At full strength, the Division employs eight environmental enforcement officers (EEOs). The EEOs are located throughout the state and are responsible for investigations in an assigned area. They are required to live within their assigned area. The work of the investigations unit covers a wide spectrum. Basically, the EEOs investigate alleged violations of virtually all Department of Environmental Conservation laws, rules and regulations. They also investigate violations of Vermont's land use law (Act 250) and assist staff in the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation and the Department of Agriculture, Farm and Markets in their respective investigations. Due to the complexity, responsibilities and demands of the work, entry level EEOs are assigned a pay grade of 21. The EEOs are supervised by a chief environmental enforcement officer who is located in the Waterbury State Complex. They drive state vehicles and are provided with communications equipment as well as all other equipment and training necessary to perform their duties.

The position of Environment Enforcement Officer (EEO) is truly unique within State government. The position incorporates all the usual activities, functions and responsibilities of an investigator position. In this sense the position is not unlike that of a Game Warden or State Police detective. There are, however, a number of duties and responsibilities that distinguish this position from all other similar positions.

EEOs must recognize the occurrence of a criminal violation and be prepared to conduct the required criminal investigation. At the same time, EEOs must be proficient at performing investigations of violations which are likely to be handled as administrative or civil enforcement actions.

The breadth and depth of knowledge required in this position is very substantial. EEOs conduct investigations for approximately 25 different divisions and/or programs. They must have a working knowledge of numerous statutes, rules and regulations as well as an understanding of engineering principles, effects of chemicals and contaminants, etc.

EEOs are expected to manage their districts with a great deal of autonomy, making priority decisions in regard to complaint response and resource allocation. Complaint loads almost always exceed the level of service available.

In addition to investigation and enforcement activities, the EEO is often responsible for making a determination (at least initially) whether remedial action is warranted and the extent and type of action that should be implemented. The EEO is required to have knowledge of the manner in which various conditions and circumstances will impact human health, safety and the environment and then have the ability to identify and advise the responsible person regarding suitable corrective and preventative measures. In more complex situations the EEO will confer with appropriate staff within the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regarding the appropriate remediation, or simply refer the matter of remediation to them.

In the exercise of their sound discretion, EEOs often negotiate with respondents to resolve violations. They also provide input to appropriate penalty levels for formal enforcement actions.

Examples of the types of violations that EEOs investigate are: illegal transportation, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste; illegal open burning; lake, pond and wetlands violations; and various water quality complaints relating to permitted and non-permitted discharges. Many of these investigations are subsequently referred to the legal unit for formal enforcement. More egregious cases may be subsequently referred to the Attorney General's Office for civil or criminal prosecution. The EEOs interview witnesses, interrogate suspects, collect evidence, write in-depth, technical investigation reports that typically include still and video photography, prepare exhibits for the courtroom and undertake many other tasks associated with extensive investigations.

Most of the current EEOs have a law enforcement background. This type of experience provides excellent preparation for the work conducted by the EEOs. The minimum requirements for acceptance as an applicant are:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Physical or Natural Science, Environmental Conservation, Law, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, or a related field of study.

Experience: Minimum of two years experience at a professional level in a regulatory environmental field or in a law enforcement or investigatory role.

Note: Additional experience as stated above may be substituted for the Bachelor's degree on a six month per semester basis. Special preference will be given to candidates who have training and experience in both environmental and law enforcement fields.

Opportunities for employment as an EEO may occur at any time but, due to the low turnover rate, we generally do not hire on a regular basis. If you would like further information regarding possible employment as an EEO, please check the State of Vermont Department of Personnel web site; or you may call or write our office.

Official EEO Job Specification on Vermont Department of Personnel Web Site.

State of Vermont Employment Application Process

State of Vermont Employment Application