We are seeking an experienced Senior Advisor to join our Water Quality Permitting Strategy Team within the Environment & Business (E&B) department. This role is an exciting opportunity to be at the centre of the Environment Agency to improve England’s water quality. Through a variety of tasks, the focus of our work is the regulation of water discharge activities. The team focuses on: 

Developing permitting strategies to address complex water quality issues across operators and industries. 

Creating and embedding evidence-based policies to improve regulatory outcomes. 

Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to align permitting with environmental challenges. 

Streamlining processes and adopting digital tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. 

As a Senior Advisor you will:  

Lead and support complex water quality permitting projects to meet legal and environmental standards.   

Develop and implement long-term strategic approaches to water regulation. 

Be customer focussed, seeking opportunities to work with others across government, other Agencies, industry and environmental bodies. 

Analyse water quality data to inform policy and permitting approaches. Drive innovation and continuous improvement in regulatory practices. 

Be flexible and creative, sometimes working in unfamiliar territory and without established processes or guidance to base decisions on.  

Be supported in the role by specialists within the team and wider organisation.  

Examples of responsibilities for the post are connection to sewer guidance, the development of a non water industry permitting strategy and identifying the related pressures on water quality, and the permitting of water transfers. 

The Environment Agency expect you to develop your professional and personal skills to help you succeed and flourish in your career.  

The Environment Agency are committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.

You’ll join the Environment and Business, Water Regulation – Water Quality Permitting Strategy Team. We’re a national dispersed team who use evidence, engagement and innovation to support delivery, influence policy and secure resources for regulation of the water industry and wider water sector. We collaborate with National and Area teams, to deliver impactful regulatory permitting strategies.  

In Environment and Business we promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued.

We’re looking for candidates with enthusiasm in supporting the development and delivery of programmes, initiatives, training and projects designed to improve regulation of the water industry and wider water sector. 

You will have:  

Technical expertise:  

A degree (or equivalent) in environmental science, water management, or related field. 

Strong knowledge of water quality legislation, policies and standards.  

Experience in water quality permitting, wastewater discharge regulation or environmental permitting.  

Collaboration and communication:  

Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders 

Enthusiasm and experience of working collaboratively and creatively to deliver innovation. 

An ability to effectively communicate and engage people - to motivate them to act and to resolve conflicts and challenges, both internally and externally 

Commitment to promoting diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace. 

Project Management: 

Proven ability to manage complex projects and deliver results within deadlines. 

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. 

Personal Effectiveness:  

Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. 

You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible / hybrid. 

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, occasional travel and overnights maybe required. 

We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market. We are committed to being an inclusive employer, ensuring equal opportunities.  

Everyone is required to hold an Incident Management role, and an appropriate role and training will be given.  

If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post in the future. 

Interviews will be via MS Teams approximately four weeks after the closing date.  

Contact Ben Bradford ([email protected]).

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