Environment Officer - Land and Water - Leeds

About this role

Salary - Starting at £27,749, increasing to £33,000 after approximately 18 months of development.

Contract Type - Permanent, Full Time

Location - Leeds

Closing Date - 7th July 2025

Interview Dates - Week commencing 21st July 2025

Indicative Start Date - October 2025   

 

At the Environment Agency, your work makes a real and lasting difference. As one of the UK's leading environmental regulators, we tackle the major challenges of water quality, pollution, and land management. We're values-driven, impact-focused, and committed to protecting the environment and communities across the country.

About the Role:

As an Environment Officer - Land & Water, you'll join one of our frontline regulatory teams, working with businesses, farmers, landowners, and communities to protect and improve the local environment.

You will regulate activities that affect both water quality and quantity, including:  

• Water companies to ensure discharges and operations don't harm people or the environment
• Farms and agricultural premises of all sizes, including sites with intensive pig and poultry production
• Abstraction licences for those taking water from rivers or groundwater for crop irrigation, cooling systems or drinking supply

You'll carry out inspections, ensure compliance with environmental permits, and, when needed, take enforcement action. In serious cases, this could include preparing evidence for prosecution and giving evidence in court.

This is a role where you will see tangible results from your work, whether it's preventing pollution, improving a watercourse, or protecting precious ecosystems.

You'll also:    

• Engage directly with customers, communities, and operators
• Travel frequently, sometimes at short notice, to inspect sites and respond to issues
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Environment Agency
• Get involved in incident response, including out-of-hours working when required (full training provided and additional payments may apply)

All Environment Officers have a designated incident role. You'll be trained and supported to take part in our national incident response framework, which may involve occasional out-of-hours work. Full training and additional payments apply.

Your Development Journey:

You'll join at EOA grade and follow a structured development programme leading to promotion to EOB grade. This typically takes around 18 months.
Your training will include:    

• Residential sessions (3–5 days at a time, for at least 3 weeks overall)
• On-the-job learning
• Support to build your technical knowledge, regulatory understanding, and personal effectiveness

We'll provide all the tools, training, and PPE you need to stay safe and succeed in your role.

What We Offer You:

• A starting salary of £27,749, rising to £33,000 after completing your development programme (approx. 18 months)
• Generous pension scheme
• 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays, plus 2 additional paid days for environmental volunteering
• Flexible working options considered
• Overtime opportunities for incident and standby work
• Full training, equipment, and support for your safety and success
• A culture that supports career progression, diversity, and inclusion
• Induction and training are expected to begin in Autumn 2025, with a planned start date of October 2025.

What We're Looking For:

• A full UK driving licence
  Please note, if you are invited to interview, we will contact you to conduct a DVLA driving licence check. More information on this process will be provided to you should you reach this stage of the recruitment process.
• A GCSE (Grade A–C or equivalent) in a science-related subject OR equivalent practical experience
• Customer service experience – you'll be working with the public and regulated operators
• A passion for environmental protection, and the resilience to work in a challenging but highly rewarding field
• If you already have a scientific background or experience in a regulatory environment, that's great, but if not, we'll help you develop those skills.

Why Choose the Environment Agency?

Join the UK's largest environmental organisation and be part of a team that tackles national challenges head-on. We are committed to achieving tangible results, from implementing industry regulations to restoring polluted water bodies. We invest in our people, providing tailored training, equipment, and a collaborative community where your contributions truly matter.

As an organisation we strive to reflect the communities we serve. To achieve this, we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, and religion. If you have any questions regarding the vacancy or application process, please contact the recruitment team at earecruitment@peoplescout.co.uk.  

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply and start your application today! 

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the UK's biggest environmental organisation. Join us, and together, let's tackle the challenges of a changing climate and build a more sustainable future. Apply now and embark on a rewarding and fulfilling career journey with the Environment Agency. 

Closing date for applications is 7th July 2025