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 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 and gather intelligence and evidence to prepare case files for court. You may work with an operator of an illegal waste site one day to bring them into compliance and with an Organised Crime Group in the waste sector the next day. This role involves challenging conversations with sometimes confrontational individuals and requires 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 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 that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome training and support for new starters, and provide a comprehensive induction with required equipment for your role.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• You will be 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.

Team and Environment

Roles are available in a number of area teams based 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, officers that regulate permitted sites, the Joint Unit for Waste Crime and other enforcement agencies including police forces and councils.

Experience and Skills

Essential: A background in environmental regulation, intelligence-led enforcement or investigation, and experience of working with partner organisations such as police, councils, or other government agencies. Experience of using intelligence products to identify potential lines of enquiry and disruption opportunities. A full UK driver’s license is required. The role requires obtaining Non-Police Personnel Vetting Level 2 (NPPV2).

Desirable: Understanding and experience of working within an intelligence-led environment, and ability to communicate 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.

Role Requirements

Fully hybrid role; you will work in the field, from a contractual Environment Agency base office (and others), and from home. You will undertake training and participate in incident response duties when needed. Face-to-face interviews are likely to be held the week beginning 6 October 2025.

Contact and Additional Information

Interested candidates can learn more about the role by contacting thameswastecrime@environment-agency.gov.uk. Further information on incident response can be found within the candidate pack.

We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share. We also guarantee an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria.