South West Water
Environment Advisor
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Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose
South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.
We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.
Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
Role Purpose
The Environment Advisor plays a critical role in protecting the environment and supporting the organisation's commitment to reducing pollution incidents. The position is responsible for investigating pollution events, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining effective relationships with environmental regulators, particularly the Environment Agency (EA).
The role provides expert environmental guidance across the business, supports operational teams in incident investigations, and helps drive improvements that contribute to environmental performance targets and Outcome Delivery Incentive (ODI) commitments.
Key Accountabilities
Environmental Incident Management
- Monitor, track, and maintain records of pollution incidents.
- Ensure all relevant incident data, impact assessments, and supporting evidence are accurately captured.
- Coordinate and support detailed investigations into pollution events.
- Review incident information for accuracy, consistency, and completeness.
Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
- Prepare and submit Incident Summary Reports relating to Environment Agency CICS category incidents, third-party reports, and non-event scenarios.
- Ensure timely and appropriate feedback is provided to regulators.
- Develop responses to regulator enquiries and requests for information.
- Support responses arising from Compliance Assessment Reports (CARs).
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Stakeholder Management
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with environmental regulators.
- Act as a key point of contact for environmental incident-related matters.
- Provide guidance and updates to internal stakeholders regarding environmental regulations, policies, and good practice.
- Liaise with operational, sampling, laboratory, legal, and wastewater teams to support investigations and regulatory responses.
Environmental Performance Improvement
- Identify opportunities to reduce pollution incidents and improve environmental performance.
- Assist in delivering initiatives within the Pollution Incident Reduction Plan.
- Support achievement of organisational environmental targets and ODI commitments.
- Develop practical and innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
Operational Support & Training
- Support operational teams with impact assessments and third-party investigations.
- Produce event statements and supporting documentation.
- Deliver or support internal training on pollution risks, environmental responsibilities, and incident management.
- Provide environmental advice during significant environmental incidents.
Essential
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Strong understanding of environmental legislation and regulatory frameworks.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and investigative skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to challenge information constructively and provide informed recommendations.
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Desirable
- Experience working within the wastewater industry or another regulated environment.
- Knowledge of Environment Agency reporting requirements and incident categorisation processes.
- Understanding of pollution incident management and environmental impact assessment.
Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics (Grade C/4 or above).
- Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Engineering, Biology, Geography, or a related discipline.
Desirable
- A-Level Biology.
Closing Date: 13th Aug 2026
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
Be Rock Solid
- Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
Be You
- We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future
- Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
We look after the water and wastewater services for 1.8 million customers across Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly and parts of Dorset and Somerset.
From treatment and maintenance, to innovation and improvements, we're busy every day finding and fixing leaks, unblocking sewers and going bigger and further in our environmental work to be a company you can be proud of.
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