Job description
This is an exciting opportunity to directly influence the future environment across Kent, South London and East Sussex. You will be at the forefront of planning, tracking and coordinating delivery of water quality improvements, including the Water Industry’s National Environment Programme which is the single largest source of environmental investment and our targets in the 25 Year Environment Plan.
Ideally, we expect the candidate to have a good background and experience of delivering water quality improvement, and/or understanding of pressures and resolving impacts on water quality. Providing environment planning leadership within the team and to the area, you will:
- use data, modelling, technical knowledge and judgement to identify actions that will bring environmental improvement
- coordinate and provide technical input to catchment delivery plans
- build productive and influential relationships with internal and external partners including water companies to achieve the best environmental outcomes
- support other teams
- work with Water Companies to implement environmental improvement schemes provide advice and facilitate resolution of complex or contentious issues.
The team
The Integrated Environment Planning team consists of environment planning specialists and officers who focus on surface water quality, river basin planning and integrated catchment planning activities. We collate, analyse and produce environmental evidence to ensure we focus efforts on achieving the greatest environmental outcomes. As trusted advisors at the heart of environmental decision making, we drive area priorities, direct activity, facilitate integrated actions and develop investment programmes.
Experience/skills required
We are looking for a versatile, self-motivated person who can quickly fit in and contribute to our busy team. A good understanding of environmental regulation and water quality planning with an emphasis on improving the environment. A degree in an environmental subject (or equivalent) and relevant experience in water quality and catchment planning. In addition:
- the ability to drive projects
- translating technical issues for a range of audiences
- coach and mentor others
- awareness/experience of environment planning tools and techniques to support recommendations
- an established record of practical problem solving
- embrace new ways of working and integrate your specialist knowledge
- work autonomously and as part of a team
- analyse chemical impacts on the water environment and derive appropriate permit limits. Understanding of water quality modelling and catchment based delivery would be an advantage.
Contact and additional information
We operate a flexible working approach and are currently working from home. The role will be based in Addington, Kent where the team will meet in the future. There will be occasional external meetings.
To reflect the diverse communities, we serve we welcome applications from people from all walks of life. Everyone is welcomed to the Environment Agency and the team and given the training and support you need to succeed. We support flexible working, including job share, so please clearly include your preferred working arrangements on your application.
For more information or an informal discussion, please contact Sabra Holloway (Team Leader) on +447775118049 or by email: [email protected]
Job description attachment 1 Candidate Pack – 19598.docx – 772KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 19598.docx.pdf – 574KB
Job description attachment 2 Job Profile – 19598.pdf – 180KB
Closing Date: 18/10/2021, 23:55
Competence 1: Environmental Awareness
Description
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
Description: Understand current and future environmental pressures. Describe objectives and standards to protect the future sustainable use of the environment.
Explain a project you have been involved with that delivered a successful water quality outcome or improved the sustainability of an existing asset/water course.
• Explain the situation
• Describe the skills that you used to analyse the situation
• What problems did you have to overcome to resolve the issue
• What technical or legislative knowledge did you use in this situation
• What was the final result?
You may find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response.
Competence 2: Communicates Effectively
Description
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
Description: Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing. Understands the needs of both the technical and management audience.
Whilst working with an partner or additional organisation, please describe how you have tailored your communication style to meet the requirements of a specific individual or situation:
• Who was the external partner
• How and why did you adapt your style
• How did you gauge it was effective
• What was the outcome
• What did you learn from it?
You may find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response.
Competence 3: Achieves Results
Description
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
Description: Delivers high standards for own work. Manages expectations and sets a good example to others in delivery of work and well-being
Using your experience of delivering water quality or environmental projects describe how you have delivered successfully in the face of considerable challenges or obstacles and with limited instruction
• Describe the project
• What were the obstacles
• How were these overcome
• What did you learn
• What was the outcome?
You may find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response.
Role specific license requirements
A full UK driving licence
hours
Level of security checks required: Basic Check
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that 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. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
