Agriculture Regulatory Inspection Officers - Cumbria and Lancashire

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 Cumbria and Lancashire.
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 visit 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.

The team  

As a member of the Cumbria and Lancashire Land and Water team, you will carry out targeted farm inspections to help improve farmer behaviours with respect to their local environment. You will be part of an operational team that is integral to delivering real environmental improvements.
The Environment Agency works to create better places for people and wildlife and support sustainable development.

Experience/skills required  

The following skills are desirable:
• experience of working with farmers, on farms, in the agriculture sector or other regulation
• an understanding of the complexities and challenges of working UK farms
• excellent communication and influencing skills
• comfortable taking decisions & driving environmental improvements
• an ability to have challenging conversations
• familiarity with the geography & environment of Cumbria and Lancashire