Number of jobs available: 1
Region: National
City/Town: Any
Grade: Staff Grade 6
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Business Management & Improvement, Environment & Sustainability
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Compressed Hours
Salary Minimum: £54,940 – £64,576
Closing Date: 01/02/2026, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
AS06 Job Family Role Profile Advise & Shape, Grade 6
Job description attachment 2
E&Bv7_BESPOKE E&B Additional Information Pack G6 licensing.pptx – 7626KB
Converted File E&Bv7_BESPOKE E&B Additional Information Pack G6 licensing.pptx.pdf – 2881KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 32860.docx – 2043KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 32860.docx.pdf – 720KB
Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
The Environment Agency are fully 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.
We are looking for an experienced water resources (WR) licensing expert to join our Water Resources Regulation team within the Environment and Business (E&B) directorate. This is your chance to use your knowledge and skills to ensure we properly manage water resources in England. You will set the direction and provide leadership for water resources licensing nationally. You will also support and advise colleagues and customers on water resources licensing matters.
You will:
develop water resources abstraction and impounding licensing policy, ensuring that the organisation is well positioned to respond to future challenges
work closely with the Chief Regulator Group to ensure that water resources regulation is integrated with wider business regulatory change initiatives
work closely with our Permitting service and co-ordinate WR permitting governance groups
advise Defra and senior managers on WR regulation policy
advise on technical and policy queries related to licence and their conditions from internal staff, including Permitting and local operations staff
provide water resources licensing advice and support to the business related to licence appeals
develop and steer new licensing guidance and training
work with, and influence, our customers and partners, including organisations representing abstractor interests from the public water supply, agriculture, industrial and power generating sectors, and organisations representing environmental interests
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role or provide business continuity support during an incident. You will receive training, and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you.
The team
You’ll join our Water Resources Regulation Team. We set the strategic direction for water resources regulation by providing abstraction and impounding regulation policy, advice and guidance to the business and external stakeholders. We’re a dispersed team.
We’re part of the Environment and Business (E&B) Directorate. We promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued. We use evidence, expertise, engagement, and innovation to enhance and support delivery, influence policy, legislation, and secure resources.
Experience/skills required
In your capability-based answers please demonstrate your:
knowledge and experience of abstraction and impounding, water resources regulation and legislation (essential)
knowledge and understanding of water resources
understanding of how the Environment Agency business works
ability to influence both senior leaders and technical staff
experience of shaping policy and working with government to influence policy development
experience of leading high-profile programmes and coordinating leads to deliver environmental outcomes
experience of technical engagement with stakeholders on challenging issues
excellent written and verbal communication skills
ability to balance competing priorities, targeting effort where it is needed most
ability to work independently, be self-motivated and pro-active, and complete work on time to a high standard
ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work.
You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
Contact and additional information
You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given.
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; some travel and overnights may be required.
Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact owen.turpin@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.
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: Shapes organisational approach & delivery
Description
Please give an example of how you have translated government policy into cost-effective operational activity, improving outcomes for people and the environment.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the additional information pack.
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.
Competence 2: Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Please explain how you have influenced and persuaded others to achieve your required outcome.
Competence 3: Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
Please give an example of when you have applied your knowledge of water resources legislation to solve a water resources regulation problem.
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.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
