Location
West Malling

Hours
Full-time, Permanent

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

About the Role
Are you ready to take on a role that makes a real difference? Join the Environment Agency’s new water industry regulation teams and help lead the fight against growing and increasingly complex environmental crime. Our regulation teams hold underperforming water operators to account and ensure compliance with environmental law, focusing on preventing pollution, regulating sewage treatment works, storm overflows, and sewerage network compliance. With increased scrutiny on sewage pollution, we are determined to raise standards, strengthen regulation, and protect the environment.

As an Environment Officer, you will regulate one of the nine water companies operating nationally, ensuring compliance with environmental permits through inspections, enforcement, and engagement with operators. You will work collaboratively within your team, engage with local businesses and communities, and respond to incidents as required. This role involves frequent travel and occasional overnight stays.

You will start at the EOA grade and follow a structured development programme, typically progressing to EOB grade within 18 months. Initial training includes residential classroom sessions and field visits with experienced officers, covering regulatory legislation, environmental science, and practical regulatory work. All necessary training, equipment, and clothing will be provided to ensure your safety.

We offer a supportive and inclusive organisation with flexible working options, a generous pension scheme (currently 19% of pensionable pay), 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, standby and incident response payments, two paid environmental outcome days per year, extensive training and career development, and generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. Part-time working will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

This is a pivotal moment to join the Environment Agency as we shape the future of water regulation in England, making a meaningful impact on environmental protection and sustainability.

Experience
Relevant professional experience in science, environmental work, or regulation is required. Experience working with customers and the ability to communicate effectively and adapt your style to different audiences is essential.

About you
You should have a passion for environmental improvement, resilience, and a commitment to learn. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and encourage applications from those with scientific understanding and a strong desire to make a difference. Flexibility to travel frequently and occasionally stay overnight is important.

Qualifications
A full UK driving licence is essential. GCSE Grade A–C / Grade 9–4 in a science-related subject or equivalent is required. While direct regulatory or scientific experience is beneficial, it is not the only route in; a willingness to learn and develop is key.