Number of jobs available: 1
Region: National
City/Town: Various
Grade: Staff Grade 6
Post Type: Permanent
Role Type: Environment & Sustainability
Working Pattern: Full Time, Part Time, Compressed Hours
Salary Minimum: £54,940
Closing Date: 21/02/2026, 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.pptx – 7547KB
Converted File E&Bv7_BESPOKE E&B Additional Information Pack.pptx.pdf – 2853KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 32754.docx – 2043KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 32754.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.
By the end of 2026, you will have contributed to introducing the regulations that will require all water using products in the home to have a new mandatory water efficiency label. In doing so, you will have one of the biggest roles in improving water efficiency across the UK and meeting the Government’s statutory demand target. You will help both the Environment Agency and Defra achieve the demand management goals as outlined in the Environment Improvement Plan. To do this, you will work closely with Defra colleagues and other government departments and will provide technical support including managing the contractors that will develop a labelling database, evaluating the impact of the label on public water consumption, producing guidance and engaging with stakeholders. Once the labelling regulations are live, you will assist with managing queries, for example from manufacturers, retailers and developers, alongside dealing with any technical issues and making improvements to guidance. In addition to this role, you will be expected to support the wider team leading on water demand management work, involved in water resources management plans and water company drought plans.
The role involves working closely with Defra colleagues and in addition experts in the Environment Agency, Ofwat and externally with water companies, consultants and important partners such as Waterwise.
This post is offered as a permanent position.
To achieve the above, the post holder should be able to demonstrate technical experience of water demand management and/or water resources planning, and should demonstrate key influencing, project management and communication skills.
The team
You’ll join our water resources security of supply team that sets the direction for water resources planning including our statutory duty to conserve water through water efficiency and demand management.
We’re a dispersed team within the Environment and Business (E&B) Directorate.
In E&B 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
We are looking for someone who is ready for an interesting but challenging job. We would be very interested in hearing from you if you have the following experience:
building, maintaining and maximising relationships with good communication skills
ability to scope, lead and deliver specific projects depending on team and government priorities, demonstrating value for money
excellent written and verbal communication skills
an excellent track record of achieving results
it would be good if you have technical experience of water efficiency and demand management as well as water resources planning but support can be given if you don’t have this knowledge
In your capability-based answers please demonstrate your:
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 EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible / hybrid.
We use smart tools to stay connected but some travel and overnights may be required, especially to London.
Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact stuart.sampson@environment-agency.gov.uk or alison.murphy@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews should be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.
Competence 1: Achieves Results
Description
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate 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
QUESTION: Please tell us about your experience of achieving one important outcome?
Competence 2: Influences and Persuades Others
Description
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
QUESTION: Explain how you have influenced and persuaded others to ensure an outcome you required.
Competence 3: Programme and Project Management
Description
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
QUESTION: Describe a project you have successfully managed, providing the details of planning and managing the project to ensure delivery on time, to the necessary quality and within budget.
Competence 4: Environmental Awareness
Description
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
QUESTION: You should describe the role of the Environment Agency and Defra in demand management.
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.
