Job Description
We are looking for an experienced environmental professional to join our team that regulates industrial installations and high-risk waste sites in the Solent & South Downs Area. As a regulatory officer you will be at the forefront of protecting people and the environment from harm and helping contribute to a cleaner, greener world.
Job Description
We are looking for an experienced environmental professional to join our team that regulates industrial installations and high-risk waste sites in the Solent & South Downs Area. As a regulatory officer you will be at the forefront of protecting people and the environment from harm and helping contribute to a cleaner, greener world.
You will undertake compliance assessment activities at a wide range of complex waste and industrial sites and have a specialist focus in either the chemical, manufacturing or anaerobic digestion sectors. You will ensure permit compliance and make complex assessments of an operators' ability to protect the environment, prevent pollution and optimise use of resources.
You will work nationally within the organisation to understand best practice affecting their area of specialism and conversely sharing knowledge across the organisation. At times you will set conditions under which a site may continue to operate and enforce the law should they fail to comply. You will also respond to and investigate incidents making sure preventive and protective action is implemented.
While you will develop expertise in particular sectors, you will work closely with other team members and national colleagues to help tackle a diverse range of environmental challenges that we face
You will use your influencing and negotiating skills to secure best practice, often dealing with people at senior levels within industry, local communities and other interested groups.
The team
We regulate a wide range of waste and industrial sectors including landfill, chemicals, hazardous waste, incineration, combustion, oil refineries, biowaste treatment and food & drink.
The posts can be based in any of offices across the area which include Romsey, Chichester, Worthing or Pevensey. The need to attend these locations will be flexible, combined with site visits and home working.
Experience/skills Required
We are looking for someone who works effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, and who actively encourages colleagues to consider diversity in their work. You will bring proven experience in one or more of the relevant sectors, with strong operational or regulatory understanding of industry and waste management.
The role requires a proactive, self‑motivated communicator who is confident influencing and negotiating to achieve outcomes. Strong interpersonal skills and well‑developed technical or regulatory expertise in industrial or waste environments are essential.
Ideally, you will be familiar with environmental management systems, auditing and root‑cause analysis, able to interpret environmental monitoring and performance data, and comfortable managing multiple demands independently. You take initiative, apply continuous improvement, and hold a degree (or equivalent) in a scientific, environmental or engineering discipline, with membership of a relevant professional body desirable.
Development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
Contact and additional information
You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given.
You’ll have a base location at Romsey, Chichester, Worthing or Pevensey with flexible hybrid working.
There will be regular travel expected across the patch with some occasional overnight stays, so a full driving licence is essential.
Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact mark.emery@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Interviews will be held in late April 2026.
If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.
Competence 1
Achieves Results
Description
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Description:
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets.
You will be delivering regulatory outcomes in one or more of the sectors the team regulates which includes landfill, chemical manufacturing, hazardous and non-hazardous waste, combustion, biowaste and food & drink.
Question:
Please describe how your knowledge/experience in one of these sectors helped you to achieve a particular environmental outcome.
Competence 2
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Description
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Description:
Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.
Question:
Please give an example of when you had to defend a decision you made in the face of considerable challenge from the party/parties involved.
Competence 3
Influences and Persuades Others
Description
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Description:
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly, often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
Question:
Tell us about a time when you needed to persuade someone or bring them on board with your idea, even though you weren’t in charge or didn’t have the authority to tell them what to do.
Role specific license requirements
Full UK Driving Licence
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.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls. Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
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. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
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