Location
Shrewsbury, Stafford, Fradley, Lea Marston, West Malling, Canterbury, Blandford (12 months fixed term), Warrington, Wallingford, Farnham, Welwyn Garden City, Pevensey, Worthing, Chichester, Romsey, Isle of Wight (Newport)
Hours
Full Time
Salary
£28,859 per annum
About the Role
As an Environment Officer - Waste Regulation, you will be based in one of our area offices and responsible for regulating a diverse range of waste management companies and their permitted activities. You will oversee various waste industry sectors, from small operators to large corporations, ensuring their chemical, biological, and physical waste treatment processes comply with environmental standards and do not cause harm to people or the environment. Your role includes gathering evidence, enforcing regulations, issuing enforcement notices, and potentially providing evidence in court for serious offences.
You will tackle illegal waste activities to protect legitimate businesses and prevent environmental harm, work closely with external partners such as local authorities, police, fire and rescue services, and engage with local businesses and communities using strong customer service skills. Responding to environmental incidents, sometimes outside normal working hours, will also be part of your responsibilities.
This role involves frequent and sometimes unexpected travel to various sites for inspections and enforcement actions. The waste industry is a dynamic and innovative sector focused on minimising waste, increasing recycling, and reducing environmental impact, making this role both interesting and rewarding. You will learn how the industry operates, understand financial incentives for businesses, and help future-proof the sector through positive engagement.
Training & Development
You will start at the EOA grade and follow a structured development programme to progress to EOB grade within approximately 18 months by demonstrating required capabilities. Initial training includes residential courses (3-5 days at a time for at least 3 weeks), e-learning, fieldwork shadowing, health and safety training, and learning to use EA systems. You will receive authorisation and a warrant for regulatory powers.
Responding to incidents is central to this role, requiring availability outside normal hours, which may attract additional payment. Full training and support will be provided for your incident role.
Why Choose Us
Join the Environment Agency and make a significant impact by protecting ecosystems and regulating the waste industry, a vital £25 billion sector employing nearly 150,000 people. Work in a dynamic, collaborative, and values-driven organisation committed to environmental stewardship, continuous growth, and delivering tangible results. Benefit from a supportive and inclusive culture that invests in your development and offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Benefits
£28,859 per annum salary
Generous pension scheme up to 19%
Overtime opportunities through standby and incident pay
25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays for full-time employees
Two additional paid environmental outcome days to participate in community activities
Great career opportunities
Maternity, paternity, and adoption leave schemes
Flexible and/or part-time working options considered on a case-by-case basis
Experience
Experience working with customers is essential. Previous regulatory experience and/or a scientific background is desirable but not mandatory. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those seeking a career change, who can draw on scientific knowledge and demonstrate a passion for environmental improvement.
About you
You are passionate about environmental protection and resilient in overcoming challenges. You have excellent customer service skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team. You are willing to travel frequently and respond to incidents outside normal working hours when required. You are committed to continuous learning and professional development.
Qualifications
Full UK Driving Licence (a DVLA check will be conducted if invited to interview).
GCSE Grade A-C or equivalent in English, Mathematics, and a science-related subject, or equivalent work experience.
