Sewerage Technical Advisor

Job Description We are looking for an urban drainage advisor with sewer hydraulic modelling experience. This role is part of the national Water Quality Regulatory Development team, working across the country to design and implement new regulatory approaches to improve storm and emergency overflow programmes. You’ll apply your experience of building and using sewer hydraulic and modelling tools to inform guidance and assurance of programme delivery. Working proactively with Environment Agency teams and external organisations, you will lead the development of audit processes for water quality investigations, co‑develop training courses on Urban Pollution Management, respond to technical queries, and coach staff on sewerage and water quality investigations. Responding to incidents is a central part of the role. You’ll have the option to have an incident role, providing business continuity support and potentially receiving additional payment. Full training will be available if you choose the incident role. Responsibilities Design and implement audit processes for water quality investigations under the Storm Overflows Assessment Framework and Environment Act. Co‑develop training courses on Urban Pollution Management (UPM). Respond to technical queries and coach staff on sewerage and water quality investigations. Lead the development of strategic plans for the sustainable use, protection and improvement of the environment. Collaborate with dispersed teams and external organisations, embedding new processes and informed technical and professional knowledge. Provide incident support where required, with associated training and optional additional pay. Qualifications & Experience A relevant degree such as civil engineering, geography or environmental science (alternatives may be considered). Demonstrated continued professional experience in sewer modelling and/or river quality impact modelling for UPM studies, including model audits. Knowledge of environmental planning and the regulation of Water and Sewerage Companies. Excellent organisational skills and effective coaching experience, with a proven track record of embedding new approaches into business. Experience developing new processes through collaborative relationships across dispersed teams. Competencies Competence 1: Numerical Modelling and Forecasting Interpret data and information to forecast the state of the environment including localised forecasting such as pollution, flooding and water availability. Describe sewer and/or river quality impact models you have developed, their purpose, the audit or quality assurance processes followed, problems encountered and how these were resolved. Competence 2: Strategic Environment Planning Develop, deliver and implement strategic plans for the sustainable use, protection and improvement of the environment. Provide a summary of your technical knowledge and experience from the wastewater sector and describe how you have applied environmental planning to make a significant positive impact on water quality. Competence 3: Coaches Others Use a variety of methods, including direct instruction, coaching and feedback, to help others develop. Provide an example where you successfully enhanced the capability of a group of people within your organisation or an external organisation, and how you assessed success. Competence 4: Shapes organisational approach & delivery Inform Government Policy, design, implement and support approaches to translate policy into cost‑effective operational activity. Describe a process you have developed and embedded at an organisational level. Contact & Application Process Office base location is flexible; you should be prepared to occasionally travel or stay overnight to attend meetings. For further information on this role please contact: phil.hulme@environment-agency.gov.uk.For more information about working for us and how to apply please read the Candidate Pack and Additional Information document.Applications will be “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. Interviews will be held using MS Teams during the week commencing 12th January 2026. If you consent to be recruited onto a reserve list, we will hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post. EEO and Diversity Statement The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies and have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with disability. We are not part of HM Civil Service; applicants from local government may be eligible for continuous service under applicable orders. Artificial Intelligence Guidance Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements must be truthful, factual and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism is identified applications may be withdrawn. #J-18808-Ljbffr