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.
The Enforcement Team are the centre of enforcement expertise and best practice for operational staff in the Solent and South Downs Area. Officers investigate complex and significant/serious offences. We are committed to taking effective and robust enforcement action against poor performers and illegal waste activities.
You will be part of a team acting as a Triage Investigator to undertake specialist enforcement including:
- Carrying out various desk-based assessments of reported illegal waste sites to build an informed intelligence picture and determine the appropriate actions to take.
- Undertake visits where reports highlight the need for further investigation, liaise with landowners and partners over smaller scale waste operations to bring back into compliance.
- Ensure data and intelligence is managed in accordance with the National Intelligence Model. Daily use and monitoring of National Incident Reporting System and intelligence recording.
- Build effective relationships with our partners, providing clear feedback and guidance to ensure resources are used efficiently and that they have a practical understanding of our policies and procedures.
- Support the Environmental Crime Officers in investigations with basic statement taking, seizing evidence, photographic imagery (the role holder can develop further investigation skills)
- Assisting with team administrative activities e.g. evidence logging and record keeping when required.
- Opportunity to train as a Drone Pilot
For this role you must be able to pass Security Check vetting which normally requires 5 years of UK residency, as part of our due diligence we may undertake background checks of applicants against publicly available databases, prior to interview.
The team
The Enforcement Team serves as the centre of expertise and guidance for operational staff across the Solent and South Downs Area. Officers handle complex and high-priority cases, ensuring serious offences are thoroughly investigated. We are dedicated to taking decisive and robust action against underperforming operators and illegal waste activities, collaborating with various partners to achieve positive environmental outcomes for local communities.
Experience/skills Required
- Ability to proactively build/maintain strong working relationships with colleagues and external partners, supporting collaboration and clear communication.
- Proven ability to complete tasks accurately with minimal supervision, working effectively both independently and in a team.
- Adaptable in approach and communication, adjusting to different people and situations, and confident and composed when managing conflict or challenging/hostile scenarios.
- Confident working in the field and engaging with the public, taking responsibility for personal health, safety, and wellbeing when lone working.
- Knowledge of, or interest in developing knowledge of, investigative legislation including PACE, CPIA 1996 and its Code of Practice, RIPA 2000, the Data Protection Act, the Proceeds of Crime Act, Environmental Permitting Regulations, and the Environmental Protection Act.
- Experienced in managing accurate, accessible, securely stored information, with strong understanding of handling confidential and sensitive material under the Government Classification Scheme.
Development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
Contact and additional information
This role requires frequent, sometimes unscheduled travel across Sussex and Hampshire, with occasional travel to the Isle of Wight. A full UK driving licence is essential. A hire car will be provided for operational travel, and the role may qualify for a Lease Car, assessed after six months.
The post holder must obtain Non-Police Personnel Vetting level 2a.
Although you will have a base office, the team operates flexibly in the field and from home. You will have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan, and appropriate training will be provided.
Interviews are anticipated to be held in person at Worthing or Chichester in February 2026.
Please read the Candidate/Additional Information Pack. For queries, contact sharon.vincent@environment-agency.gov.uk.
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. 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.
Illegal Activity Detection and Enforcement:
Uses intelligence to detect suspected illegal activities. Instigates and carries out enforcement action where illegal activities have been detected.
The Environmental Crime Triage Investigator will be 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
Influences and Persuades Others
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. 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.
Influences and Persuades Others:
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
Working with and influencing other partner organisations plays a significant part in the day-to-day role of an Environmental Crime Triage Investigator. Give an example where you have engaged in partnership working. What was it in relation to? What role did you play in influencing the outcome?
Competence 3
Deals with Hostile Situations
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. 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.
Deals with Hostile Situations:
Responds appropriately and effectively to hostile individuals when carrying out enforcement work.
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.
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. 
