Job Description
As a Regulatory Officer, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the future of recycling in England and see the impact of your work every day. Working within our Combined Packaging Regime team in Waste Markets & Shipments (WM&S), you’ll help reduce waste, improve recycling standards, and support businesses to operate more sustainably. You’ll regulate producers who place packaging on the market, ensuring they meet their legal obligations and manage their packaging waste responsibly.
In this role, you’ll plan, monitor, and deliver compliance and enforcement activities that contribute to a circular economy. The work involves a balance of fieldwork and desk-based tasks, so a full UK driving licence is essential.
Please note: there is an expected start date of 15 June 2026 for this role, subject to change.
Responsibilities
* Work with businesses to bring them into compliance and investigate suspected noncompliance.
* Carry out audits both on-site and remotely.
* Build effective relationships with businesses and stakeholders.
* Solve technical challenges and develop practical, evidence-based solutions.
* Analyse complex data to support informed decision-making.
* Handle sensitive information with professionalism and integrity.
* Contribute to improving processes and operational guidance.
* You’ll also play a key role in incident response, with full training and support provided, as well as additional payment where applicable.
Travel and Requirements
* Travel as needed across the South East as part of our Packaging Producer or Material Facilities team.
* A full UK driving licence is essential.
* Produce accurate reports and analyse data using Microsoft Office tools.
* Prioritise effectively to manage multiple demands and deliver results.
Knowledge and Training
Knowledge of compliance and enforcement legislation is a bonus—but full training will be provided. We’ll invest in your growth with specialist training, mentoring, and opportunities to progress within the Environment Agency.
Team and Environment
The team is supportive, diverse, and collaborative. We aim to protect the environment, improve recycling quality, and ensure packaging is responsibly managed. Flexible working patterns, including job sharing, are welcomed.
Eligibility and Interviews
The interviews are likely to be held at the start of March 2026. The interview format will be face-to-face at Kings Meadow House, Reading. The role will be a mix of office and homeworking, with travel across your area and nationally. The Environment Agency requires a full UK driving licence. If you do not have this, we will not be able to progress with your application. For more information, please refer to the candidate pack or contact the recruiting manager at the provided email addresses.
Contact and Information
We will be running information calls on specified dates. Please refer to the candidate pack for details or contact the recruiting team for an invitation to your preferred session.
Competences
* Takes Decisions and Solves Problems — Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing information and taking timely decisions.
* Communicates Effectively — Listens, questions, and conveys information clearly through speech and writing.
* Influences and Persuades Others — Presents a convincing case and encourages follow-through.
Role-specific license requirements
Full UK Driving License is required.
Equality and Inclusion
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. We have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment.
Important notes
The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by Defra and adheres to government guidance on the use of artificial intelligence. Please ensure all application information is truthful and reflects your own experience.
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