Location
Tewkesbury

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 waste management companies to ensure their permitted activities do not pollute the environment or harm people. The waste industry is a key part of the UK’s infrastructure, worth £25 billion, employing almost 150,000 people and managing an estimated 75 million tonnes of waste annually.

You will regulate a wide variety of waste sectors, including hazardous waste, working with businesses ranging from small operators to large corporations. 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, engage with external partners such as local authorities, police, fire and rescue services, and the public, and help industries adopt sustainable practices.

This role involves frequent travel to various sites for inspections and enforcement actions, sometimes unexpectedly. You will work collaboratively within a team, using excellent customer service skills to engage with local businesses and communities. Responding to environmental incidents, including out-of-hours work, is a key part of the role and may attract additional payment.

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 future-proofing efforts while making a positive environmental impact.

Training & Development
You will start at the EOA grade and follow a structured development programme to reach 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 support will also be provided, with the expectation to be available for incident roles outside normal hours.

Benefits
£28,859 per annum rising to £34,320 after approximately 18 months
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 scheme
Options for flexible and/or part-time working may be 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 required. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those seeking a career change, who can demonstrate a passion for environmental improvement.

About you
You should have resilience and a strong commitment to protecting the environment. Excellent customer service skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team are important. You must be willing to travel frequently and respond to incidents, including outside normal working hours.

Qualifications
Full UK Driving Licence (a DVLA check will be conducted for shortlisted candidates)
GCSE Grade A-C or equivalent in English, Mathematics, and a science-related subject, or equivalent work experience