Enforcement Officer - Environmental Crime

Somerset County Council; Yeovil; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days leave

LGPS

Hybrid working

Wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset County Council is seeking an Enforcement Officer - Environmental Crime to lead investigations, enforce environmental legislation and safeguard communities across Somerset. The role combines fieldwork with prosecutions and requires sound judgement and strong communication.

You'll work with Legal Services, police and partners, manage complex cases, prepare witness statements and representations in court.

Qualifications

• Experience investigating environmental crime and managing complex enforcement cases.
• Knowledge of environmental enforcement legislation including waste offences and PSPOs.
• Understanding of criminal and civil enforcement processes, including PACE requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead investigations into environmental crimes and breaches of environmental legislation.
• Issue notices and Fixed Penalty Notices; progress prosecutions as required.
• Conduct interviews under caution and gather evidence for enforcement action.
• Investigate fly-tipping, waste offences, abandoned vehicles, PSPO breaches and encampments.
• Inspect land, premises and vehicles for compliance with legislation.
• Collaborate with Legal Services, Police, Environment Agency and partners.
• Prepare prosecution files, witness statements and legal documents.
• Represent the Council in court, tribunals and formal proceedings.
• Share knowledge and support continuous service improvement.

Skills

Environmental enforcement

Investigative work

Regulatory compliance

PACE interviewing

Evidence gathering

Prosecution experience

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Stakeholder collaboration

Job description

Salary: Grade 11 - £32,597 to £36,363 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week (weekend allowance applicable)

Closing Date: 25th September 2026

About the Role

As an Enforcement Officer - Environmental Crime, you'll be at the forefront of protecting Somerset's environment and communities, tackling issues that truly matter to local people every day. From leading complex investigations to delivering decisive enforcement action, your work will have a visible and lasting impact on the places where people live, work, and enjoy. This is a role where your expertise, judgement, and determination will be trusted and valued. At Somerset Council, you'll join a supportive and ambitious organisation that is committed to safeguarding its natural environment, working collaboratively with partners, and empowering its people to make a genuine difference, giving you the opportunity to shape safer, cleaner, and more resilient communities.

How You'll Make a Difference

As an Enforcement Officer - Environmental Crime, you'll play a key role in protecting Somerset's communities, environment and public spaces by:

• Leading investigations into environmental crimes and breaches of environmental legislation.
• Exercising delegated authority to take enforcement action, including issuing notices, Fixed Penalty Notices and progressing prosecutions.
• Conducting interviews under caution in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and gathering evidence to support enforcement action.
• Investigating issues including fly-tipping, waste offences, abandoned vehicles, Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) breaches, dog control complaints and unauthorised encampments.
• Inspecting land, premises and vehicles to determine compliance with relevant legislation.
• Working closely with Legal Services, the Police, the Environment Agency, landowners and other partners to resolve complex enforcement matters.
• Preparing prosecution files, witness statements, reports and legal documentation.
• Representing the Council at court, tribunals, appeals and other formal proceedings.
• Supporting colleagues by sharing knowledge and contributing to continuous service improvement.

What You'll Bring

We're looking for someone with a strong background in environmental enforcement, regulatory compliance or investigative work, together with:

• Experience investigating environmental crime and managing complex enforcement cases.
• Sound knowledge of environmental enforcement legislation, including waste offences, fly-tipping, abandoned vehicles, unauthorised encampments and PSPOs.
• An understanding of criminal and civil enforcement processes, including PACE requirements and evidential standards.
• Experience preparing prosecution files, witness statements and presenting evidence in court or formal hearings.
• The ability to interpret and apply legislation, policy and guidance confidently and proportionately.
• Strong investigative, analytical and decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deal professionally with challenging situations.
• Experience working collaboratively with partner organisations and stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Competence in using case management systems and digital evidence recording tools.
• Professional qualifications or training in areas such as PACE interviewing, evidence gathering, CPIA or environmental enforcement would be advantageous.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
• Opportunities to work across Somerset's diverse communities and environments, making a genuine impact every day.

Find out more about working at Somerset Council:

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

This role offers hybrid working opportunities and can be based from any of Somerset Council's office locations, subject to service requirements.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Matt Cloke, Environmental Crime and Compliance Manager at [e-mail] or Jo Toogood, Environmental Health & Licensing Manager at [e-mail].

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: TR0154 Enforcement Officer - Environmental Crime

If you currently work for Somerset Council, please apply via the internal SuccessFactors careers page.