Technical Officer

Environment Agency; Sunbury-on-Thames; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A public environmental regulatory body in the UK seeks a professional to oversee the regulation of recreational activities on the River Thames. The role involves managing health and safety, conducting boat patrolling, and providing regulatory advice. Ideal candidates should have experience in enforcement casework, be effective communicators, and able to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Flexibility in working patterns is welcomed, and comprehensive training is provided.

Benefits

Incident payments

Training and development opportunities

Flexible working patterns

Qualifications

• Experience in managing enforcement casework with deadlines.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Must be a confident swimmer.

Responsibilities

• Manage Health, Safety and Wellbeing for the team.
• Conduct targeted routine patrolling of boats.
• Provide correspondence based on technical knowledge.
• Advise on regulatory issues and consultations.

Skills

Health, Safety management

Regulatory knowledge

Written communication

Time management

Customer engagement

Job description

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity to improve the regulation of recreational activities on the River Thames. The team provides a front-facing service to customers, regulates river levels through weir operation and enforces boat registration. This role supports a period of change to make our operations financially sustainable through regulation, efficiency, opportunity, and better ways of delivering work. The role plays a key part in ensuring we are an effective regulator and maximising income to reinvest in waterways. We welcome flexible working patterns and are committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

Responsibilities

• Management of Health, Safety and Wellbeing for you and your team
• Targeted, routine boat patrolling
• Managing enforcement casework with targets and deadlines
• Providing well-researched correspondence based on sound technical knowledge, experience and legal advice
• Advising on regulatory issues and consultations
• Working with customer representatives and professional partners
• Managing change and embedding effective ways of working
• Participating in an incident role

Team and Work Environment

The Environment Agency manages some of the busiest recreational waterways in the country. River Thames operations include 45 lock and weir complexes. Your team will consist of 12 staff (Team Leader, Lock and Weir Keepers and Technical staff). The work requires regular front-line presence outdoors in all weather. Please state your base location preference and be mindful of travel requirements. Out-of-hours work is occasionally required to manage incidents. You should be a confident swimmer. Full training will be provided to achieve mandatory post requirements and ongoing development. You will be welcomed into the team with comprehensive induction and equipment provided for your role.

Location, Travel and Conditions

Work at various locations with regular travel from your residence to sites; travel expectations should be discussed at interview. The role may involve working beside the river or on boats, in open air conditions.

Benefits, Training and Further Details

Allowance details include: Incident payments (when on standby) and Outer London weighting (location dependent). We provide the necessary training and development opportunities.

Important notes: A panel will consider your application using the information provided. Please provide clear examples demonstrating your approach to regulation, time management, written reports, following legal processes, and high-level communication (face-to-face and written). We also provide a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability meeting the minimum criteria for the post.

For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for calculating any future redundancy payment. If unsure, contact your HR team. The Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage flexible working patterns, including job share. Please review guidance on the use of artificial intelligence and ensure all examples are truthful and from your own experience. All external recruitment follows Central Government frameworks; references to direct contact by post, email or phone calls outside approved channels are not applicable. For more information on government supplier frameworks, visit the Crown Commercial Service information page.

Contact: [e-mail]