Catchment Planning Specialist - 32309

Catchment Planning Specialist - 32309
1
South West
Bodmin , Exeter , Launceston
DEFRA GRP EA MANLEY HOUSE, EX2 7LQ, DEFRA GRP EA PENNYGILLAM DEPOT, PL15 7PY, DEFRA GRP EA SIR JOHN MOORE HOUSE, PL31 1EB
Staff Grade 5
Permanent
Environment & Sustainability, Operational Delivery
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share
£43,198

04/12/2025, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
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.

Are you passionate about the water environment in in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly? Do you have an interest in improving the water quality in our rivers?

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic and motivated to take on this critical role as a Catchment Planning Specialist focusing in particular on reducing nutrient inputs in some of our most highly protected environments.

The role will involve implementing and updating catchment plans and the recently completed Diffuse Water Pollution Plans, which set the path to reduce excessive nutrients and improve water quality. You will use your environmental knowledge, data management skills and communication abilities to work across multiple disciplines to make real difference in improving water quality. This will include:

• Bringing together monitoring data, modelling, and other evidence on nutrient challenges in key river catchments.
• Working with internal and external partners to develop our evidence base and identifying measures to protect and improve the water environment.
• Working with and influencing others to deliver identified measures through multi-agency partnership working.
• Developing a sustainable future for our environment by influencing catchment strategies, plans, and projects, particularly for nutrient management.

Our work helps to ensure that delivery on the ground, whether EA or partners, is as effective and efficient as it can be and provides as much for the environment as possible for every pound spent.
The team is made up of planning specialists and officers and focuses on water quality, water resources and catchment planning. We work together and with others to develop plans and actions to protect and improve water quality in Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. You will work primarily within catchment planning and water quality.
Essential:

-Experience making or implementing plans to improve the water environment
-Experience of applying your analytical skills to evidence and explore problems and make proportionate, evidence-based proposals
-Good organisational skills/discipline and the ability to plan, track, deliver and evaluate work, to time and quality standards
-You’ll be self-motivated and work under your own initiative and as part of larger, multidisciplinary teams
-You’ll be an excellent communicator, experienced at making sense of technical information and presenting it in a clear and logical way for audiences ranging from external partners to senior colleagues
-Effective influencing skills and be able to persuade internal teams and external partners to work collaboratively when developing and delivering environmental outcomes
-You’ll be diplomatic, sensitive and demonstrate political awareness when dealing with customers, stakeholders, and communities

Knowledge of the impact and mitigation of excessive nutrients in surface waters would be advantageous.
This is a permanent role in the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Environment Planning team. The role will be based in our Exeter, Launceston or Bodmin office, but through a flexible hybrid model that allows a balance of working at offices or home to suit the needs of both individuals and the business.

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 Charles Ikediashi, charles.ikediashi@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Interviews are anticipated to take place week commencing 15th December 2025 via Microsoft Teams.
Strategic Environment Planning
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Develops, delivers and implements strategic plans for the sustainable use, protection and improvement of our environment.

Please explain a project you have been involved with that delivered, or is delivering, a successful environmental outcome.
Data and Information Management
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.

Please give an example of when you have used data to identify issues and make decisions.
Focuses on Customers and Partners
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses.

What is your approach to building and sustaining productive work relationship and how has this benefited your work?
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.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.