29811 - Agriculture Regulatory Inspection Officer

In Wessex we want to create a diverse workplace where people are respected, valued and listened to. We're all different, and by embracing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) we can become an equal opportunity employer where jointly we all grow and learn together. It is our ambition to champion diversity through building a workforce as diverse as the communities we serve. Do you have a good knowledge of agriculture or other regulation in England and want to improve our natural environment? Would you like to be at the forefront of agricultural change? This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a team working with farmers to help create a cleaner, safer and healthier environment in Wessex. Agricultural practices can cause significant and chronic pollution to our precious water environment, often caused by slurry leaks and silage effluent, and other materials, stored and spread on farms. You will inspect livestock farms to assess their operations and infrastructure and ensure they are meeting the standards set by environmental regulations. You will engage with farmers and using your regulatory powers and advice, move them to compliance with relevant environmental legislation. At times these conversations may be challenging but you will use your skills to influence and persuade farmers to make changes to improve their local environment. You will signpost farmers to funding opportunities and advice from our partners. In some cases, you may need to take enforcement action to secure improvements, including serving of notices and prosecution. For more information about working for the Environment Agency and what we do visit our careers page environmentagencycareers.co.uk The team As a member of one of the Wessex agricultural teams, you will carry out targeted farm inspections across several priority catchments including the Somerset Levels and Moors, Poole Harbour, Hampshire Avon and various bathing water areas. Wessex is tremendously diverse with numerous priority and protected species, designated habitats of local and national importance and a coastline of national and international significance. You will be supported in your team and nationally by experienced agricultural specialists.

We are looking for individuals who have:

• a passion for the environment and delivering environmental improvements
• experience of working with farmers, on farms, the agriculture sector or other regulation
• an understanding of the complexities and challenges of working UK farms
• excellent communication (written and verbal) and influencing skills
• the confidence to have difficult and challenging conversations
• the ability to plan and manage their own workload
• the ability to manage and analyse technical information
You must have:
• a full UK driving licence
• IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), be comfortable in using an iPad and laptop on a daily basis and be able to input information into various systems