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’re 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 that affect 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 is a role where you will see tangible results from your work, whether it’s 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 taking around 18 months. Your training will include residential sessions (3–5 days at a time, for at least 3 weeks overall), on-the-job learning, and 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
- A starting salary of £28,859
- Generous pension scheme of up to 19%
- 25 days holiday + 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 as you will be working with the public and regulated operators. Experience in a scientific or regulatory environment is beneficial but not essential as full training will be provided.

About you
A passion for environmental protection and the resilience to work in a challenging but highly rewarding field. You will be motivated to engage with communities and businesses and able to travel frequently, sometimes at short notice. You must be adaptable and willing to participate in incident response, including out-of-hours work.

A full UK driving licence is essential. Please note that if invited to interview, a DVLA driving licence check will be conducted.

Qualifications
A GCSE (Grade A–C or equivalent) in a science-related subject OR equivalent practical experience.