Environment Officers, Water Industry Regulation

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

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

Permanent, Full-time (part-time to be considered on a case-by-case basis)

Grade: EOA

About us

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.

We continue to change the way we regulate water companies. Our regulation teams work to hold underperforming operators to account and ensure compliance with environmental law. While we recognise their crucial role in managing the water cycle - collecting, treating and returning water to the environment - it’s essential they do so without causing environmental harm.

Our work includes preventing pollution, the regulation of sewage treatment works, storm overflows and ensuring compliance across the sewerage network. With increased scrutiny of sewage pollution and its effects, we’re more determined than ever to raise standards, strengthen regulation and protect the environment. We’re driving improved performance, accountability, and better use of our resources to create lasting environmental outcomes.

We’re recruiting now because the work is urgent and growing - this is a pivotal moment to join the Environment Agency, as we’re actively involved in shaping the future of water regulation in England.

Being an Environment Officer is one of the most vital roles within the Environment Agency. Our officers regulate everything from discharges into rivers, to operators of waste management facilities, farms, and other land-based activities across both urban and rural sites - all of which can impact the local environment. In this role, your primary focus will be on the regulation of one of the nine water companies operating nationally.

What will you do?

As an Environment Officer, based in one of our area offices, you'll be part of a frontline team focused on building a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment.

You’ll regulate a designated water company, ensuring compliance with a range of environmental permits. This involves planning and carrying out compliance activities and taking enforcement action where necessary. In serious cases, this may include preparing evidence for legal proceedings.

This role provides continuous learning and the chance to develop a deep understanding of water industry regulation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Working collaboratively within your team, with support from colleagues and incident response staff.
• Engaging with local businesses, communities, and operators using strong customer service skills.
• Enforcing environmental regulations and helping water companies improve performance.
• Travelling frequently—sometimes at short notice—to carry out inspections and respond to breaches.

You’ll begin at our EOA grade and follow a structured development programme, typically progressing to EOB grade within 18 months upon demonstrating the required skills. Initial training includes residential sessions (3–5 days at a time over approximately three weeks), involving classroom learning on topics like regulatory legislation and environmental science, followed by field visits with experienced officers who will demonstrate the practical aspects of the role. Some travel and overnight stays will be required.

During this period, you’ll develop key skills in communication, influencing, and technical understanding of regulatory responsibilities, learning to apply legislation and determine compliance actions.

All necessary training, equipment, and clothing will be provided to ensure your safety.

You'll be recruited into a specific area with a designated office base, but flexibility is important - you may be required to work with teams in other locations or adapt to changing priorities across different areas.

What’s in it for you?

You’ll be part of a supportive organisation that values difference and promotes inclusivity, as well as having the flexibility and trust to make a meaningful impact.

We also offer:

• A salary of £28,859 (+£2,186 outer London weighting for London role) rising to £34,320 after approximately 18 months.
• A generous pension scheme (currently 19% of pensionable pay).
• 25 days of annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays.
• Standby and incident response payments.
• Flexible working options.
• Two paid environmental outcome days each year to volunteer in your community.
• Extensive training and career development
• Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

Part-time working will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Why choose us?

Make a meaningful impact: At the Environment Agency, your work has a real and lasting effect on the quality of our environment. Regulating the water industry is a key priority. By promoting responsible water use and protecting vital ecosystems, your role helps preserve the natural world for future generations.

Dynamic and rewarding work: Join a proactive, passionate team tackling environmental challenges on a national scale. You’ll collaborate with like-minded professionals in a supportive and forward-thinking environment, where your input truly makes a difference.

Focus on results: Our work delivers real-world change. Whether it’s enforcing regulations or restoring damaged water environments, we take action that benefits both people and nature.

Continuous development: We’re committed to developing your skills and knowledge. With tailored training, mentoring and access to the latest tools and technologies, you’ll be supported in developing your skills and progressing your career in environmental regulation.

Values-driven organisation: Integrity, transparency, and environmental responsibility guide everything we do. You’ll be part of an organisation that’s genuinely committed to building a more sustainable and resilient future.

What do you need?

Essential:

• A full UK driving licence.
• GCSE Grade A – C / Grade 9 – 4, in a science-related subject, or equivalent.
• Relevant professional experience in science, environmental work or regulation.
• Experience of working with customers, with the ability to communicate effectively and adapt your style to different audiences.

We welcome candidates from a range of backgrounds. While direct experience in a regulatory or scientific role is beneficial, it’s not the only route in. If you meet the essential requirements and bring scientific understanding, a passion for environmental improvement, and the resilience and commitment to learn, we encourage you to apply.

Additional information

The Environment Agency is 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 joining a new role will receive a warm welcome and full support, including the equipment, training and guidance needed to thrive.

You will be required to take on an incident role to help us respond effectively to incidents or support business continuity. These roles may attract additional pay, with full training and flexible working arrangements provided. We offer a range of incident roles and will work with you to find the best fit.

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Please note that providing false or misleading information at any stage of the application or recruitment process may result in withdrawal of your application, or where applicable, disciplinary action in line with internal processes

We will maintain a reserve list for 12 months and may offer similar roles at other locations linked to this position.

Please note: Candidates selected for interview will be notified by email at least five days in advance. Please check both your inbox and junk mail folders to ensure you don’t miss our message.

Advert close: Monday 13th October.
Interviews to be held: w/c Monday 3rd November.