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 also supporting 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, involving gathering intelligence and evidence and preparing case files for court. You may work with operators of illegal waste sites to bring them into compliance one day and disrupt an Organised Crime Group in the waste sector the next. You will engage in challenging conversations with sometimes confrontational individuals and must adapt your communication style. Waste crime is borderless, so operatives need to be agile.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and disrupt waste crime using the 4P approach and support colleagues in enforcing other environmental offences.
• Work with subject matter specialists and partner agencies to achieve enforcement outcomes.
• Gather intelligence, collect evidence, and prepare case files for court.
• Engage with operators of illegal waste sites to achieve compliance and, at times, disrupt Organised Crime Groups in the waste sector.
• Participate in challenging conversations with individuals and adapt communication styles as needed.

Experience / Skills Required

Background in environmental regulation, intelligence-led enforcement, or investigation. Experience collaborating with partner organisations such as the police, councils, or other government agencies is highly relevant. Experience using intelligence products to identify lines of enquiry and disruption opportunities.

• Essential: A full UK driving license. The role is dependent on obtaining Non-Police Personnel Vetting Level 2 (NPPV2).
• Desirable: Understanding and experience in an intelligence-led environment, and ability to communicate 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).

Additional Information

This is a hybrid role. You will work in the field and from a contractual Environment Agency base office (and others), with the ability to work from home. All staff receive training and participate in incident response duties when needed. Further information on incident response is 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, contact thameswastecrime@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Competence Framework (selected)

• Influences and Persuades Others – Presenting a case convincingly to win support for plans.
• Illegal Activity Detection and Enforcement – Uses intelligence to detect illegal activities and enforces where detected.
• Achieves Results – Sets and delivers high standards, prioritises tasks, and achieves timely results.

Role-specific 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 and not eligible for continuous service. Flexible working patterns are welcomed, including job share. A Guaranteed Interview Policy is in place to support applicants with disabilities.

Job Details

• Seniority level: Associate
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Management and Manufacturing

Leeds, England, United Kingdom