Chemicals Programme Senior Advisor – Water Quality - 31263

Are you motivated, enthusiastic and passionate about reducing chemical risks in the environment? Join the Environment Agency's Chemicals Programme and play a leading role in protecting our water environment from the risks of chemical manufacture, use and disposal. We’re looking for a Senior Advisor – Chemicals and Water to join our Chemicals Surveillance and Emerging Risks team. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of environmental protection. You’ll work with the water industry to shape the chemicals Price Review programme, contributing to the Chemicals Investigation Programme, and ensure chemical issues are addressed through River Basin Planning. Your insights will support permit reviews and embed science into smarter, more effective regulatory processes. We’re seeking an experienced and passionate individual who’s eager to make a tangible difference. This is an exciting time to join the programme. With new research, innovative regulation, and the delivery of the latest Asset Management Plan (AMP), you’ll make evidence-based decisions that directly influence our regulatory approach and industry practices.

As a chemicals lead, you will:

• Shape our chemicals programme approach for 2030–2035
• Collaborate with external partners including DEFRA and the water industry
• Lead and inspire colleagues through technical leadership, coaching, and mentoring
• Drive innovation and improvements across teams

You may also have the opportunity to take on line management responsibilities, supporting the growth and development of others in the team.

If you’re experienced, motivated, and ready to take the lead in one of the most important environmental challenges of our time, we’d love to hear from you. 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.

The team:

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 regularly 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 an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual who has knowledge of the water industry, and water quality planning and permitting processes such as River Basin Management Planning and Price Review Cycles.

Essential experience:

• Degree or equivalent experience in environmental, natural sciences, or related fields.
• Understanding of the water industry.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders.
• Customer-focused approach, preferably with regulatory or permitting experience.
• Skills in environmental management, reporting, and water-related analysis.
• Attention to detail, strategic thinking, and ability to manage workloads effectively.
• Excellent communication skills for conveying technical information to non-specialists.
• Leadership in projects and/or people.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork abilities.
• Self-motivated and proactive attitude delivering quality outcomes.

Desirable:

• Awareness of environmental risks posed by chemicals and regulations.
• Expertise in environmental permitting.
• Membership of a 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. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, however some travel and overnights will be required.

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact kelly.short@environment-agency.gov.uk or caroline.hook@environment-agency.gov.uk. Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. Interviews will be held 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.

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.