ABOUT US

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.

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

We’re looking for individuals who can demonstrate the following:

• An understanding of how water company operations affect the environment, ideally with at least three years’ experience in the water sector, particularly in regulation or compliance. However, we also welcome candidates with relevant skills, transferable experience and a strong motivation to protect the environment.
• Are confident and proactive self-starters, driven to achieve results and ready to bring fresh, innovative ideas to the table.
• Regulatory knowledge, strong communication, and mentoring abilities which will help you lead by example. Managing competing priorities requires excellent planning and organisation.

A background in science or engineering will be advantageous. A relevant professional membership is desirable, but not essential, as we will support you in achieving this.
We also welcome applications from candidates who may not meet the full experience requirements but can demonstrate relevant skills, transferable experience, and a passion for environmental protection.
A full UK driving licence is essential, as the role may involve travel across a wide geographic area.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

As a Senior Environment Officer, you’ll be instrumental in ensuring water companies act responsibly and operate within the law. You’ll help prevent harm to people and the environment by holding companies to account. A Senior Environment Officer will also:

• Plan and deliver complex regulatory activities, including site inspections, audits, and incident investigations.
• Where necessary, you’ll take enforcement action - sometimes providing evidence in court.
• Help shape industry standards, mentor and coach junior officers, and set a strong example as a role model.
• Provide guidance and quality assurance to ensure our work meets the highest regulatory and environmental standards.
• Provide technical advice to managers and contribute to programmes aimed at raising regulatory performance across the sector.

You’ll be recruited into a specific area with a designated office base, but flexibility is important - you may be required to work with teams in other locations or adapt to changing priorities across different areas.