* In-depth knowledge of both the legislation which governs criminal investigations (Police and Criminal Evidence Act, Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act) and that relating to waste management – if you have knowledge gaps in one of these areas we would expect a willingness and dedication on securing this knowledge within the first six months of starting the role.
* Experience being an effective coach and mentor with an ability to inspire others.
* Proactive management of the health and safety of yourself and others.
* Confidence in dealing with hostile/difficult customers.
* Confidence in communicating with legal professionals, colleagues and partner enforcement agencies – you will need to be creative in working with partner organisations to help achieve our aims.
Job Description
The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve.
This role presents an exciting opportunity to get involved in a rapidly developing area of crime. You will undertake disruption operations and specialist enforcement activities following a risk-based approach targeting the greatest environmental offences across Hertfordshire and North London.
As a senior member of the team you will assist the Team Leader with work planning and supporting less experienced officers plan and deliver their investigations. You will need to be able to inspire the team, apply business processes and maximise the use of resources in an efficient and effective way.
For your own cases, and those of the team members you will support, you will stop and/or disrupt illegal waste activity, investigate suspected offences and deliver enforcement action for significant and serious cases of environmental crime (predominantly waste) within our area. As lead investigating officer you will be responsible for gathering evidence in line with legislative requirements (including taking witness statements, conducting suspect interviews, carrying out covert surveillance, etc) building case files and attending court.
This role may involve working with confrontational people and organised criminal networks requiring you to adapt your communication style to the situation. You will use internal and external partners to help stop illegal activity or bring it into regulatory compliance.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment. Full training and workplace adjustments will be available to support you with your incident role.
The team
You'll join a dedicated Enforcement Team that tackles high priority and serious and organised waste crime, dealing with complex legislation that allows for a variety of enforcement options and increasingly using disruption techniques to offenders’ day to day activities. The team provide governance and support delivery of effective and efficient enforcement action in the Area. The team liaises with enforcement and intelligence colleagues across the organisation and routinely works closely with external enforcement bodies.
Experience/skills Required
To succeed in this role, you’ll need to demonstrate:
* Experience managing complex disruption operations and/or investigations from start to finish, achieving results, working alone and with others.
* In-depth knowledge of both the legislation which governs criminal investigations (Police and Criminal Evidence Act, Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act) and that relating to waste management – if you have knowledge gaps in one of these areas we would expect a willingness and dedication on securing this knowledge within the first six months of starting the role.
* Experience being an effective coach and mentor with an ability to inspire others.
* Proactive management of the health and safety of yourself and others.
* Confidence in dealing with hostile/difficult customers.
* Confidence in communicating with legal professionals, colleagues and partner enforcement agencies – you will need to be creative in working with partner organisations to help achieve our aims.
Contact and additional information
Interviews are likely to be held at the start of Feb 2026.
The post requires a full UK driving licence. There will be frequent and often un-scheduled travel to access sites of interest.
Should you require further information please refer to the candidate pack or contact the recruiting manager Neil.Crux@environment-agency.gov.uk or southeastresourcing@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Flexible working requests will be considered on an individual basis and dependent on business need.
Competence 1
Illegal Activity Detection and Enforcement
Description
Please give an example of when you were involved in a complex disruption operation and/or investigation from start to finish, the part you played and how you influenced the outcome.
Competence 2
Delivers Results Through Others
Description
Please provide an example of managing a complex investigation or project where you have delivered results through others.
Competence 3
Communicates Effectively
Description
Please provide an example of where you have communicated a controversial message to an external party and how you approached this.
Role specific license requirements
Full UK Driving License
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.