Offshore Inspector - Atmospheric Emissions

Do you want a career where you can make a real difference? Do you want to work at the forefront of current policy making decisions? Do you want to have an impact on the UK and beyond? If yes, then a career at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) could be for you.

Here at DESNZ we are delivering our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower, with clean electricity by 2030 and accelerating the UKs journey to net zero. Our work is helping ensure clean energy for all, keep bills down and seize the opportunities to lead the world in new green industries, taking back control of our energy with Great British Energy and encouraging greater energy efficiency across the UK. The work of the department has never been more timely or relevant, and by joining us you will be part of making that difference.

Our work is varied, interesting and most importantly it's impactful. Our DESNZ Values are interwoven into everything we do; we are bold, we are collaborative, we are inclusive, and we learn. As a department we are committed to these values to build a culture where everyone can thrive

We offer great working benefits including a world-class pension, flexible working options and a career where your learning and development is taken seriously. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Planand the Civil Service D&I Strategy.

Find Out More

We regularly run events where you can find out more about the department and tips for the application and interview process. You can sign up for upcoming events here:https://forms.office.com/e/pqUhdr3L72

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The Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED), part of the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), develop and administer the environmental regulatory regime for the UK Continental Shelf and work with industry to make sure requirements are met. Our focus spans the full life cycle of offshore oil and gas activity, including exploration, production, decommissioning, gas unloading and storage, and carbon storage.

The Atmospheric team is a dynamic team within OPREDs Offshore Environment Unit, overseeing operational delivery for atmospheric emissions regulation, and supporting colleagues across OPRED on atmospheric issues.

In this role youll help protect the environment by regulating offshore atmospheric emissions through robust permitting, compliance assessment and a risk-based inspection programme. Youll work with colleagues across OPRED and with offshore operators on key regimes including the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS), Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) and relevant atmospheric emissions from offshore oil and gas and carbon storage activities, supporting delivery of the UKs Net Zero ambitions.

Key Responsibilites:

• Assessing submissions made to OPRED by operators and owners for regulatory approval or acceptance, providing advice focused on atmospheric regulations.
• Planning and delivery of inspections, using a risk-based approach to achieve agreed targets and have responsibility for maintaining a regulatory overview of a portfolio of offshore assets.
• Review emissions data and compliance evidence, identify potential non-compliance and investigate contraventions of offshore legislation, taking enforcement action where appropriate.
• Participating in an on-call incident response rota in order to liaise with industry on offshore oil & gas incidents and to ensure that operators and owners respond to any pollution incident in accordance with their oil pollution emergency plans.
• Contribute to developing and improving OPRED policy, procedures and guidance on atmospheric regulation, ensuring a consistent, transparent approach to permitting and inspection.
• Representing OPRED on industry workgroups building constructive relationships with operators, owners, industry groups, other regulators and government stakeholders, sharing learning and helping to improve standards.

Whilst inspection and permitting will be the main focus of your job, you may also be required to undertake other activities in the support of OPREDs regulatory function to help achieve OPREDs objectives.

Essential Criteria:

• A higher education qualification in a science, engineering, environmental or related discipline.
• Experience of environmental regulation, permitting, inspection and compliance assurance (or closely related industry compliance roles), and the judgement to make quality, evidence-based assessments.
• Knowledge of atmospheric emissions and emissions management, and the ability to interpret technical information (e.g., combustion sources, emissions controls, monitoring approaches, emissions calculations, verification evidence and compliance reports).
• Experience and knowledge of metering systems and process modelling.
• Working knowledge of UK ETS and PPC regulatory requirements, and how permitting conditions translate into practical compliance and inspection expectations.
• Understanding of statutory requirements and the ability to explain clearly what is needed to comply, and to challenge where standards are not being met.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with operators and colleagues, and to produce clear records, recommendations and correspondence.
• Ability to work at pace, manage competing priorities and take a pragmatic, inclusive approach to resolving issues.
• Willingness to travel, including to offshore installations as required; it is mandatory that applicants pass the UK offshore medical and survival training requirements.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of regulating or working within offshore oil and gas operations, or other complex industrial processes, with particular focus on combustion processes.
• Experience of delivery or assurance work under formal environmental management systems (e.g. ISO 14001) and/or structured compliance frameworks.
• Confidence using data and digital tools to analyse emissions data, compliance information and present clear findings.