The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities and our environment. Everyone starting in a new role will be welcomed into the team and given all the training and support needed. As part of your comprehensive induction, you will be provided with all the equipment required for your role.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate. This may attract an additional payment and full training will be available. Please see the candidate pack for information on how you'll support with this.

You will undertake specialist enforcement activity following a risk based and intelligence led approach, targeting illegal activities posing the greatest risk to the environment, human health and the regulatory regime. You will be responsible for a variety of activities ranging from the provision of advice and guidance over smaller scale waste operations to prosecution of complex offences involving organised criminal networks.

During an investigation you will be required to formulate investigation plans, gather evidence in line with legislative requirements, take witness statements, conduct suspect interviews and produce case files, ultimately appearing in court to give evidence in a criminal trial. You may also be involved in surveillance activities and might be asked to assist colleagues across the Area and country, so some travel and overnight stays should be expected.

The Environment Agency deal with complex legislation that allows for a variety of enforcement options. You will be required to respond to reports of environmental crime where you will likely meet some confrontational people, requiring you to adapt your communication style to the situation.

The team

You'll join our Yorkshire Area Enforcement Team, who specialise in dealing with serious and environmental crime in the waste sector, but also conduct or assist with investigations into other serious environmental offending. To achieve our aims, we work closely with our regulatory teams across the Area, other Area Enforcement Teams on serious cross-border investigations, and with our National Environmental Crime Unit. We also routinely work with external enforcement bodies.

Experience/skills required

You will likely have some experience in an investigatory or regulatory role, involving evidence collection, case file production and presenting evidence at court. You will understand how to handle evidence, sensitive data and intelligence under the Government Security Classification scheme.

You’ll have an understanding of the legislation applicable to environmental regulation and a knowledge of working under Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and Criminal Procedure & Investigations Act 1996.

No matter what your background is, you will have a proven track record of managing an extensive and complex workload, achieving results, working alone and with others, including partner organisations. You must also demonstrate you can proactively manage the health, safety and wellbeing of yourself and others.

Although relevant work experience may be an advantage, your ability to demonstrate the key transferable skills and personal qualities are just as important.