Senior Advisor - Chemicals and Water - 31861

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Job Description

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.

Join our Chemicals Surveillance and Emerging Risks team as a Senior Advisor and play a leading role in how we tackle chemicals of concern. This is a unique opportunity to work within the wider Chemicals Programme, influencing national strategy and delivering smarter, more effective environmental protection.

This role focuses on chemicals in water and offers the chance to 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.

As a senior chemicals lead, you will:

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 also have the opportunity to take online management responsibilities, supporting the growth and development of others in the team.

We’re looking for a confident, experienced professional with an interest in policy development ready to lead on one of the most important environmental challenges of our time.

The Environment Agency is fully committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity, we live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.

Team and Working Arrangements

Join the Chemicals Surveillance and Emerging Risks Team within the Chemicals Programme, part of the Environment and Business Directorate. We identify emerging chemical risks, use evidence to shape policy, and guide regulatory responses. As a dispersed team, you’ll work via MS Teams and travel for face-to-face meetings, usually in Birmingham or Bristol. We promote a positive, inclusive, supportive culture, leveraging evidence, expertise, and innovation to enhance delivery, influence legislation, and secure resources.

Experience/Skills Required

We are looking for a strategic, self-motivated individual with knowledge of the water industry, water quality planning and permitting processes including Price Review cycles and River Basin Management Planning. You’ll be confident working across policy, regulation, and stakeholder engagement to influence national programmes and deliver environmental outcomes.

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

Desirable:

Awareness of environmental risks posed by chemicals and regulations

Membership of a relevant professional body

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.

Some travel and overnights will be required.

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information.

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

Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. Interviews via MS Teams.

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.

Competencies

Shapes organisational approach and delivery

Takes Decisions and Solves Problems

Influences and Persuades Others

Manages Self

Notes

The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and flexible working. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

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