Job Description

We are seeking a Senior Permitting Specialist to join the Permitting & Regulatory Support Team, which are a group of subject matter experts in environmental permitting and regulation. The team's role is to ensure that the Company has all the necessary Environmental Permits required to carry out its statutory functions regarding operational activities, to offer specialist technical permitting advice to the business and to work with the Environment Agency on all permitting matters.
This is a key technical expert position where you will be contributing to the overall delivery of WINEP and permitting for compliance purposes. You will be a technical lead within the group and will help drive forward a programme of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
This role is suitable for an experienced technical expert in the field of Wastewater Environmental Permitting who has the enthusiasm and ability to support the Permitting and Regulatory Support team in developing its technical expertise and take a lead on complex technical projects.
Working pattern or hours: This is a part-time position, two days a week on a fixed-term contract; the hours could be split across a number of days.
Base location- Hybrid Clearwater Court, Vastern Rd, Reading RG1 8DB.
What you'll be doing as a Senior Permitting Specialist

• Contribute to improving compliance with all conditions of environmental permits by supporting other teams within the Environmental Compliance team and across the business, helping people understand the requirements of permits and how to comply.
• Provide advice on the interpretation of regulatory requirements and outputs to facilitate the roll-out of the agreed business plan.
• Negotiate with the Environment Agency regarding new complex permits and changes to existing permits, ensuring the interests of the company are protected, that cost implications are minimised, and regulatory requirements are appropriate.
• Support the wider team as a technical lead on permitting and water discharge matters through coaching and mentoring.
• Representing TWUL in technical meetings with other Water Companies and the Environment Agency.

What you should bring to the role

• We are looking for someone that is preferably educated to Degree level (or equivalent) in a scientific or environmental discipline.
• Experience in negotiating water discharge activity environmental permits with the Environment Agency is essential.
• You will be a subject matter expert in Water Discharge Activity Environmental Permitting and ideally river quality modelling.
• You will understand the regulatory framework applicable to the Water Industry, including the requirements of the Environmental Permitting Regulations.
• An important part of the role is liaising and working with the Environment Agency and our engineering stakeholders; therefore, excellent communication and relationship-building skills are essential.
• Have a high level of attention to detail is essential, and an ability to work through problems is desirable.
• You will need to be a confident, self-motivated individual who can demonstrate excellent organisation and prioritisation skills.
• Knowledge of wastewater and water treatment processes would be beneficial.
• You must be IT literate and fully competent on using MS Office Programs, especially SharePoint.

What's in it for you?
Environmental Permitting is core to the business; permits are a necessity for the activities and functions of a Water & Sewerage Utility. You will be interacting with key stakeholders and gaining exposure to various parts of the business at all levels, including Water Production, Wastewater Treatment, Network & Pumping and other key business units.
You will have the chance to utilise your interest in environmental issues whilst providing practical guidance to operations and the rest of the business. The variety of activities and people you will be dealing with provides a very interesting and challenging working atmosphere.

• Competitive salary from 43,120 to 52,00 per annum depending on experience
• Annual Leave -26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family's health and wellbeing, and your finances - from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks
Who are we?
We're the UK's largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It's a big job and we've got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.
Learn more about our purpose and values
Working at Thames Water
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you'll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
Whether you're interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we're looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.
So, if you're looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people's lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we'll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.
Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.
Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. Our aim is to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we're here to help and support.
When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you'll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It's also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.
Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.