Environmental Crime Practitioner

Job Introduction

The Environmental Crime Unit is the enforcement arm of our Environment and Waste Service.

We’re a small but busy team working in a high-pressure environment, investigating fly tipping, littering, abandoned vehicles and other crimes from report to prosecution, including taking witness statements, exhibiting evidence, interviewing suspects, issuing fixed penalty notices and preparing case files for court. We also respond to unauthorised encampments, carrying out engagement work as well as evictions.

As an Environmental Crime Practitioner, you’ll be responsible for investigating offences, supporting team members with complex cases, dealing with appeals relating to Civil Penalties issued for littering from vehicles, and organising initiatives to pro-actively tackle issues that impact on the quality of life of Milton Keynes residents. You’ll develop and oversee relevant strategic work such as how we deal with misuse of communal bin stores.

You’ll be in contact with victims, witnesses and suspects, as well as partner agencies, contractors, councillors and other departments within the city council.

We’re looking for someone with demonstrable experience in complex investigations and supervision of staff and contracts, with an ability to investigate alleged offences fairly and make decisions based upon evidence.

You’ll need to demonstrate good communication skills and be able to write accurate reports, you’ll be confident and able to deal with potential conflicts. An investigative background is essential for this role.

This is a site-based role

Interviews for this role will be held on 10 and 11 November

[Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] is a modern and friendly place to work. Find out more about working with us here: www.mkcounciljobs.org.uk

Main Responsibility

• Oversee the Council’s response to unauthorised encampments, including welfare assessments, court hearings, evictions and defensive works.
• Develop and deliver a strategy to deal with misuse of communal bin stores.
• Investigate fly tipping and other environmental crimes, including taking witness statements, issuing Fixed Penalty Notices and preparing prosecution case files as necessary.
• Oversee the administration of the appeal process in relation to littering from vehicles.
• Produce and oversee action plans in relation to tackling fly tipping in specific areas.

The Ideal Candidate

• Experienced Investigator.
• Extensive knowledge of relevant legislation and codes of practice for dealing with environmental and other criminal offences.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan workloads and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with victims of crime and suspected offenders.
• Ability to compile reports and case files.
• Ability to analyse, interpret and explain legislation.
• Conflict management.

Should you be offered the role, as part of the pre-employment checks a Basic DBS will be actioned for you and BPSS referencing.

For this role, the candidate is required to have a full UK driving licence, along with access to a vehicle. Evidence of the driving licence and vehicle insurance with business insurance will be required from the candidate should they be offered this position. Without this documentation the candidate will not be appointable.