32440 - Environmental Crime Triage Investigator

Environment Agency; Worthing; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A government environmental agency is seeking a Triage Investigator to join their Enforcement Team in Worthing. This role focuses on investigating illegal waste activities and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Responsibilities include conducting assessments of reported sites, liaising with stakeholders, and managing data. The ideal candidate will build strong relationships, complete tasks accurately, and adapt to various situations. Development opportunities, including training as a Drone Pilot, are available.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to complete tasks accurately with minimal supervision.
• Confident in managing conflict or challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments of reported illegal waste sites.
• Liaise with landowners on compliance for smaller waste operations.
• Manage data in accordance with the National Intelligence Model.

Skills

Building/maintaining relationships

Accuracy in task completion

Adaptability

Field engagement

Knowledge of investigative legislation

Information management

Job description

Overview

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.