Location
Penrith, Welwyn Garden City, London SE2 (Abbey Wood), West Malling, Canterbury, Sevenoaks, Rotherham, Norwich, Ipswich, Warrington, Wallingford, Farnham, Romsey, Pevensey, Worthing

Hours
Full Time, Permanent

Salary
£28,859 per annum

About the Role
At the Environment Agency, your work makes a real and lasting difference. As one of the UK’s leading environmental regulators, we tackle major challenges of water quality, pollution, and land management. We are values-driven, impact-focused, and committed to protecting the environment and communities across the country.

As an Environment Officer – Land & Water, you'll join one of our frontline regulatory teams, working with businesses, farmers, landowners, and communities to protect and improve the local environment. You will regulate activities affecting both water quality and quantity, including:
- Water companies to ensure discharges and operations don’t harm people or the environment
- Farms and agricultural premises of all sizes, including sites with intensive pig and poultry production
- Abstraction licences for those taking water from rivers or groundwater for crop irrigation, cooling systems, or drinking supply

You’ll carry out inspections, ensure compliance with environmental permits, and when needed, take enforcement action. In serious cases, this could include preparing evidence for prosecution and giving evidence in court. This role offers tangible results from your work, whether preventing pollution, improving a watercourse, or protecting precious ecosystems.

You’ll also:
- Engage directly with customers, communities, and operators
- Travel frequently, sometimes at short notice, to inspect sites and respond to issues
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Environment Agency
- Get involved in incident response, including out-of-hours working when required (full training provided and additional payments may apply)

All Environment Officers have a designated incident role and are trained and supported to take part in our national incident response framework.

Your development journey
You’ll join at EOA grade and follow a structured development programme leading to promotion to EOB grade, typically within 18 months. Your training will include:
- Residential sessions (3–5 days at a time, for at least 3 weeks overall)
- On-the-job learning
- Support to build your technical knowledge, regulatory understanding, and personal effectiveness

We provide all the tools, training, and PPE you need to stay safe and succeed in your role.

What we offer you
- Generous pension scheme of up to 19%
- 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays, plus 2 additional paid days for environmental volunteering
- Flexible working options considered
- Overtime opportunities for incident and standby work
- Full training, equipment, and support for your safety and success
- A culture that supports career progression, diversity, and inclusion

Experience
Customer service experience is essential as you will be working with the public and regulated operators. Experience in a scientific or regulatory environment is advantageous but not required as full training will be provided.

About you
A passion for environmental protection and resilience to work in a challenging but highly rewarding field. You must be able to travel frequently, sometimes at short notice, and be willing to participate in incident response including out-of-hours work. You will be values-driven, impact-focused, and committed to protecting the environment and communities.

Qualifications
A full UK driving licence is required (a DVLA check will be conducted if invited to interview). A GCSE (Grade A–C or equivalent) in a science-related subject or equivalent practical experience is required.