Job Description
We are looking for an enthusiastic person to join the Water Resources Regulation team. It is an exciting time to join the team, as water regulation is high on the political agenda. The Environment Agency is responsible for ensuring abstractors comply with their licences. As such, you will play an integral role in ensuring we have robust systems and processes in place to protect the environment.
Working with teams across the Environment Agency, you will develop tools, processes and training, for the business to check compliance with abstraction and impounding licences. You will work with, and influence, our customers and partners, including external organisations representing abstraction and impounding interests.
You will focus on compliance but will from time-to-time be required to support other team priorities, such as advising on water resources permitting and providing WR regulatory advice to other parts of the organisation. You will be provided with support, advice and training depending on your skills and experience.
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 hope to attract applications from all sections of the community who have the required skills and experience for the role.
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
In your capability-based answers please demonstrate:
- Your knowledge and experience of compliance and enforcement (essential for this role).
- Any experience of water resources (desirable for this role).
- An ability to balance competing priorities, targeting effort where it is needed most.
- An ability to work independently, be self-motivated and pro-active, and complete work on time to a high
standard.
- Experience of improving a process or system, drawing support from across the wider business.
- Your ability to solve complex process and technical queries.
- Your excellent influencing and negotiating skills.
- Your excellent communication skills and that you are a strong team player.
- Your 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 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.
We’ll be holding a candidate call on 5th September 2024. Please see the Additional Information Pack for more information. For any queries, contact laura.ward@environment-agency.gov.uk or owen.turpin@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
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 a real-life 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.
Competence 2
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.
Competence 3
Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
Give a real-life example of a time when you have had to bring others round to your way of thinking on a challenging matter.
Competence 4
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Description
Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective response.
Give a real-life example of a time when you have had to balance the needs of various customers with conflicting priorities. What issues did you come up against and how did you get over them?
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.
