Number of jobs available: 1
Region: South East
City/Town: Chichester , Farnham , London, Reading , Wallingford , Welwyn Garden City , Worthing
Grade: Staff Grade 6
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Operational Delivery
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Compressed Hours
Salary Minimum: £52,929
Closing Date: 25/05/2025, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
Job Profile – 30865.docx – 59KB
Converted File Job Profile – 30865.docx.pdf – 91KB
Job description attachment 2
E&B Additional Information Pack (1).pdf – 1853KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 30865.docx – 2041KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 30865.docx.pdf – 718KB
Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies.
This is your chance to join us to help influence and improve the environmental performance of water companies. We are looking for individuals with a good understanding of the water industry and how it impacts the environment to join our national Operations Catchment Services department and be at the heart of our liaison with water companies.
Our teams drive national operational work with water companies, keeping a comprehensive overview of their environmental performance across all activities and strategic plans to influence improvements and future investment at a senior level. The role is in our South East team which faces Thames Water, Southern Water and four water only companies in the south east.
We work closely with water companies, local EA operational and national policy teams, to regulate and report water company performance. We influence water company future business plans through the Ofwat price review process and specific plans such as water resources management plans, drainage and wastewater management plans and pollution incident reduction plans.
You will be responsible for:
- Working with and bringing together operational colleagues as part of a larger virtual team to influence and improve water company performance and investment
- Development of water company specific action plans
- Tracking water company delivery, including the Water Industry National Environment Programme
- Reporting water company performance and supporting senior engagement with water companies through timely and informative briefings
- Working with colleagues to support development of policy and environmental objectives
The team
Alongside the South East team, we have four other water company facing teams across the country (Midlands, North West, North East and the South West) who work with key customers and stakeholders involved in water planning and performance. These teams are part of the Operations Catchment Services, a national-once department which uses evidence, expertise, and innovation to drive performance and influence future investment.
We’re a friendly, dispersed team that use smart tools to stay connected.
Experience/skills required
We are looking for candidates with either a degree in an environmental discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
You will need to be highly organised with skills in environmental planning and regulation.
You must build strong working relationships with colleagues, customers and stakeholders.
Through experience to date you should be able to demonstrate the following:
- Knowledge and practical experience of water company regulation and/or planning
- Strong written and spoken communication skills
- Influencing skills to help persuade internal and external partners
- Highly organised and able to manage complex activities
- Ability to influence across a range of senior managers
- Ability to manage and present data and information effectively
- Knowledge of the environmental pressures impacting on the water environment
You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
Contact and additional information
You’ll have an incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll support you to find an incident role to suit your needs and circumstances. Appropriate training will be given.
You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.
Please see Candidate / Additional Information Pack for more information. Any queries, contact OCSAdmim@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams week commencing 9th June.
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.
Competence 1: Influences and Persuades Others
Description
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.
Feedback is generally not available at sift stage
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
Tell us about a time you have influenced and persuaded a difficult customer or stakeholder/ or senior manager.
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.
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
Whilst working with an external partner or customer, please describe how you have tailored your communication style to meet the requirements of a specific individual or situation.
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.
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
Tell us about your proudest achievement at work and the steps you took to ensure a successful outcome.
Competence 4: Business knowledge and communication environment
Description
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response.
Working with water companies and driving improvements in performance
Describe your experience and skills of the regulatory and planning framework for the water industry. Explain what you see as your key skill for this role.
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.
