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.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and disrupt waste crime using the 4P approach and support enforcement actions for other environmental offences.
• Work with subject matter specialists and partner agencies to achieve objectives.
• Gather intelligence and evidence and prepare case files for court.
• Engage with operators of illegal waste sites to bring them into compliance, or disrupt Organised Crime Groups in the waste sector.
• Engage in challenging conversations with sometimes confrontational individuals and adapt communication style as needed; operate with agility given the borderless nature of waste crime.

Regular pre-planned travel should be expected; 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.

Team and Environment

The Environment Agency is committed to an inclusive workforce reflecting the communities we serve. You will receive comprehensive induction and training, and be provided with the equipment required for your role.

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 or councils. You should have experience using intelligence products to identify potential lines of enquiry and disruption opportunities.

Essential

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

Desirable

• Understanding and experience of working within an intelligence-led environment, and the 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, PACE, CJA, RIPA).

Contact and Additional Information

This is a hybrid role requiring field work, work from a contractual Environment Agency base office, and home-based work. Training and incident response duties will be part of the role. Face-to-face interviews are likely to be held in the week starting 6 October 2025. For more information, contact thameswastecrime@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Competences

1. Influences and Persuades Others

   Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way to win support for plans.

2. Illegal Activity Detection and Enforcement

   Uses intelligence to detect suspected illegal activities and carries out enforcement actions where detected.

3. Achieves Results

   Sets and delivers high standards, prioritises tasks and resources to achieve timely results.

Role-specific license requirements
Full UK driving license.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. We guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the post.