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 including 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 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 necessary, 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.

We provide full training, equipment, and support to ensure your safety and success. You will join at EOA grade and follow a structured development programme leading to promotion to EOB grade, typically within 18 months. Training includes residential sessions, on-the-job learning, and support to build your technical knowledge, regulatory understanding, and personal effectiveness.

Join us and be part of the UK's largest environmental organisation, tackling national challenges head-on and making a real difference for the environment and communities.

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 adaptable and willing to travel frequently, sometimes at short notice. A commitment to teamwork and collaboration is important.

You must hold a full UK driving licence. 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 is required. Scientific background or regulatory experience is beneficial but not essential as training will be provided.