Flood and Coastal Risk Management Advisor – 32032

Job Description

Help Shape a Flood-Resilient Future. Flooding is a growing challenge as climate change and economic development reshape East Anglia. The Environment Agency leads the strategic response to all sources of flooding, helping communities and the environment adapt and thrive.

We’re looking for a passionate and proactive Flood and Coastal Risk Management Advisor to join our Partnerships and Strategic Overview (PSO) Team. In this dynamic, varied and rewarding role you’ll help better protect people, property, and places across East Anglia from the impacts of flooding. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference — not just in how we manage flood risk today, but in how we prepare for tomorrow.

Responsibilities

• Use flood risk data, modelling, and experience to influence complex planning decisions.
• Evaluate flood risk assessments and provide expert advice to reduce flood risk and ensure the safety of new developments.
• Influence Local Plans and Strategies to ensure flood resilience is built into future development.
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to build understanding and drive action.
• Confidently represent the Environment Agency when challenged through written representation, hearings or inquiries.
• Use experience and technical leadership skills to mentor and coach junior team members.
• Seek and embed innovative solutions and new ways of working.
• Take part in incident response when flooding occurs.

Experience / Skills Required

Essential

• Experience in flood and coastal risk management and spatial planning.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to make decisions and achieve outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex information clearly, accurately, and persuasively.
• Excellent influencing and engagement skills to quickly develop and maintain positive relationships with internal and external customers.
• Effective time management, ability to work under pressure and at pace, reprioritising as work comes in.
• Delivery of work to time and quality.
• Good problem‑solving capabilities, including developing and embedding innovative solutions and new ways of working.
• Desire to progress your own learning and development, and that of others.

Helpful

• Practical knowledge of GIS software.
• Degree in a relevant field such as engineering, geography, or science.
• Full UK driving licence.

In East Anglia we want to create a diverse workplace where people are respected, valued and listened to. By embracing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) we can become an equal opportunity employer where we all grow and learn together.

The team: The Partnerships and Strategic Overview (PSO) Team, part of Local Operations, works with communities and partners to better understand and manage flood risk. Our main work areas include using evidence (data, modelling, mapping); providing strategic direction; developing and delivering projects; and regulating activities like planning and permitting.

Regular office attendance is expected at Norwich, Ipswich or Brampton (Huntington, PE28 4NE) and there is flexibility to work from home at times. The post is full‑time although we support requests for flexible working patterns.

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. Please see the candidate pack for more on how you will support with this. Also detailed is our benefits package, including an attractive salary, flexible working, 27 days annual leave, and an award‑winning Pension Fund.

This role does NOT qualify for skilled worker sponsorship. Visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration for advice.

If you have any questions, please contact Kathryn Pettit – kathryn.pettit@environment-agency.gov.uk

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share, and we have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment.