32375 - Environment Planning Specialist - Water Quality

Environment Agency; Lane End; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental environmental agency in the United Kingdom is seeking a Water Quality Specialist to enhance local water quality through collaboration with water companies. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree or extensive experience in environmental disciplines, strong technical knowledge of water quality issues, and excellent influencing skills. This role includes reviewing significant proposals and responding to environmental incidents, contributing to sustainable water management.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in an environmental discipline or substantial relevant experience.
• Relevant environmental work experience in water companies, consultancies, or public bodies.
• Understanding of current environmental pressures and solutions in water quality.

Responsibilities

• Review and shape water company proposals.
• Lead improvements and maintenance of designated Protected Areas.
• Respond to incidents and provide business continuity support.

Skills

Technical background in water quality

Influencing and persuasion skills

Organisational skills

Education

Degree in environmental discipline or equivalent

Job description

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.

The 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.

Essential

• 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

• 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).

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.