Job Description

Environmental Crime Officer - 31662

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Environmental Crime Officer - 31662

Number of jobs available
2
Region
Yorkshire and the Humber
City/Town
Leeds , Sheffield , York
Building/Site
DEFRA GRP EA LEEDS LATERAL, LS11 9AT, DEFRA GRP EA TEMPLEBOROUGH OFFICE, S60 1YR, DEFRA GRP KINGS POOL, YO1 7PX
Grade
Staff Grade 4
Post Type
Permanent
Role Type
Operational Delivery
Working Pattern
Full Time
Salary Minimum
33,000
Closing Date:
05/09/2025, 23:55 hours


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Candidate pack
Candidate Pack - 31662.docx - 2041KB Opens in a new window


Converted File Candidate Pack - 31662.docx.pdf - 718KB Opens in a new window
Security checks level
Basic Check
Job description
The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. 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. Everyone starting in a new role will be welcomed into the team and given all the training and support needed. As part of your comprehensive induction, you will be provided with all the equipment required for your role.


Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate. This may attract an additional payment and full training will be available. Please see the candidate pack for information on how you'll support with this.




You will undertake specialist enforcement activity following a risk based and intelligence led approach, targeting illegal activities posing the greatest risk to the environment, human health and the regulatory regime. You will be responsible for a variety of activities ranging from the provision of advice and guidance over smaller scale waste operations to prosecution of complex offences involving organised criminal networks.



During an investigation you will be required to formulate investigation plans, gather evidence in line with legislative requirements, take witness statements, conduct suspect interviews and produce case files, ultimately appearing in court to give evidence in a criminal trial. You may also be involved in surveillance activities and might be asked to assist colleagues across the Area and country, so some travel and overnight stays should be expected.



The Environment Agency deal with complex legislation that allows for a variety of enforcement options. You will be required to respond to reports of environmental crime where you will likely meet some confrontational people, requiring you to adapt your communication style to the situation.
The team
You'll join our Yorkshire Area Enforcement Team, who specialise in dealing with serious and environmental crime in the waste sector, but also conduct or assist with investigations into other serious environmental offending. To achieve our aims, we work closely with our regulatory teams across the Area, other Area Enforcement Teams on serious cross-border investigations, and with our National Environmental Crime Unit. We also routinely work with external enforcement bodies.
Experience/skills required
You will likely have some experience in an investigatory or regulatory role, involving evidence collection, case file production and presenting evidence at court. You will understand how to handle evidence, sensitive data and intelligence under the Government Security Classification scheme.



You'll have an understanding of the legislation applicable to environmental regulation and a knowledge of working under Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and Criminal Procedure & Investigations Act 1996.



No matter what your background is, you will have a proven track record of managing an extensive and complex workload, achieving results, working alone and with others, including partner organisations. You must also demonstrate you can proactively manage the health, safety and wellbeing of yourself and others.



Although relevant work experience may be an advantage, your ability to demonstrate the key transferable skills and personal qualities are just as important.
Contact and additional information
Please download the attached candidate pack for more information.



This is a full-time post but other working patterns will be considered.



For more information, contact Matthew Lawson, Team Leader, Matthew.Lawson@environment-agency.gov.uk




This role will require frequent and often unscheduled travel across the Yorkshire Area. As a result, the post requires a full UK driving licence. The post holder will be required to be vetted to Non-police personnel vetting level 2a abbreviated. You will participate in incident rotas to support our Incident Management function. Whilst you will have a base office that you will be expected to work from as required, the team work flexibly in the field and from home. Please ensure you select your preferred location. All necessary clothing, equipment and training will be provided.
Competence 1
Illegal Activity Detection and Enforcement
Description
Please note that your answers to the capability questions will be used for shortlisting purposes. Your examples do not necessarily have to be work related, please use the best example from any area of your life. You may find researching the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) useful when answering the questions. Try to utilise the full word count where possible. A link to the capability dictionary, which outlines some of the key things we're looking for in your answers, can be found in the Candidate Pack attached to the advert.



Environmental Crime Officers are at the forefront of gathering and recording intelligence, ensuring our investigations and enforcement are intelligence led. Give an example where you have been involved in the gathering of intelligence, how you dealt with it and what effect the intelligence you gathered had on an investigation.
Competence 2
Achieves Results
Description
As part of an Environmental Crime Team, you will be engaged in the investigation of serious offences. Give an example of where you have been involved in an investigation into serious crime that best demonstrates your understanding of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA) and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE). What was your role in the investigation and how did you contribute to the result?
Competence 3
Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Working with and influencing other partner organisations plays a significant part in the day-to-day role of an Environmental Crime Officer. Give an example where you have engaged in partnership working. What it was in relation to? What role did you play in influencing the outcome?
Competence 4
Deals with Hostile Situations
Description
Please describe a time when you were faced with a person who was being openly hostile towards you. How did you recognise this hostility developing? What techniques did you use to reduce the level of hostility or impact on you and your colleagues and how were you able to leave the area safely?
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.