Environment & Business Senior Advisor, Air Quality - 31816

We’re looking for a driven, proactive professional to join the National Air Quality Team. You 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. The role involves developing policy support and working with external partners to strengthen air quality outcomes.

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 consultation responses; 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, particularly using Pollution Inventory data.
• Mentor and develop junior Air Quality team members.
• Contribute to all areas of the Environment Agency Air Quality work and respond to technical queries.
• Undertake site visits to high-profile industrial sites to support emission reduction measures.
• Support Defra in developing new or updated air quality policy (e.g., input to the Gothenburg Protocol).

Team and Context

You’ll join our Air Quality team, within Monitoring and Assessment. We provide technical leadership on pollution issues for our regulated industry. We’re a dispersed team working 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 please 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 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 the 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 Information

A full range of development and training opportunities will be provided. You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan, and appropriate training will be given. Your EA Office base location is flexible/hybrid as this is a national role. Some travel and overnight stays 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 your 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.

Compliance and Diversity

The Environment Agency is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce reflecting the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns including job share; please indicate any preferred working arrangements on your application. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We are not part of HM Civil Service; for more information about status, contact your HR team. The Environment Agency uses Central Government frameworks for recruitment and may direct supplier engagements through Crown Commercial Service.