32375 - Environment Planning Specialist – Water Quality

Environment Agency; Bodmin; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental organization in the UK is seeking a Water Quality Specialist to join their Integrated Environment Planning Team. The role involves reviewing water company proposals, improving water quality in designated Protected Areas, and responding to incidents. Candidates should have a degree in an environmental discipline and relevant experience in environmental work. Strong communication and influencing skills are essential. This position offers the opportunity to work on critical environmental projects in Devon and Cornwall.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in environmental discipline required.
• Relevant environmental work experience needed.
• Technical knowledge in water quality is essential.

Responsibilities

• Review and shape water company proposals.
• Lead activities for improving designated Protected Areas.
• Communicate effectively with water companies.
• Respond to incidents and support business continuity.

Skills

Technical background in water quality

Ability to analyse technical information

Organisational skills

Influencing and persuasion skills

Education

Degree in an environmental discipline

Job description

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 recruiting a Water Quality Specialist to join our Integrated Environment Planning (IEP) Team in Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly (DCIS). IEP drive improvements in local rivers, lakes and coastal waters by understanding the pressures they face, finding solutions, and working with those who can deliver change.

Given the scale of future investment by water companies in England, and the record number of improvements required by the Environment Act, a significant priority will be reviewing and shaping water company proposals. You will work closely with the local Water Company, reviewing the data and information they provide. You will need to communicate with them effectively and be able to influence them to go further against competing priorities.

You will also lead business as usual activities of improving and maintaining our designated Protected Areas e.g. Bathing Waters and Drinking Waters, both of which are critical to the DCIS area. To do this, you will work with National colleagues, who provide guidance, and technical support. You will also work with other local Area Teams with specialist knowledge in different aspects of the local environment, and environmental regulations.

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.

Team

The Integrated Environment Planning (IEP) Team is made up of planning specialists and officers, focusing 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.

Experience / skills required

Essential qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in an environmental discipline (e.g., Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Engineering, Geoscience, Ecology, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Data Science) OR substantial relevant professional experience.
• Relevant environmental work experience (e.g., water companies, environmental or engineering consultancy, regulatory roles in government/public bodies, research, education, environmental charities).
• Technical background in water quality, with understanding of current environmental pressures and solutions.

Desirable skills

• Ability to analyse and present technical information to diverse audiences.
• Strong organisational skills, including planning, tracking, delivery, and evaluation to meet standards and deadlines.
• Effective influencing and persuasion skills with external partners.
• Experience working with water companies and knowledge of their operations.
• Membership of, or working towards, a relevant professional institute (e.g., CIWEM, IEMA).