Environmental Crime Officer

Environmental Crime Officer - 32791

Environment Agency

A full valid UK driving licence is required as the role involves travel.

We are seeking three highly motivated individuals to work as Environmental Crime Officers (ECOs) in one of our Area Enforcement Teams.

• Work to tackle a range of environmental crime, focusing primarily on high-risk illegal waste sites and serious and significant waste crime.
• Use a variety of enforcement and disruption tactics to identify and stop criminal activities, protecting the environment and safeguarding legitimate industry.
• Attend reports of illegal activities, collect evidence, interview suspects, and prepare case files and/or develop actions to disrupt illegal operations across the East Anglia Area.
• Proactively establish good working relationships with colleagues and partners.
• Be involved in surveillance activities and assist colleagues across the Area and country; some travel and overnight stays are expected.

Extensive experience in an investigatory or regulatory role, with significant experience in evidence collection/handling, application of enforcement sanctions, and production of case files for court.

Good understanding of the relevant environmental legislation (including the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016, Environment Act 1995 & Environmental Protection Act 1990) and thorough knowledge of and experience working under the legislation governing criminal investigations.

• A proven track record of leading investigations and achieving results.
• An ability to work alone or with others, showing self‑reliance whilst being a good team player.
• Confidence dealing with hostile situations.
• An ability to proactively manage your own health and safety and that of others; accuracy in completing tasks.
• Applied knowledge and experience of surveillance and intelligence practices is also desirable.

Successful candidates will require Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance before starting and must achieve Non‑Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) level 2 (full) clearance after starting.

Roles are office‑based at Iceni House, Ipswich or Rivers House, Kelvedon. You will be expected to travel between offices and attend reports of illegal activities across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

We want to create a diverse workplace where people are respected, valued and listened to. We’re all different, and by embracing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) we can become an equal opportunity employer where jointly we all grow and learn together. It is our ambition to champion diversity through building a workforce as diverse as the communities we serve.

We offer a benefits package including flexible working, 25 days annual leave and an award‑winning Pension Fund.

Please note this role does NOT qualify for skilled worker sponsorship. Visit UK Visas & Immigration for professional advice.

We anticipate holding in‑person scenario‑based interviews w/c 23rd February 2026 (incorporating the competencies asked as part of application and others) to be held in Ipswich. This may be subject to change.

If you have any questions please contact Recruiting Manager Lesley Robertson erts

Role specific licence requirements:
Driving Licence – Eligibility for lease cars is made based on the role. Internal candidates ensure you check the lease car policy and consider its impact before applying.

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment.

If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.