Environment Officer - Water Industry Regulation

Location: Fradley, Wallingford, Warrington, Darlington, Newcastle, Worthing, Canterbury, Bridgwater, Tewkesbury, West Bridgford, Norwich, Lincoln, Kettering, Huntingdon, Penrith, Preston, Rotherham, Leeds, Beverley, Welwyn (Herts), Bodmin, Exeter, Launceston, Blandford Forum.

Staff Grade: EOA

About Us:

Being an Environment Officer is one of the most important roles at the Environment Agency. Environment Officers regulate everything from what is discharged into our rivers, to operators of waste management facilities, farms and other land management activities across a range of urban and rural sites, all of which may impact on the local environment. In this role, your sole focus will be the regulation of 1 of the 9 water companies across the country.

 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/Companies 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. 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.

What will you do:

Based in one of our area offices as an Environment Officer - Water Industry Regulation you will join one of our customer-facing frontline teams working directly to help create a cleaner, safer and healthier environment.

You will be responsible for regulating a water company who 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. As a regulator you will be expected to plan and deliver the necessary compliance activities against such permits, this may also require enforcement-action where the operator fails to comply with the relevant legislation, which for the most serious offences on occasion can require giving evidence in court. This role offers continuous learning opportunities and the chance to deepen your expertise in environmental regulation. You will also:

• Work collaboratively within a team, receiving backup from colleagues and incident support staff
• Using your excellent customer service skills to engage with local business, communities, and operators
• Enforce environmental regulations and ensure water companies improve their performance
• Travel frequently and sometimes unexpectedly to various sites to conduct inspections and take action if environmental regulations have been breached

You’ll enter the role on a EOA grade and follow a structured development programme to reach EOB grade. In the initial months, some of the training is residential around 3-5 days at a time, (and travel is required). This is expected to take up to 18 months and is awarded after demonstrating the required capabilities.

During this development period, you will be required to demonstrate the personal effectiveness skills essential to a regulatory role such as effective communication and influencing skills. This together with demonstrating and applying your understanding of the technical aspects within the responsibility of your Water Industry Regulation team. You will understand and apply the relevant legislation and the appropriate compliance interventions to take.

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

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 do you need:

Essential:

• Full UK Driving License.
• GCSE Grade A-C or equivalent in Science-related subject or have equivalent work experience
• Experience of working with customers.

Ideally you will have previous regulatory experience and/or scientific background, but if this is your first role or a career change, we would expect you to draw upon previous scientific knowledge while going through relevant training. The most important thing we are looking for is a passion for the environmental improvement and resilience to succeed.

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 £26,428 leading at Induction Stage, rising to £31,429 after completion of approx. 18-months training
• 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.

Closing date for applications: Friday 1st March 2024

Interview Dates: W/C 18th March until 9th April 2024