Overview
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. We welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, or religion.
The delivery of farm inspections is a top priority for the Environment Agency. We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual with excellent communication skills to join our Agriculture Team as an Environment Officer - Agriculture. You will assess what is needed to stop pollution and damage to the environment by working with farmers to improve legal compliance. We are seeking candidates with experience or understanding of UK agriculture to work with farmers to increase compliance with existing environmental regulations and safeguard the future environment.
Responsibilities
* Carrying out targeted farm inspections across a range of sectors; from permitted intensive farms to small family farms, land spreading operators, water abstractors and those with discharge consents
* Engaging with farmers and land managers to influence them to change their practice, which may involve difficult conversations
* Collecting and reporting on data and findings, with close attention to detail
* Undertaking regulatory enforcement action and, when needed, the serving of notices and prosecutions
* Working collaboratively with other teams and specialists
* Attending incidents at short notice, both environmental and flooding, both in and out of hours
Our work is varied and interesting and no two days are the same.
The team
This is an exciting frontline role where your actions and decisions make a real difference to people and the environment in Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. You will be part of the wider Land and Water Team, supporting the Agriculture Team in protecting sensitive and well-used environments in Britain, often in rural areas and across diverse agricultural sectors.
Experience/skills required
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including being tactful with customers. Experience of communicating with the farming community is beneficial but not essential.
* Self-motivation and the ability to prioritise workload and adapt to changing circumstances
* Ability to make timely and rational decisions based on relevant information and experience
* A desire to protect and improve the environment; knowledge of environmental issues related to agriculture is beneficial but not essential
* A willingness to learn
* Experience in a regulatory role would be beneficial
* Full UK driving licence
* A positive attitude, confidence in engaging with staff and members of the public (over the phone and in person), and the ability to work both independently and in a team
Contact and additional information
* All staff undertake training and participate in incident response duties when needed. An incident role is an essential part of working for the Environment Agency
* The successful candidate can be based at Lincoln, Kettering, Spalding or Peterborough. Flexible working is supported; please include any preferences
* This role involves travel for inspections, incident response and attending meetings; a full driver’s licence is essential
* Interviews will be held in person the week commencing 27 October 2025
* For questions please contact: jo.gass@environment-agency.gov.uk
Length of contract: Temporary – Maternity Backfill for 12 months
Competencies
* Manages Self — Has awareness of strengths/weaknesses and takes responsibility for own role
* Influences and Persuades Others — Presents a credible case to influence stakeholders and adapt communication to different audiences
* Achieves Results — Sets high standards, prioritises and delivers timely results
We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share. The Environment Agency is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and has a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support candidates with disabilities. We operate within Central Government frameworks for recruitment. Further information is available in the candidate pack.
Artificial intelligence note: Applications must be truthful and based on your own experience. The Environment Agency aligns with Civil Service guidance on AI use.
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