Advisor - Water Resources Resilience - 31494

The Environment Agency is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We prioritize diversity, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, communities, and the environment.

It’s an exciting time to be involved in planning England’s water resources. Our water supply faces increasing pressure due to drought and dry weather, with the driest start to the year since 1976. We have published the National Framework for Water Resources to secure our future water supply, and in this role, you will be crucial to its success.

First released in March 2020, the framework innovated in planning for resilient water resources amid climate change, droughts, and population growth, alongside environmental enhancement. The 2025 update builds on these achievements, emphasizing integrated, multi-sector planning at all levels.

Your role will involve supporting activities to deliver and implement this framework, working closely with stakeholders including Defra, regulators, Water Companies, and sectors like energy and agriculture.

The team

You will join the Water Resources Resilience team, which leads the National Framework and collaborates across sectors to enhance resilience.

We are part of the Environment and Business Directorate, influencing policy, legislation, and delivery to secure environmental benefits.

Experience/skills Required

We welcome applicants with a good understanding of water resources, though this role also offers learning opportunities for those outside the field. We are particularly interested if you have:

• Project and programme management skills
• Experience in environmental regulation and planning, especially water licensing, regulation, or sustainable abstraction
• Experience reviewing statutory plans
• Relationship-building skills with stakeholders
• A proven track record of achieving results

As a dispersed team, initiative and effective communication are essential. We offer development opportunities and training.

Additional information

This is a fixed-term role until 31 March 2026. We support flexible, hybrid working arrangements and provide training. The role is based at an EA Office location, with some travel required. For details, see the Candidate Pack or contact WRNationalFramework@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Applications are assessed through competency questions, with interviews via MS Teams within two weeks of closing.

Contract length

Until 31/03/2026

Competencies

Achieves Results: Describe a significant achievement, your pride, feedback received, and lessons learned.

Influences and Persuades Others: Provide an example of persuading someone, challenges faced, and outcomes.

Takes Decisions and Solves Problems: Share an instance of making a quick decision, key factors, and reflection on the outcome.

Note: The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service; eligibility for continuous service varies. We promote diversity and inclusion, flexible working, and guarantee interviews for disabled applicants meeting minimum criteria.

Additional details

• Seniority level: Associate
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Engineering and IT