Senior Advisor Contaminated Land and Minewaters - 31670

We are seeking a strategic thinker with a proven track record of delivery and experience in land contamination and/or abandoned mines to join the national Land & Contamination Management team as a Senior Advisor. The role focuses on leading project work to tackle the historic legacy of land contamination and water pollution from abandoned mines.

Responsibilities

• Act as the Environment Agency’s Programme Executive for both the Contaminated Land and Water and Abandoned Metal Mines Programmes.
• Support and deliver on contentious issues arising from legacy contamination, contributing to Government growth ambitions and commitments under the Environmental Improvement Plan.
• Build positive relationships with Defra and other government departments, stakeholders and partners, including leading national engagement with the Mining Remediation Authority on water pollution from historical coal mining and recovering heat from underground coal mines.
• Share technical expertise across the land contamination portfolio, including remediation via voluntary remediation or spatial planning, review and update of environmental permits for treatment of contaminated soils and groundwater, regulation of Part 2A Special Sites, and preparation/publication of State of Contaminated Land Reports.
• Lead and manage a small number of direct reports in this technical field.

Team and culture

You will join the Land & Contamination Management Team in the Environment & Business (E&B) Directorate. The team is dispersed and collaborates with a wide range of technical and project teams across the country. We promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture that values evidence, engagement, and innovation to enhance delivery, influence policy, and secure resources.

Experience and skills

In capability-based answers please demonstrate:

• Technical expertise and experience tackling legacy contamination from land contamination and/or pollution from abandoned mines (preferably both) and how you manage risks and challenges.
• Operational knowledge and experience of relevant legislation and guidance; understanding of the Contaminated Land Regime under Part 2A EPA 1990 is desirable.
• Project and programme management experience including investigation/remediation of land affected by contamination or water pollution from abandoned mines, delivering results to time, cost and quality.
• Experience in leading and managing high-performing teams.
• Experience informing and influencing government departments or stakeholders on contentious or complex topics.

Technical requirements

• Qualified to at least degree level in a relevant discipline (Essential).
• Chartered or working towards chartership (Desirable).

Development opportunities and appropriate training are provided.

Additional information

Office base location is flexible/hybrid as a national role. Some travel and overnight stays may be required. Read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for details. Queries: phil.whitaker@environment-agency.gov.uk

Applications are “blind” assessed using competency questions. Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date. If you are on a reserve list, your details may be held for 6 months for potential alternative posts. We welcome flexible working patterns and have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria.

The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body committed to value for money and uses government frameworks/contracts for recruitment. For supplier opportunities, visit the Crown Commercial Service information page.