Environmental Crime Officer

Environmental Crime Officer

Salary: £31,429

Staff Grade: 4

Locations: Romsey, Pevensey, Canterbury, Wallingford and Farnham.

Post Type / Working Pattern: Permanent, Full Time

About Us:

As an Environmental Crime Officer, you’ll be part of one of our new water industry enforcement team providing the lead on the enforcement of environmental offences to tackle serious/complex performance issues in the water industry. This new role and team will play one of the most important roles at the Environment Agency, identifying and investigating offences that have impacted the environment.

Why Choose Us:

1. Make a Significant Impact: At the EA (Environment Agency) your work has the power to create a lasting impact. Our work addresses national level issues and regulation of the Water Industry comes right at the top of our list. The EA plays a lead role in preserving and protecting precious ecosystems and everything else associated with water use through effective regulation and prosecution. Your contributions directly protect and enhance the environment, ensuring a brighter future for all.

2. Dynamic and Rewarding: Join a team that thrives on tackling national challenges head-on. At the EA, you'll be part of a dynamic and collaborative environment, working alongside passionate professionals who share your commitment to making a difference.

3. Focus on Results: Our work goes beyond rhetoric, as we deliver tangible results. From successfully implementing industry regulations to restoring polluted water bodies, the EA has a track record of achieving meaningful outcomes that positively impact both people and the planet.

4. Continuous Growth: Your professional development matters to us. We provide a range of opportunities for growth, including tailored training programs, mentorship initiatives, and access to cutting-edge technologies. At the EA, you'll continuously grow your skills and expertise, staying at the forefront of environmental innovation.

5. Join a Values-Driven Organisation: Ethical and values-driven, the EA upholds integrity, transparency, and environmental stewardship. By joining us, you align yourself with an organisation that holds itself accountable and genuinely cares about creating a sustainable and resilient future.

6. Collaborative Community: At the EA, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. You'll work with diverse teams, bringing together experts from various fields to tackle complex environmental challenges. Together, we foster a supportive and inclusive community that encourages collaboration, creativity, and knowledge exchange.

The Team

Based in one of our four enforcement hubs as an Environment Crime Officer you’ll face one of more of the water companies operating across England. Our Water Industry Enforcement teams provide specialist enforcement skills to:

Reduce environmental offending.
Deal effectively with complex and serious offences.
Manage intelligence at a local level.
Provide specialist enforcement support and advice to staff and managers.
Develop prevention, intelligence and enforcement expertise.

What will you do:

Water companies may hold a range of permits related to their activities to ensure they are carried out without polluting the environment or causing harm to people. Working closely with one of our Senior Environmental Crime Officer[ML1] s,[SR2]  you will carry out investigations and deliver enforcement actions, gathering and critically evaluating evidence, producing comprehensive, high quality case files to enable the Environment Agency to take appropriate legal action on water companies who may have violated or contravened the conditions of permits. You’ll be responsible for:

Producing case files
Identify and investigate offences including assisting with site inspection/ investigations.
Analyse and evidence materials from site inspection/ investigations.
Analyse data systems for reports of offending from sites.
Write statements and gather witness statements.
Exhibit evidence.
Prepare for and conduct interviews under caution with suspected offenders.
Prepare case files and disclosure schedules following the Criminal Procedure and Investigations. Act and Police and Criminal Evidence Act Code of Practice. You may need to give evidence in court.

As well as training, you will also be supported with appropriate equipment and clothing to ensure you will remain safe.

What you’ll need:

Essential

This role will require travel from time to time and so you must have a full UK Manual Driving License. You’ll have experience in an investigatory or regulatory role and experience of working with customers. Knowledge of evidence collection and the production of case files is a key part of your role so you will need to be methodical, with great attention to detail and have excellent verbal and written skills.

In addition, we would also like you to have:

An understanding of environmental legislation including the Environmental Permitting Regulations and Environment Act.
Working knowledge of investigative legislation, for example the Police and Criminal Evidence Act and Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act.
Able to proactively establish good working relationships with colleagues and internal and external partners. 
Knowledge of corporate investigations.

The most important thing we are looking for is a passion for environmental improvement and resilience to succeed.

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role. 

What’s in it for you:

You’ll benefit from a culture that embraces difference and is inclusive where you’ll feel supported and trusted to do the right thing. We’ll invest in you and allow you to grow and shape your career. What’s more, you’ll have access to our great benefits package including:

A salary up to £31,429
A generous pension scheme.
Overtime opportunities through standby and incident pay.
25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays for full-time employees.
Two additional days for paid environmental outcomes giving you the opportunity to take part 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.

As an organisation we strive to reflect the communities we serve. To achieve this, we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, and religion.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you. Click apply and start your application today!

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the UK's biggest environmental organisation. Join us, and together, let's tackle the challenges of a changing climate and build a more sustainable future. Apply now and embark on a rewarding and fulfilling career journey with the Environment Agency.

Please note that a reserve list will be held, and you may be offered other roles in other locations including temporary roles, that may be similarly aligned to this role.

Closing date for applications is Monday 2nd September 2024.
Interview Dates: 23rd September to 11th October 2024