Overview

At the Environment Agency, we are committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are looking for a driven, proactive individual to join our National Air Quality Team. The role will lead key streams of ongoing air quality work and a programme of Air Quality Projects; providing advice and guidance on air quality issues both internally and externally to the organisation.

The role includes, but is not limited to the following responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• 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 and Role Context

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.

• 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

Delivery Capabilities

• 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.

Qualifications & Baseline Knowledge

• Scientific knowledge of air quality and atmospheric pollutants to provide sound, science-based evidence to internal and external customers.
• Knowledge of statutory environmental and technical requirements to protect both the Environment Agency and the environment.
• Understanding of UK and international air quality legislation and a solid grasp of regulatory approaches.
• The Environment Agency’s role in the planning regime.

Additional Information

We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share. The Environment Agency is committed to diversity and inclusion and guarantees an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria. We offer a range of development and training opportunities. Travel may be required; some travel and overnights may be required.

Location: EA Office base; as a national role, working location is flexible / hybrid.

Application process: Applications are blind assessed using competency questions. Interviews will be conducted via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.

Length of contract: Up to 6 months with possible extension.