Harry - Enforcer of Environment and Planning Act
I was an international driver and then a planner in the transport sector. I often worked seven days a week. I really wanted something different. Something with more room for my private life. I had never considered working for the government, but I was approached by someone I know from my village. Would I like to become an enforcement officer at the water authority?
‘No two days are the same’
Delving into the Environment and Planning Act
I had no experience, but I took the plunge anyway, thinking "Everything can be learned." And luckily so, because I was given a great opportunity here. I first shadowed experienced enforcement officers and immersed myself in the Environment and Planning Act. Soon I was able to visit agricultural businesses on my own. I used to work on the land myself. I have an affinity with the sector and speak the same language.”
‘I took the plunge, because in the end, everything can be learned.’
No two days are the same, which is what I really like about my job. In the morning, for example, I do a number of farm inspections. Are the feed and manure storage facilities in order and is the water drainage working properly? In the afternoon, I work in the office on advice or answer questions. If there are complaints about smelly water or dead fish in the ditch, I go and take a look on site. I basically have my own little shop and keep it running.
Police officer and psychologist
Not all farmers are pleased to see me. Sometimes you are seen as a kind of police officer. I don't mind that. People often change their minds after a conversation. Ultimately, we usually want the same thing: for things on the farm to be organised properly and comply with the law. I rarely put on my police hat. I prefer to consult and consider the solutions. Recently, some milk leaked into the ditch at a cattle farmer's farm, for example. After I visited, he solved the problem neatly.
Sometimes you're like a psychologist. Once people get to know you a little, they tell you their whole life story. I enjoy that contact with people. As an enforcement officer, you also need a good dose of common sense. And the willingness to learn. I'm taking a course in Environment and Planning Act Enforcement. I'm over fifty, but I'm still developing myself. And my family is also really happy with the 36-hour working week.
Will it be water-management work for you too?
We work together to get the water balance just right. But we think a good work-life balance is just as important! When you work for us, you can combine meaningful work with job satisfaction and great terms of employment.
