32634 - Flood and Coastal Risk Management Advisor

Environment Agency; Welwyn Garden City; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency in the United Kingdom is seeking a Flood and Coastal Risk Management Advisor to enhance flood protection in Hertfordshire and North London. The successful candidate will utilize flood risk data to influence planning, provide strategic advice, and mentor junior staff. This role requires strong communication skills, a background in environmental planning, and the ability to work under pressure. The agency embraces equality, diversity, and inclusion to foster a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in flood and coastal risk management and spatial planning.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to make decisions.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex information clearly.
• Excellent influencing skills to develop positive relationships quickly.
• Effective time management and ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Use flood risk data to influence planning decisions.
• Evaluate flood risk assessments and provide expert advice.
• Influence Local Plans to ensure flood resilience in developments.
• Collaborate with partners for better understanding of flood risks.
• Mentor and coach junior team members.

Skills

Flood and coastal risk management

Spatial planning

Excellent communication skills

Excellent influencing skills

Problem-solving capabilities

Education

Degree in engineering, geography, or science

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Flooding is a growing challenge as climate change and economic development reshape Hertfordshire and North London. 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 and rewarding role you’ll help better protect people, property, and places across Hertfordshire and North London 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.

As a technical leader, you will:

• 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.

In Hertfordshire and North London, we want to create a diverse workplace where people are respected, valued and listened to. By embracing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) we can become an equal opportunity employer where we all grow and learn together.

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.

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.

We aim 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.