Environment Officer – Water Regulation

Salary: £28,859, rising to £34,320 after approximately 18 months, plus +£2,186 PA where Outer London Weighting applies

Location: Lincoln, Kettering, Brampton, Ely, Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester, Newcastle, Darlington, Nottingham, Tewkesbury, Fradley, Kidderminster, Shrewsbury, Stafford, Exeter, Bodmin, Canterbury, West Malling, Tonbridge, Farnham, London SE18 (Abbey Wood), Wallingford, Reading, Welwyn Garden City, Penrith, Preston, Warrington, Bridgwater, Blandford, Chippenham, Rotherham, York, Beverley

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Staff Grade: EOA

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.

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 plus +£2,186 PA where Outer London Weighting applies, 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.

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…