Location
Shrewsbury, Stafford, Fradley, Lea Marston, West Malling, Canterbury, Blandford, Warrington, Wallingford, Farnham, Welwyn Garden City, Pevensey, Worthing, Chichester, Romsey, Isle of Wight (Newport)

Hours
Full Time - Permanent for all roles except Blandford which is full time fixed for 12 months

Salary
£28,859 per annum

About the Role
As an Environment Officer - Waste, you will regulate a wide range of waste management companies ensuring their permitted activities comply with environmental standards. You will work with diverse sectors, from small operators to large corporations, overseeing chemical, biological, and physical waste treatment processes to prevent pollution and harm to people. Your responsibilities include gathering evidence, enforcing regulations, issuing enforcement notices, and potentially giving evidence in court for serious offences. You will tackle illegal waste activities, protect legitimate businesses, and engage with external partners such as local authorities, police, fire and rescue services, and the public. The role involves responding to environmental incidents, sometimes outside normal hours, with additional payment available for incident work.

You will work collaboratively within a team, using excellent customer service skills to engage with local businesses and communities. Frequent and sometimes unexpected travel to various sites for inspections and enforcement actions is required. The waste industry is dynamic and innovative, presenting opportunities to learn about sustainable practices, financial incentives for businesses, and future-proofing the sector.

Training & Development
You will start at Staff Grade EOA and follow a structured development programme to progress to EOB grade, typically within 18 months. Initial training includes residential and e-learning courses, fieldwork shadowing, health and safety training, and learning to use EA systems. You will receive authorisation and a warrant for regulatory powers. Incident response is a key part of the role, requiring availability outside normal hours with full training and additional payment provided.

About Us
The Environment Agency works to create better places for people and wildlife and supports sustainable development. We play a lead role in preserving ecosystems and regulating the waste industry, which is vital to the UK’s infrastructure. We offer a dynamic, values-driven, and collaborative environment focused on delivering tangible environmental outcomes and continuous professional growth.

What’s in It for You
You will benefit from an inclusive culture that supports and trusts you to do the right thing. We invest in your growth and offer a comprehensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme of up to 19%, overtime opportunities, 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays, two additional paid environmental outcome days, maternity/paternity/adoption leave, and flexible working options considered case-by-case.

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, provided they have a passion for environmental improvement.

About You
You are passionate about environmental protection and resilient to succeed in a challenging role. You have strong customer service skills and the ability to engage positively with businesses, communities, and partners. You are willing to travel frequently and respond to incidents outside normal hours when required.

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. A commitment to continuous learning and professional development is essential.