32032 - Flood and Coastal Risk Management Advisor

Environment Agency; Norwich; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization is seeking a passionate Flood and Coastal Risk Management Advisor in Norwich. This role focuses on protecting communities from flooding, requiring expertise in flood risk management and spatial planning. The candidate will influence planning decisions, mentor junior staff, and contribute to incident response efforts. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact in climate resilience efforts across East Anglia.

Qualifications

• Experience in flood and coastal risk management.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Excellent communication to convey complex information.
• Effective time management under pressure.
• Desire for continuous learning and development.

Responsibilities

• Use flood risk data to influence planning decisions.
• Evaluate flood risk assessments and provide expert advice.
• Influence Local Plans for flood resilience.
• Collaborate with partners to drive action.
• Represent the Environment Agency in inquiries.
• Mentor and coach junior team members.
• Embed innovative solutions in the team.
• Participate in incident response during flooding.

Skills

Flood and coastal risk management

Spatial planning

Communication skills

Influencing skills

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in engineering, geography, or science

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Help Shape a Flood-Resilient Future

Flooding is a growing challenge as climate change and economic development reshape East Anglia. The Environment Agency leads the strategic response to all sources of flooding, helping communities and the environment adapt and thrive.

We’re looking for a passionate and proactive Flood and Coastal Risk Management Advisor to join our Partnerships and Strategic Overview (PSO) Team. In this dynamic, varied and rewarding role you’ll help better protect people, property, and places across East Anglia from the impacts of flooding. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference — not just in how we manage flood risk today, but in how we prepare for tomorrow.

Responsibilities

• Use flood risk data, modelling, and your experience to influence complex planning decisions.
• Evaluate flood risk assessments and provide expert advice to reduce flood risk and ensure the safety of new developments.
• Influence Local Plans and Strategies to ensure flood resilience is built into future development.
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to build understanding and drive action.
• Confidently represent the Environment Agency when challenged through written representation, hearings or inquiries.
• Use your experience and technical leadership skills to mentor and coach more junior team members.
• Seek and embed innovative solutions and new ways of working.
• Take part in incident response when flooding occurs.

About Us

In East Anglia we want to create a diverse workplace where people are respected, valued and listened to. We’re all different, and by embracing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) we can become an equal opportunity employer where jointly we all grow and learn together.

It is our ambition to champion diversity through building a workforce as diverse as the communities we serve.

The Team

The Partnerships and Strategic Overview (PSO) Team, part of Local Operations, works with communities and partners to better understand and manage flood risk.

Our 4 main work areas include: using evidence (data, modelling, mapping); providing strategic direction; developing and delivering projects; and regulating activities like planning and permitting.

Our aim is to help our communities and environment be climate resilient - so when flooding happens, it causes less damage and recovery is quicker for everyone.

Experience/Skills Required

Essential:

• Experience in flood and coastal risk management and spatial planning
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to make decisions and achieve outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex information clearly, accurately, and persuasively.
• Excellent influencing and engagement skills to quickly develop and maintain positive relationships with internal and external customers.
• Effective time management, ability to work under pressure and at pace, reprioritising as work comes in.
• Delivery of work to time and quality.
• Good problem-solving capabilities, including developing and embedding innovative solutions and new ways of working.
• Desire to progress your own learning and development, and that of others.

Helpful:

• Practical knowledge of GIS software.
• Degree in a relevant field such engineering, geography, or science.
• Full UK driving licence.