Overview

Senior Advisor - Chemicals and Water. Join the Chemicals Surveillance and Emerging Risks team within the Chemicals Programme to influence national strategy and deliver smarter, more effective environmental protection. This role focuses on chemicals in water and contributes to the Price Review programme, the Chemicals Investigation Programme, and regulatory innovation to ensure chemical risks are addressed through permit reviews and related activities. The Environment Agency is committed to building an inclusive workforce and fostering a positive, evidence-based culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of the chemical strategy for 2024–2029/2030–2035 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, mentor colleagues, and promote innovation.
• Translate evidence into action to deliver environmental outcomes.
• Potentially take on online management responsibilities to support the growth and development of others in the team.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or equivalent experience in environmental science, policy, or related fields.
• Understanding of water industry planning, regulation, and/or permitting.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and 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 information into clear, actionable policy.
• Leadership in projects, programmes, or people, with a collaborative and inclusive approach.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.

Desirable

• Awareness of environmental risks posed by chemicals and regulations.
• Membership of a relevant professional body.

Team, Location and Travel

We identify emerging chemical risks and guide regulatory responses. The team is dispersed and operates via MS Teams, with occasional travel for face-to-face meetings (usually in Birmingham or Bristol). We promote a positive, inclusive, supportive culture and leverage evidence, expertise, and innovation to enhance delivery and influence legislation.

Application 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. The EA base location is flexible for a national role. Some travel and overnights will be required. Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. For queries, contact melanie.farmer@environment-agency.gov.uk. Applications are blind assessed based on competency questions. Interviews will be held via MS Teams. If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll keep your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.

Competencies

Competence 1 – Shapes organisational approach & delivery: Informs Government Policy and designs and supports an approach to translate it into cost-effective operational activity delivering outcomes for people and the environment. Example: describe a time you developed a direction or decision into an operational approach delivering water quality benefits.

Competence 2 – Takes Decisions and Solves Problems: Finds and delivers optimal solutions by analysing information, developing alternatives, and making timely decisions. Example: coordinate information from multiple sources to solve a difficult technical problem.

Competence 3 – Influences and Persuades Others: Presenting a case in a convincing way to gain support and deliver plans, even in the face of pushback.

Competence 4 – Manages Self: Self-awareness, responsibility, and ongoing professional development. Example: identify development areas for this role and how to keep specialist knowledge up to date.

Note: Civil Service status and diversity, equality and inclusion policies are observed. The Environment Agency welcomes flexible working patterns and provides a Guaranteed Interview Policy for candidates with a disability.