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 and will support colleagues in taking enforcement action in response to other environmental offences. You will work with subject matter specialists and partner agencies to achieve this, gathering intelligence and evidence and preparing case files for court.

Responsibilities

• You will focus on investigating and disrupting waste crime using the 4P approach and will also support colleagues in taking enforcement action in response to other environmental offences.
• You will work with subject matter specialists and partner agencies to achieve this. This is an interesting and varied role.
• You will be working with others, gathering intelligence and evidence and preparing case files for court.
• You may be working with an operator of an illegal waste site, bringing them into compliance one day, and disrupting an Organised Crime Group operating in the waste sector the next day.
• 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 the visibility across your area and develop investigations.

Team and Environment

The Environment Agency is committed to an inclusive workforce and provides training and support for new starters. You will receive a comprehensive induction and equipment required for your role. Roles are available in a number of area teams across the country. Area Enforcement Teams include a Team Leader, Senior Enforcement Officer, Senior Environmental Crime Officer and Environmental Crime Officers. We work with Intelligence Officers, Waste Crime Engagement Specialist, site regulators and the Joint Unit for Waste Crime, as well as other enforcement agencies including police forces and councils.

Experience/Skills Required

Essential: A background in environmental regulation, intelligence-led enforcement or investigation; experience collaborating with partner organisations such as police, councils or other government agencies; experience using intelligence products to identify potential lines of enquiry and disruption opportunities.

• A full UK drivers license is required. The role is dependent on obtaining Non-Police Personnel Vetting Level 2 (NPPV2).

Desirable: Understanding and experience of working within an intelligence-led environment, communicating with legal professionals, colleagues and partner enforcement agencies. Knowledge of legislation governing criminal investigations (e.g., Environmental Permitting Regulations, Environmental Protection Act, PACE, CPIA, RIPA).

Role Specific Requirements

Full UK driving license is required. The role is dependent on obtaining NPPV2. This is a hybrid role, with field work and base-office work as well as home working. Training and incident response participation are required.

Contact and Additional Information

Face-to-face interviews are likely to be held the week beginning 6 October 2025. CVs are not assessed; competency questions will be used for interview selection. For more information, contact thameswastecrime@environment-agency.gov.uk.

This position may include travel and field-based work in addition to office-based tasks. The Environment Agency is an inclusive employer and supports flexible working patterns, including job share. A Guaranteed Interview policy is available for eligible applicants with a disability.

Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing