Water Quality Permitting Strategy

Description:

The Environment Agency is seeking an experienced Advisor to join the Water Quality Permitting Strategy Team within the Environment & Business (E&B) department. This role places you at the centre of efforts to improve England’s water quality through strategic regulation of water discharge activities.

You will be responsible for leading and supporting complex water quality permitting projects, developing evidence-based policies, creating permitting strategies to address environmental challenges, and embedding regulatory improvements. Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders—including government agencies, industry, and environmental bodies—is a key part of the role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support water quality permitting projects to ensure compliance with legal and environmental standards

• Analyse water quality data to inform permitting strategies and policy decisions

• Develop long-term strategic approaches to water regulation

• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in regulatory practices

• Work flexibly in situations where guidance or processes are not established

• Collaborate with specialists within the team and across the wider organisation

• Develop guidance, standard rule sets, and innovative permitting approaches

Experience / Skills Required:

• 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

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage diverse stakeholders

• Experience working collaboratively and creatively to deliver innovative solutions

• Proven ability to manage complex projects, analyse data, and make decisions

• Commitment to diversity and inclusive workplace culture

Competencies for Interview Selection:

1. Achieves Results – Adapt plans to new circumstances and manage impact on productivity

2. Takes Decisions and Solves Problems – Collate and analyse information to solve technical problems

3. Influences and Persuades Others – Achieve buy-in from stakeholders to improve environmental outcomes

4. Legislative Knowledge – Interpret and apply regulations, e.g., Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016

Additional Information / Benefits:

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements, occasional travel and overnight stays

• Participation in incident management role with training provided

• Inclusive workforce and Guaranteed Interview Policy for disabled candidates

• Reserve list for alternative future roles may be offered