Job description
We have an exciting opportunity for an individual to join the Kent and South London Area Installations team.
You’ll be joining a team where the environment is the priority and the work is varied, challenging and interesting. A training and development programme is available for the successful applicant.
You’ll be responsible for the regulation of sites with Installations permits under the Environmental Permitting Regulations, which will mainly be Landfill/Deposit for Recovery, Biowaste Treatment and Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste treatment sites.
Work will involve:
- Ensuring permit compliance - by conducting site inspections and audits, you will be assessing the permit holder’s ability to protect the environment, prevent pollution and optimise resources.
- Analysis and interpretation of environmental monitoring and performance data.
- Undertaking appropriate enforcement.
- Responding to incidents at permitted sites.
- Overseeing remedial action for a range of non-compliances and environmental incidents at permitted sites.
- Using your influencing and negotiating skills to implement best practice within industry.
- Contributing to a variety of national groups, where you have an opportunity to shape and influence the Environment Agency’s regulatory approach, share good practice and learning.
- Contributing to EPR permit development by reviewing draft permits, providing constructive feedback, and helping to ensure they are clear, robust, and fit for purpose.
- Working with other regulatory bodies, authorities, and other stakeholders.
- Dealing with people at all levels within industry, local communities and other interested groups.
- Responding to planning applications by providing advice and guidance on permitting or waste management issues.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be asked to have an incident role and provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment, and full training will be available to support you with your incident role.
The post will be based in one of our 2 installations teams, which sit within the Regulated Industry department.
The teams work flexibly throughout the Kent and South London Area (which includes parts of East and West Sussex and Surrey), regulating sites across a range of industrial sectors including chemicals, power generation, landfill, Biowaste, hazardous and non-hazardous waste treatment, incineration, metal production and metal surface treatment, food and drink, paper production, and oil and gas.
We are seeking a proactive, self-motivated and confident communicator who can demonstrate some of the following skills and experience:
- Relevant experience in environmental regulation, industrial operations or waste management.
- Strong influencing skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships within complex environments.
- Experience delivering environmental improvements, using a range of regulatory or technical tools.
- A collaborative approach, working effectively as part of a team to support colleagues and achieve shared goals.
- Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes against agreed plans.
- Ability to interpret and analyse environmental data, drawing clear and accurate conclusions.
- Shows initiative, with a commitment to continuous improvement and finding practical solutions.
Qualifications - An honours degree (or equivalent), ideally in a science or engineering discipline.
Please read the Candidate Pack and generic role profile for more information.
The role will be based at Orchard House, Addington, West Malling, Kent. You’ll be expected to work from the office two days per week, with flexibility to work from other locations on remaining days.
The role requires regular travel across the Kent and South London Area and, on occasion, you may be required to attend environmental incidents within two hours.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel; however, occasional overnight stays may be required.
See candidate pack for our benefits package.
For further details please contact Paul Bennett by email on [email protected] or Stacey Stanford [email protected]
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held in person and planned for the week commencing 27th July 2026.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.
Feedback is generally not available at sift stage
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.
