Environment Protection Officer

We are recruiting for a full time, Aberdeen or Elgin based Environment Protection Officer on a permanent basis
Your passion has never had a greater purpose

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 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

Experts at what we do, we work in a professional way towards our shared goals, knowing the work we do makes a genuine, lasting difference on the environment. As Environment Protection Officer, that involves:

  • Regulatory work to River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) improvements to the water environment in the north of Scotland.  This contributes directly to the AOP objectives on Water Environment, as it will reduce diffuse pollution and improve access for migratory fish (both of which are Scotland RBMP priorities at high risk of non-delivery) 
  • Working on regulating barriers to fish will result in new authorisations and will generate additional income, while delivering RBMP targets. 
  • WIRE's chargeable work also includes regulation of complex intensive agriculture sites, regulating waste disposal to land, and delivering operational response to water scarcity - these contribute directly to the delivery of AOP priorities on Climate Resilience (water scarcity) and Business Environmental Performance. 
  • Working flexibly with other Environmental Performance teams, and participating in duty rotas and event response.  This position would contribute in an agile way to resilience in the north of Scotland, by supporting other regulatory teams.

Respect for your expertise

This is a highly important role within our Regulation, Business & Environment portfolio, which means you’ll need:

  • Relevant experience or qualification equivalent to a minimum HND / SCQF Level 8-10
  • Technical knowledge/experience of enforcement and/or environmental regulation in a relevant area
  • Ability to provide advice and guide others on the resolution of issues and proven problem-solving capability
  • Ability to understand and interpret policy and give detailed guidance, advice or information to others
  • Ability to develop effective relationships with operators and individuals

Please open the link to the Environment Protection Officer role profile link which outlines the core responsibilities and expectations of the role within a defined activity family.  Please note the role profile name may be different to the job title being advertised.

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 35 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.

Passionately Purposeful about Scotland’s environment – and your career.

Protecting our environment, promoting our work, and supporting our people, working at SEPA means being part of an organisation that’s grounded in respect for your expertise – and your wellbeing. So you can be your best, and make the biggest impact.

We recruit solely based on merit. Our shortlisting process is conducted on an anonymous basis. Please ensure that you include all relevant information when you apply.

We support flexible working arrangements to help you maintain a healthy balance between career and homelife. This includes working part time, reduced hours, job sharing, working remotely. As a flexible first employer we are open to having conversations about flexible working arrangements that work for you and SEPA from day 1 of your employment with us.

We are proud to be a 'Disability Confident' employer and will work to identify and implement reasonable adjustments and equipment to support you in the role that you do.

Applicants with a visual impairment can request job descriptions and application forms in Braille, large print or on tape.

For the security and wellbeing of our colleagues, successful candidates will undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks including a level one Disclosure Scotland check.

If you have questions or need any assistance with the recruitment process please contact SEPA’s Recruitment Team at recruitment@sepa.org.uk

Apply now to join a Passionately Purposeful workplace

Environment Protection Officer

To be completed

AB11 9QA

£39,725 to £43,887 per year New colleagues will start on the base of the salary
Permanent - Full-time
Posted yesterday
Closing date: 19/04/2026
Job reference: LB1541298To EPO