Advisor - Water Special Measures - Overflows - 31611

Advisor - Water Special Measures - Overflows - 31611
1
National
All, Various
Staff Grade 5
Permanent
Analytical, Environment & Sustainability, Knowledge & Information Management
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Compressed Hours
£41,617

21/09/2025, 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.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to support new work on the implementation of the Water (Special Measures) Act. Focussing on overflows and Event Duration Monitoring (EDM) data, this role will help shape and implement the regulation of new legislation. Transparent and robust data and information are key to our effective regulation and being able to interpret this data will be fundamental to this role. This role will also play a key part in the continual improvement of regulatory external reporting of storm and emergency overflow Event Duration Monitoring performance.

Your role will face external stakeholders such as Defra, where you will advise on policy and legislative development. You will also work with water companies in shaping regulatory tools and delivering programmes of work. A key aspect of your role will be embedding new processes into business as usual within the water industry and our own operational teams.

This is an exciting time to join the team and help steer the work that the Environment Agency and water companies do.

You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided. The work area is developing and initially you may support other work including tracking delivery of SOAF investigations or managing receipt of regulatory data returns.

We value diversity of thought, background, and experience and believe it enriches our work and benefits our people, communities, and the environment. We work in a national team, in the Environment and Business directorate, enabling strategic change within the water sector particularly focusing upon storm and emergency overflows.
You’ll join our Storm Overflow Programme Delivery team which is part of the Water Quality Regulatory Development team in Water Regulation. Water Regulation is a national, dispersed team which uses evidence, engagement and innovation to support delivery, influence policy and secure resources for regulation of the water industry and wider water sector.

You will work closely with colleagues across several EA teams as well as working closely with Defra, Ofwat, and water companies.
We are looking for a talented, dynamic advisor to improve regulation of the water industry and wider water sector.   

You will have:

-A relevant degree or demonstration of relevant work experience.

-Knowledge of the Environment Agency, our regulatory role and influence over water and sewerage company investment and performance.

-Expertise in addressing complexity through using your problem solving and innovation skills would be advantageous, particularly in shaping new processes or approaches at scale.

-Ability to make sense of complex data/information demonstrated through problem solving/decision making.

-The ability to think strategically, influence and innovate within and across organisational boundaries.

-Excellent verbal and written communication and influencing skills, you will need to develop collaborative relationships and have experience of embedding new approaches into the business/sector.

-Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work.
Everyone who joins us is required to hold an Incident Management role, appropriate training will be given, and we'll help you find a role that suits your needs.

You will have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible / hybrid.

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.

If you have any questions please contact Mike Garland-Irvine at mike.garland-irvine@environment-agency.gov.uk

Interviews to be held via MS Teams between 15th and 24th of October.

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.

CVs and covering letters will not be viewed or used for interview selection.
Shapes organisational approach & delivery
Informs Government Policy and / or designs, implements and supports an approach to translate it into cost-effective operational activity delivering outcomes for people and the environment.

Please describe a time when you shaped the approach to a programme or project to deliver organisational objectives more effectively or efficiently?  

Your answer will be used for interview selection. More information on how to answer capability 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.
Data and Information Management
Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes. 

Please describe a situation where you managed, understood and presented complex information and used it to inform and influence others?
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions. 

Please describe a situation where you had to make a critical decision under pressure or within a tight deadline. How did you approach the problem, and what steps did you take to ensure you made the best possible decision?
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses

Please describe a situation where you had to deal with a difficult customer. What was the situation, what were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?
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.