversity in work.
• Good understanding of UK and international air quality legislation.
• Knowledge of air quality standards, targets, and legislation.
• Understanding of the regulation of industrial installations and the use of Environmental Assessment Levels in setting permit limits.
• Awareness of 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 relationships; and project manage to time and budget.

Additional Information

• Development and training opportunities will be provided.
• Location: EA Office base with a national, flexible/hybrid working arrangement; some travel and overnights may be required.
• Applications are blind assessed based on competency questions. Interviews via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.
• Contract length: Up to 6 months with possible extension.
• For applicants from Civil Service backgrounds: Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service; eligibility for continuous service may vary by prior local government or other qualifying service.

Additional Notes

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and offer flexible working patterns, including job sharing where applicable. A guaranteed interview policy is in place to support applicants with disabilities. For more information, read the Candidate/Additional Information Pack and contact the recruiting team as indicated in the pack.