HS2 Team - Water Quality Permitting Specialist - 28769

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 seeking a water discharge permitting specialist to join the High Speed Two (HS2) Project Team. This is an exciting opportunity to influence and regulate construction of the largest infrastructure project in Europe.

In this role, you will:

· Consent applications made by HS2 contractors under the High Speed Rail Act.
· Work closely with stakeholders to provide pre-application advice and promote environmental best practice.
· Provide pre-application support on water quality permits regulated under the Environmental Permitting Regulations.
· Work closely with our Compliance Team to advise on compliance issues.
· Have a unique opportunity to influence how we regulate construction across the HS2 route and other major projects.

We are a dispersed team and encourage applications from across the country. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, but some travel and overnight stays may be required. We tend to meet as a team once a month in Birmingham or another EA office. There will also be opportunities to undertake site visits across the HS2 route where relevant.

You will be part of a dispersed team who regulate and provide advice to HS2 and their contractors. The team’s role is to suggest and influence ways of working to best safeguard the environment in relation to one of the largest projects in Europe. The team works closely with lead staff in Areas impacted by HS2, as well as Defra, Natural England, Forestry Commission, Department for Transport and a wide range of key stakeholders.

· Good knowledge of water quality standards, pollution, and environmental regulation
· Understanding of environmental risk and making risk-based decisions
· Able to manage a varied portfolio of work and deliver within tight deadlines
· Able to create good working relationships and influence key stakeholders
· Able to come up with innovative and efficient ways of working
· Comfortable working in a fast-paced and varied working environment

Desirable:

· Knowledge of the permitting process for discharges to the environment is desirable, but training can be provided
· A lot of the current works involve associated groundwater activities; any hydrogeology knowledge would be advantageous but not vital
· Ideally you will be educated to at least degree level in a relevant subject, or have equivalent suitable experience

Everyone starting in a new role with the Environment Agency will be welcomed into the team and given all the training and support you need to succeed.

Applications will be assessed using only your responses to the capability questions below. The interview stage will consist of a capability interview and technical assessment, which will be scheduled for the week commencing w/c 22nd April 2024.

For further information about the role, or the application and assessment process, please contact Will Campbell the Project Manager – High Speed Two (HS2) Core Team by email at william.campbell@environment-agency.gov.uk

Describe a time when you have presented a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.

PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Refer to the candidate pack for guidance on answering capability questions using the STAR technique and the Capability Dictionary.

Provide an example where you have Identified and seized the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods, processes and without compromising quality or accuracy.

PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Refer to the candidate pack for guidance on answering capability questions using the STAR technique and the Capability Dictionary.

Provide an example where you have found and delivered optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives, and taking sound and timely decisions.

PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Refer to the candidate pack for guidance on answering capability questions using the STAR technique and the Capability Dictionary.