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
Milton Keynes City Council 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.
Package Description
In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:
- Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
- Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
- Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
- Salary sacrifice car scheme – low-cost leasing of electric and low emission vehicles.
- Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
Why join us? Along with more on our Benefits, discover why Working at the City Council could be the right move for you here Working at the Council | Milton Keynes
Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.
We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.
We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.
We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.
If you’d like to know more about how we do things and what matters to us, take a look at our short booklet What makes us Milton Keynes City Council.
