Job Description

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 you will also support colleagues in taking enforcement action in response to other environmental offences.

Responsibilities

• You will investigate and disrupt waste crime using the 4P approach and support enforcement actions for other environmental offences.
• You will work with subject matter specialists and partner agencies to achieve objectives.
• You will gather intelligence, collect evidence, and prepare case files for court.
• You may work with operators of illegal waste sites to bring them into compliance, or disrupt an Organised Crime Group in the waste sector on another day.
• You will engage in challenging conversations with sometimes confrontational individuals and adapt your communication style; waste crime is borderless, so agility is required.

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. We value diversity and provide training and support for new roles, including a comprehensive induction with equipment provided for your role. Roles are available in area teams across the country, with our Area Enforcement Teams (AETs) comprising a Team Leader, Senior Enforcement Officer, Senior Environmental Crime Officer and Environmental Crime Officers. We work with Intelligence Officers, Waste Crime Engagement Specialists, site regulators and the Joint Unit for Waste Crime, and with other enforcement agencies including police forces and councils.

Experience/Skills Required

Your background will be in environmental regulation, intelligence-led enforcement or investigation, with experience collaborating with partner organizations 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 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, Police and Criminal Evidence Act, Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act).

Contact and additional information

This is a hybrid role requiring field work, work from a contractual Environment Agency base office (and other locations), and occasionally from home. All new joiners receive training and participate in incident response duties. Further information on incident response is available in the candidate pack. Face-to-face interviews are likely to be held the week beginning 6 October 2025. CVs are not assessed; answers to competency questions will be used for interview selection. For more information, please contact thameswastecrime@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Competencies

• Influences and Persuades Others — Presenting a case convincingly to win agreement and support for plans. Example questions may be asked during the process.
• Illegal Activity Detection and Enforcement — Uses intelligence to detect illegal activities and initiates enforcement actions where detected.
• Achieves Results — Sets high standards, prioritises, and organises tasks to achieve timely results.

Role-specific license requirements

Full UK driving license is required. If applying from the Civil Service, note that the Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working arrangements, including job share. We guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria.

The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body and uses Central Government frameworks for recruitment. To become a supplier on these frameworks, refer to the Crown Commercial Service information.

Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing

Locations and additional job postings are listed in the candidate page, with roles in Suffolk, Colchester, Ipswich and surrounding areas.