Job Description
We are looking for an enthusiastic person to join our Water Resources Regulation team within the Environment and Business (E&B) directorate. This is an exciting opportunity to use your knowledge and skills to ensure we properly manage water resources in England.
You will support development of new policy and process across the team, including both water resources licensing and compliance. You will develop and maintain tools and guidance, to ensure the business can implement a regulatory service that protects the environment and meets our customers’ expectations. You will provide specialist water resources licensing and compliance advice to other parts of the organisation and to external customers and partners.
You will work closely with others across E&B and Operations to develop processes and tools to enable us to robustly and consistently report water company water resources regulation performance. You will develop the abstraction and impounding metric so that it can be reported in the Environmental Performance Assessment (EPA) for water companies.
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.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role or provide business continuity support during an incident. You will receive training, and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you.
If we receive a large number of applications, we will conduct an initial sift using the ‘Takes decisions and solves problems’ capability. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to interview.
The team
You’ll join our Water Resources Regulation Team. We direct and shape the approach to better regulate abstraction and impounding, to improve the environment. We’re a small, friendly team that works with government, national stakeholders and operational teams.
We’re part of the Environment and Business Directorate. We promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued. We use evidence, expertise, engagement, and innovation to enhance and support delivery, influence policy, legislation, and secure resources.
Experience/skills Required
The ideal candidate has a good understanding of water resources regulation. They can apply that experience to resolve complex issues and develop new processes.
Please demonstrate you have the:
- knowledge and understanding of water resources (essential).
- ability to balance competing priorities, targeting effort where its needed most.
- ability to work independently, be pro-active, and complete work on time to a high standard.
- experience of developing or improving a process or system, drawing support from across the wider business.
- ability to solve complex process and technical queries.
- ability to collect, analyse and present complex information for a variety of purposes.
- excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work.
You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
Contact and additional information
You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given.
You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.
Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact helen.vale@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.
If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post
Competence 1
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives, and taking sound and timely decisions.
Give an example where you have worked through a challenge and made decisions or solved problems to ensure a successful outcome was achieved.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview. Feedback is generally not available at sift stage.
Competence 2
Achieves Results
Description
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
Give an example of when you have planned and delivered a complex piece of work, whilst working under pressure and where delivery relied on others input as much as your own.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Competence 3
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Description
Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective response.
Give an example of a time when you have had to balance the needs of various customers with conflicting priorities.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Competence 4
Data and Information Management
Description
Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.
Give an example of when you have been responsible for producing data and information for reporting purposes.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. 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 the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
