Inspector (1 post) – Drinking Water Inspectorate
£38,751 – £43,847 (SPTO grade)
(A technical uplift is payable on the successful completion of the probationary period (usually 8 months after starting). This is a supplement to the pay rate for Inspectors to reflect the technical skills of the role.)
The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) is seeking an engineer, applied scientist or specialist in the design and application of physical, personnel and cyber protective security measures to protect assets and operations against malicious attacks. Ideally with experience in the water industry you will provide technical support on matters relating to emergencies and national security in the water sector to join its team of Inspectors ensuring safe, secure and high-quality water supplies across England and Wales
The DWI is the technical regulator for the water industry in England and Wales delivering drinking water quality regulation, NIS regulation and the regulatory functions of the SEMD (England), where the DWI will be acting for and on behalf of the Secretary of State.
Inspectors work in teams under the direction of a Principal Inspector, however, there is a high degree of autonomy of decision making. The postholder should be aware of current technical standards and maintain knowledge of the priorities and issues affecting today’s water industry. Using their technical experience, they will work with Defra policy colleagues and external stakeholders including the regulated water companies on matters relating to SEMD.
The Inspector (SEMD) will develop initiatives that require a technical input and provide technical advice on issues. They will particularly be expected to become proactively involved in developing and delivery of policies and initiatives and to help improve the security and infrastructure capabilities of the water industry.
The key responsibilities will be:
- Monitoring measures taken within the requirements of SEMD to undertakers and licensees (‘companies’)
- Assessment of compliance of companies with the Direction, including assessment of the companies’ self-assessments, and any required audit or investigations.
- Review companies Price Review (PR) Enhancement Plans in line with their SEMD performance, and feedback in time for the company to submit their PR bid to Ofwat.
- Enforcement, including issuing notices and penalties.
- SEMD Incident Assessment.
- Advising on a wide range of other security issues that affect the water industry.
- Development of, and participation in, exercises to test water company and Defra’s emergency plans.
On an interpersonal level, the postholder should have an enquiring mind, be motivated and dedicated to improving the approach by companies in providing a secure industry, ultimately protecting public health.
Candidates are required to be a specialist in water engineering or have a civil engineering background with significant experience in the water industry.
It is a requirement to have attained, be working towards or willing to work towards chartership of your professional body for instance the Institute of Civil Engineers, the Institute of Water. the Chartered institute of Water and Environmental Managers or other relevant body. Ideally registered as a security engineer or specialist or working to this registration would be preferred.
The successful candidate will have good IT skills and be well organised. As travelling is an integral part of the job, often to areas not served by public transport, you should have a valid driving licence.
Please note that this role requires the post holder to be security cleared.
Applicants will be expected to provide evidence that they meet the following behaviours: Leadership, Working Together, Communicating and Influencing, Managing a Quality Service and Developing Self and Others and Making Effective Decisions.
DWI is committed to a programme of continuous professional development.
For further information on this vacancy, please contact Suzanne Calmels on 0208 026 4599 or 0300 068 6400 or at: suzanne.calmels@defra.gov.uk.
For further information about the work of the DWI, please visit www.dwi.gov.uk
You must register and apply online at the Civil Service Jobs website
Civil Service Jobs Reference Number: 139394
Closing date: 12 September 2021
As an Equal Opportunities employer Defra welcomes applications regardless of gender, race, disability, age, religion, or sexual orientation. We operate a family-friendly policy including flexible working patterns.
