Environmental Crime Triage Investigator

Environment Agency; Cootham; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK governmental environmental agency is seeking a detail-oriented Environmental Crime Triage Investigator to enforce compliance on illegal waste operations. The role involves desk-based assessments, field investigations, and collaborating with partners to ensure adherence to environmental regulations. Candidates must demonstrate adaptability, strong communication skills, and an interest in investigative legislation. Flexibility to travel across regions and a full UK driving license are essential, with opportunities for training as a Drone Pilot.

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Proven accuracy with minimal supervision.
• Confident handling of challenging situations.

Responsibilities

• Carry out assessments of illegal waste sites.
• Undertake investigations with landowners.
• Manage data in line with National Intelligence Model.
• Support Environmental Crime Officers.

Skills

Build and maintain working relationships

Adaptable communication

Managing conflict

Engaging with the public

Education

Knowledge of investigative legislation

Job description

About the Role

The Environment Agency is committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. The Enforcement Team is 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 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.

Other Key Details

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.

A frequent, sometimes unscheduled travel across Sussex and Hampshire is required, 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. Interviews are anticipated to be held in person at Worthing or Chichester in February 2026. For queries, contact [e-mail].

Competences

Illegal Activity Detection and Enforcement

Uses intelligence to detect suspected illegal activities. Instigates and carries out enforcement action where illegal activities have been detected.

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.

Deals with Hostile Situations

Responds appropriately and effectively to hostile individuals when carrying out enforcement work.

Selection Criteria

• 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 a strong understanding of handling confidential and sensitive material under the Government Classification Scheme.

Equal Opportunities

The Environment Agency is an equal‑opportunity employer. We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.