Overview

Senior Advisor - Chemicals and Water - 31861

Are you a motivated strategic thinker with a passion for shaping environmental regulation? If you're driven to reduce chemical risks in our water environment through smart, evidence-based policy, we want to hear from you. This role sits within the Chemicals Surveillance and Emerging Risks team as a senior chemicals lead, influencing national strategy and delivering smarter, more effective environmental protection. You will focus on chemicals in water and shape the chemicals component of the Price Review programme, contribute to the Chemicals Investigation Programme, and ensure chemical risks are addressed through permit reviews and regulatory innovation.

You may also have the opportunity to take online management responsibilities, supporting the growth and development of others in the team. The Environment Agency is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of our chemical’s strategy for 2030–2035 through the Price Review programme.
• Ensure effective delivery of AMP8 and AMP9.
• Review high risk permitted activities.
• Influence national plans through collaboration with Defra, the water industry, and other stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership across teams, mentoring colleagues and promoting innovation.
• Translate evidence into action to deliver environmental outcomes.
• You may have the opportunity to take on online management responsibilities, supporting the growth and development of others in the team.
• Engage with policy development to shape environmental protection related to water quality.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or equivalent experience in environmental science/policy/related fields
• Understanding of water industry planning, regulation and/or permitting
• Strong stakeholder engagement/relationship building skills, including with government and industry
• Strategic thinking and data analysis skills in environmental planning or water quality
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical and scientific information into clear, actionable policy
• Leadership in projects, programmes, or people, with a collaborative and inclusive approach
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities

• Awareness of environmental risks posed by chemicals and regulations
• Membership of a relevant professional body

Additional Information

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. Appropriate training will be given. The role is national with a flexible working location; some travel and overnights will be required. MS Teams will be used for many activities and occasional face-to-face meetings may be held in Birmingham or Bristol.

We welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment.

For applicants who are applying from outside the Civil Service, please note the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. If you are unsure of your status, consult your HR team. If you wish to become a supplier on Crown Commercial Service frameworks, please visit the Crown Commercial Service website for information.

Contact: melanie.farmer@environment-agency.gov.uk

Location

Penrith, England, United Kingdom or Kendal, England, United Kingdom (national role; flexible working location)

Interviews will be held via MS Teams. Applications are blind assessed using competency questions. If you consent to being held on a reserve list, details may be kept for 6 months for potential alternative postings.