Trainee Environment Protection Officer x10

This is a fixed term role for 2 years. Upon successful completion of the Trainee Environment Protection Officer (EPO) Programme, you will be offered a permanent EPO post in your geographic area.

Your passion has never had a greater purpose

We have 10 positions available within our exciting Trainee Environment Protection Officer Programme.

Here at SEPA, we’re connected by a passion that drives us to be purposeful in every action we take – to protect our environment. Through our expertise, we lead projects that make a difference for Scotland, and our workplaces are grounded in respect for that expertise.

That’s why, when you join us as a Trainee Environment Protection Officer, you’ll discover enriching benefits, meaningful support, and opportunities to learn every day. That’s what it means to be Passionately Purposeful – for our environment, and for your career.

Work that goes beyond your desk

We work in a professional way towards our shared goals, knowing the work we do makes a genuine, lasting difference on the environment. As a Trainee Environment Protection Officer, that involves completing a training programme geared towards:

• Assessing environmental performance against environmental legislation and advising permit holders on how they can protect the environment and human health from activities
• Providing advice and guidance in response to enquiries from external stakeholders, permit holders, businesses, members of the public, other agencies and SEPA colleagues in relation to compliance with environmental regulation
• Investigating and autonomously resolving pollution events by applying detailed pollution control methodology in line with investigation procedures
• Leading investigations into non-compliant activities to seek a solution to environmental offences, including recommending appropriate enforcement action in line with our enforcement and governance principles

You’ll be an effective communicator and who is able to influence and persuade others to do the right thing. You should be adaptable, well organised, and a good problem solver with a positive attitude to handling difficult situations and making decisions.

You’ll have a keen eye for detail, be comfortable using IT and data, and be able to record information accurately.

You’ll be focussed on learning about environmental regulation, making the most of the development opportunities and take ownership for your own learning to ensure you progress and achieve key development milestones.

Support that goes beyond the workplace

We’re cultivating a workplace that supports not only your passion and your professional lives, but your personal life. So, you’ll find benefits that make a difference at work and at home. Such as

• Hybrid and Flexible working opportunities
• Up to 34 days annual leave and 7 additional public holidays each year (pro rata)
• Paid time off to support your Wellbeing and enable you to Volunteer in your community
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Progressive Family Friendly policies
• Training & development to enable colleagues to improve their skills, competencies and knowledge to perform at their best

Plus, many more lifestyle benefits such as 24/7 access to an online employee discount platform, credit union facilities and access to a Cycle to Work Scheme.

Passionately you. Purposefully supportive

SEPA is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and good relations in everything it does – as a community leader, as a provider and commissioner of services, and as an employer.