Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join a front-line operational area team in the fight to tackle environmental crime. In this Environmental Crime Officer (ECO) role, you will focus on investigating and disrupting waste crime using the 4P approach while supporting colleagues in taking enforcement action in response to other environmental offences. You may work with operators of illegal waste sites to bring them into compliance, or disrupt an Organised Crime Group operating in the waste sector, and you will gather intelligence and evidence and prepare case files for court.

You will be involved in challenging conversations with sometimes confrontational individuals, requiring you to adapt your communication style. Waste crime is borderless, so those in our operational roles need to be agile.

Regular pre-planned travel should be expected and occasional overnight stays may be required. You will need to regularly attend offices to co-locate with your team, attend meetings, maintain visibility across your area and develop investigations.

The Environment Agency is committed to an inclusive workforce reflecting the communities we serve. New hires receive training and support, and comprehensive induction with equipment provided for the role.

The Team

Roles are available in a number of area teams across the country. Our Area Enforcement Teams (AETs) include a Team Leader, Senior Enforcement Officer, Senior Environmental Crime Officer and Environmental Crime Officers. We work with Intelligence Officers, Waste Crime Engagement Specialists, regulators of permitted sites, the Joint Unit for Waste Crime, and other enforcement agencies including police forces and councils.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and disrupt waste crime using the 4P approach and support enforcement actions for other environmental offences.
• Collaborate with subject matter specialists and partner agencies to achieve objectives.
• Gather intelligence, collect evidence, and prepare case files for court.
• Engage with operators and other parties to achieve compliance or disrupt criminal activity as appropriate.
• Communicate effectively in challenging situations and adapt communication style as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

Experience/skills Required
Your background will be in environmental regulation, intelligence-led enforcement or investigation, with experience collaborating with partner organisations such as the police, councils or other government agencies. You will have experience using intelligence products to identify potential lines of enquiry and disruption opportunities.

Essential
A full UK driving licence is required. The role is dependent on obtaining Non-Police Personnel Vetting Level 2 (NPPV2).

Desirable
Understanding and experience of working in an intelligence-led environment, and of communicating with legal professionals, colleagues and partner enforcement agencies. Knowledge of legislation governing criminal investigations, such as the Environmental Permitting Regulations, the Environmental Protection Act, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, the Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act, and the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.

License and Eligibility

Role-specific
Full UK driving licence is required.

Important notes
If applying from the Civil Service, the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant. For applicants from local government or other listed bodies, you may be eligible for continuous service for redundancy purposes. If unsure, consult your HR Team.

Additional Information

We welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. Please include any preferred working arrangements on your application. We have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support applicants with disabilities, ensuring an interview if minimum criteria are met.

This is a hybrid role, with time spent in the field, at a contractual Environment Agency base office, and/or working from home as required. Training and incident response duties are part of the role. Further information on incident response is in the candidate pack.

Location

Ipswich, Colchester, Woodbridge, Aldringham and other locations in England. Some vacancies may be listed regionally.