Location
Nottingham, Fradley, Brampton, Bedford, Farnham, Chichester, Worthing, Pevensey, West Malling, Tonbridge, Rotherham, London SE2 (Abbey Wood).

Hours
Full-time (part-time considered on a case-by-case basis)

Salary
£28,859 rising to £34,320 after approximately 18 months (+£2,186 outer London weighting for the London role)

About the Role
Join the Environment Agency’s water industry regulation teams and play a key role in tackling environmental crime and ensuring water companies comply with environmental law. You will regulate one of the nine national water companies, focusing on preventing pollution, regulating sewage treatment works, storm overflows, and sewerage network compliance. This is a frontline role based in one of our area offices, working collaboratively within a team to build a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment.

You will plan and carry out compliance activities, enforce environmental regulations, and take enforcement action where necessary, including preparing evidence for legal proceedings in serious cases. The role involves frequent travel, sometimes at short notice, to conduct inspections and respond to breaches.

Starting at Grade EOA, you will follow a structured development programme with progression to EOB grade typically within 18 months. Initial training includes residential classroom sessions and field visits with experienced officers, covering regulatory legislation, environmental science, and practical regulatory work. You will develop skills in communication, influencing, and technical regulatory responsibilities, supported by all necessary training, equipment, and clothing.

Flexibility is important as you may be required to work with teams in other locations or adapt to changing priorities. The role also involves taking on incident response duties with additional pay and flexible arrangements.

What’s in it for you?
- A supportive and inclusive organisation valuing diversity and flexibility
- Competitive salary with outer London weighting where applicable
- Generous pension scheme (currently 19% of pensionable pay)
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
- Standby and incident response payments
- Flexible working options
- Two paid environmental outcome days annually to volunteer in your community
- Extensive training and career development opportunities
- Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave

Why choose us?
Make a meaningful impact by protecting vital ecosystems and promoting responsible water use. Work in a dynamic, rewarding environment with passionate professionals focused on delivering real-world environmental improvements. Benefit from continuous development, mentoring, and access to the latest tools and technologies. Join a values-driven organisation committed to integrity, transparency, and sustainability.

Experience
Relevant professional experience in science, environmental work, or regulation is desirable. Experience working with customers and the ability to communicate effectively and adapt your style to different audiences is essential. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds and encourage applications from those with scientific understanding, passion for environmental improvement, resilience, and commitment to learn.

About you
Committed to environmental protection and improvement, adaptable, and able to work collaboratively within a team. Willingness to travel frequently and respond flexibly to changing priorities. Resilient and motivated to develop skills in regulatory enforcement and environmental science.

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 into the role.