Advisor; Chemicals Surveillance and Emerging Risks

Job Description

We are looking for a dynamic thinker who feels passionately about reducing the impacts of chemicals in the environment. You will work with technical specialists to deliver complex and challenging work with a range of duties. You will be expected to lead your own work and work with others. An awareness of the environmental risks posed by chemicals is essential.

• Deliver environmental monitoring projects that provide evidence to support regulatory decisions, policy development, and environmental protection.
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver monitoring activities, ensuring the data is robust, accessible, and fit for purpose.
• Provide technical support to the Chemicals Investigation Programme, a long‑running collaboration with the water industry to understand and control chemicals in sewage effluents and the environment.
• Support the River Basin Planning lead and PEWS lead.
• Produce technical responses for formal government questions, public enquiries, and information requests.
• Assist with permitting work across sectors to address complex chemical issues and develop a strategy for the effective regulation of chemicals.
• Oversee work with the Chief Scientists Group.
• Collaborate with Defra, other UK regulators, external parties, and internal EA units such as the National Laboratory Service.

• A strong awareness of ongoing concerns about chemicals in the environment.
• Experience in government, regulatory, or industrial environmental regimes (e.g., air quality, contaminated land, water quality, waste classification, periodic review).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to adapt communication styles to suit the audience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS Teams, and SharePoint.
• Desirable: experience with Power BI, Python and/or R.
• Self‑starter, highly organised, able to work under initiative and in a team, and able to balance multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, changing environment.

The role sits in the Chemicals Surveillance and Emerging Risks Team within the Chemicals Programme, a national team in the Environment and Business Directorate. The team is dispersed and will work virtually via MS Teams with occasional face‑to‑face meetings. The position is a national role with a flexible/hybrid working arrangement.

The Environment Agency is fully committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Flexible working patterns, including job share, are welcomed. We have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for candidates with a disability.

For any questions, contact caroline.ho

Up to 26 March 2027.