Location
Lea Marston, Birmingham

Hours
Full Time, Permanent

Salary
£28,859 per annum rising to £34,320 after approximately 18 months

About the Role
The Environment Agency works to create better places for people and wildlife and supports sustainable development. As an Environment Officer – Waste Regulation, you will play a vital role in regulating the waste industry, an essential sector worth £25 billion that employs nearly 150,000 people and manages around 75 million tonnes of waste annually.

You will be responsible for regulating a wide variety of waste management companies, from small operators to large corporate bodies, ensuring their activities comply with environmental regulations and do not cause pollution or harm to people. The focus will be on hazardous waste sectors, enforcing regulations, gathering evidence, and taking action against breaches, including issuing enforcement notices and potentially giving evidence in court.

Your duties will include tackling illegal waste activities, working closely with external partners such as local authorities, police, fire and rescue services, and engaging with local businesses and communities. You will respond to environmental incidents, sometimes outside normal working hours, and work collaboratively within a team to ensure compliance and improve waste management performance.

The waste industry is dynamic and innovative, with ongoing challenges to minimise waste, increase recycling, and reduce environmental impact. This role offers a rewarding opportunity to learn about the industry’s financial incentives and sustainable practices while making a positive environmental impact.

Training & Development
You will start at the EOA grade and follow a structured development programme to progress to EOB grade within approximately 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 training and roles are also part of the position, which may require working outside normal hours with additional payment.

Benefits
• A generous pension scheme of up to 19%
• Overtime opportunities through standby and incident pay
• 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays for full-time employees
• Two additional paid days for environmental outcomes to participate in community activities
• Great career opportunities
• Maternity, paternity, and adoption leave schemes
• Options for flexible and/or part-time working considered on a case-by-case basis

Experience
Experience of working with customers is essential. Previous regulatory experience and/or a scientific background is desirable but not essential. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those seeking a career change, who demonstrate a passion for environmental improvement and resilience.

About you
You are motivated by making a positive environmental impact and enjoy working collaboratively within a team. You have strong customer service skills and the ability to engage effectively with local businesses, communities, and external partners. You are adaptable and willing to respond to incidents, sometimes outside normal working hours.

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