Career with EPD | Environmental Protection Department

The Career of the Environmental Protection Inspector Grade

The Career of the Environmental Protection Officer Grade

Environmental Protection Inspector
1.	Introduction: The Career of the Environmental Protection Inspector Grade
	This section gives you details about the work, prospects, remuneration and entry requirements of the Environmental Protection Inspector Grade. The details are set out in the following sections: The Work of the Environmental Protection Inspector Grade Promotion Prospects Training Offered Entry Requirements
2.	The Work of the Environmental Protection Inspector Grade
	The Environmental Protection Inspector Grade is a technical grade and consists of Chief Environmental Protection Inspector, Senior Environmental Protection Inspector and Environmental Protection Inspector. The appointment requirement of each of these ranks are explained in detail in the Entry Requirements section. The Chief Environmental Protection Inspector is the most senior rank in the Environmental Protection Inspector Grade and the details are as follows:
	Chief Environmental Protection Inspector Mainly deployed on: (a) Enforcement: (i) leading pollution control investigations and enforcement activities; (ii) preparing and issuing warnings, orders and notices in accordance with legislation; (iii) appearing in court as prosecution officer during first hearing; and (iv) duties related to those of the SEPI and EPI rank, with higher level of responsibility. (b) Technical Support & Facilities/Contracts Management: (i) overseeing contractors' work and remedial action for non-compliance with contract requirements; and (ii) duties related to those of the SEPI and EPI rank, with higher level of responsibility. (c) Staff/Resources Management: (i) supervising SEPIs, EPIs and junior staff in performance of their duties; (ii) training and coaching of SEPIs and EPIs; and (iii) assisting HoGs in grade management, particularly in posting arrangements and review panels. * Please refer to major duties for the SEPI and EPI ranks listed below
	Senior Environmental Protection Inspector Mainly deployed on: (a) Enforcement: (i) duties related to those of the EPI rank, making sampling decisions on site and dealing with more technically complex or more sensitive issues, such as complicated enquiries, sensitive pollution complaints, and complex licence/permit processing; (ii) preparing operational arrangements for special operations; and (iii) leading an inspection/enforcement team. (b) Technical Support & Facilities/Contracts Management: (i) duties related to those of the EPI rank, but in particular dealing with more technically complex and more sensitive issues. (c) Staff/Resources Management: (i) Supervising EPIs and junior staff in all duties including being team leader; (ii) planning and organising staff and other resources; and (iii) training and coaching EPIs. * Please refer to major duties for the EPI rank listed below
	Environmental Protection Inspector Mainly deployed on: (a) Enforcement (Performing duties associated with pollution complaint handling and the enforcement of environmental protection legislation): (i) investigating pollution complaints and taking follow-up actions such as issuing warnings to polluters and replies to complainants; (ii) collecting evidence and making technical sampling decision on-site; and possible court appearance as a witness in support of prosecutions; (iii) conducting compliance inspections under various legislative requirements; and (iv) processing applications for environmental permits and licences in particular carrying out technical assessment of Construction Noise Permit (CNP). (b) Technical Support & Facilities/Contracts Management (Providing field monitoring, office and laboratory based technical support for the planning, implementation and review of various environmental management programmes and improvement projects, and the management of environmental facilities): (i) assisting professional staff in conducting screening & scoping for various designated projects under Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO); (ii) undertaking pollution surveys and investigations/inspections and interpreting and presenting results for professional staff; (iii) undertaking environmental sampling and analysis; (iv) procuring, installing, calibrating, maintaining, operating scientific/ technical/environmental monitoring equipment; (v) data handling/compiling, writing computer programs and providing IT services; (vi) preparing presentation materials and reports for professional staff; (vii) responding to technical enquiries from public; (viii) undertaking environmental education activities; (ix) liaising with contractors/government departments for providing technical goods and services; and (x) monitoring contractors' compliance with contract and environmental performance requirements. (c) Staff Management: (i) supervising junior staff for daily operations.
3.	Promotion Prospects
	Promotion within the Department is based on merit, experience and qualifications. Suitably qualified staff who have demonstrated that they are capable of accepting greater responsibility may be promoted through the various ranks from Environmental Protection Inspector to Senior Environmental Protection Inspector and from Senior Environmental Protection Inspector to Chief Environmental Protection Inspector, subject to their meeting the requirements set out in the Entry Requirements section.
4.	Training Offered
	All staff are given on-the-job training in the various aspects of the Department's work. This includes training in the writing of technical reports, laboratory practices, the planning and execution of field studies and, of course, in the use of many types of scientific equipment. At times staff will also be given financial support to attend external training course, both within Hong Kong and overseas.
5.	Entry Requirements
	CHIEF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION INSPECTOR (Established Office) 1. Appointment requirements Promotion rank for Senior Environmental Protection Inspector. 2. Pay Scale Point 29-33 of the Master Pay Scale. 3. Promotion prospects Nil 4. Any other remarks May be required to: (a) Work irregular hours; (b) Stay overnight away from office; (c) Spend time at sea; and (d) Drive motor vehicles and motor boats.
	SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION INSPECTOR (Established Office) 1. Appointment requirements Promotion rank for Environmental Protection Inspector. 2. Pay Scale Points 22-28 of the Master Pay Scale. 3. Promotion prospects Chief Environmental Protection Inspector. 4. Any other remarks May be required to: (a) Work irregular hours; (b) Stay overnight away from office; (c) Spend time at sea; and (d) Drive motor vehicles and motor boats.
	ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION INSPECTOR (Established Office) 1. Appointment requirements Direct Entry Candidates should have: (a)(i) a Diploma or Higher Certificate in Biology, Medical Laboratory Science, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic or Civil Engineering, Chemical Technology, Computer Science, Water Pollution Control, Waste Management, Environmental Studies or a relevant science or engineering subject from a Hong Kong university, Hong Kong polytechnic, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, Hong Kong technical college or Hong Kong technical institute, or equivalent; or (ii) Associate Membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers in a relevant discipline admitted on or after 5 December 1975; (b) met the language proficiency requirements of Level 2 or above in Chinese Language and English Language in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSEE), or Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE), or equivalent; and (c) a pass result in the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST). 2. Pay Scale Points 8-21 of the Master Pay Scale. 3. Promotion prospects Senior Environmental Protection Inspector. 4. Any other remarks May be required to: (a) Work irregular hours; (b) Stay overnight away from office; (c) Spend time at sea; and (d) Drive motor vehicles and motor boats.
	Environmental Protection Officer
1.	Introduction: The Career of the Environmental Protection Officer Grade
	This section gives you details about the work, prospects, remuneration and entry requirements of the Environmental Protection Officer Grade. The details are set out in the following sections: Streaming of the EPO Grade The Work of the Environmental Protection Officer Grade Promotion Prospects Training Offered Entry Requirements
2.	Streaming of the EPO Grade
	The EPO grade is divided into a number of work streams by reference to the difference in the nature of work and appointment requirements. This arrangement ensures that staff undertake duties for which they are best qualified and best suited, and that they readily acquire the necessary experience and expertise in their own areas of specialisation. With streaming, the appointment, promotion, and posting of staff within the grade are strictly confined to the specific stream to which they are initially assigned. The grade is streamed up to and includes the level of Principal Environmental Protection Officer. The posts of Assistant Director and above are unstreamed. There are four broad streams within the EPO grade: (a) Air (b) Noise (c) Waste and Water (d) Environmental Assessment and Planning Within the overall streaming arrangement, there are generalist posts and specialist posts. Specialist posts are identified within the department as follows: (a) Environmental Chemistry; (b) Environmental Microbiology; (c) Water Science; (d) Water Modelling; (e) Motor Vehicle Emission Control; (f) Hazards Assessment; and (g) Air Modelling. Specialist posts (a) to (d) above relates to the Waste and Water stream and posts (e) to (g) relates to the Air stream.
3.	The Work of the Environmental Protection Officer Grade
	The Environmental Protection Officer Grade is a professional grade and consists of Principal Environmental Protection Officer, Senior Environmental Protection Officer, Environmental Protection Officer and Assistant Environmental Protection Officer. The appointment requirements of each of these four ranks are explained in detail in the Entry Requirements section.
	Principal Environmental Protection Officer Mainly deployed on: A. Air Stream (a) preparing plans, programmes and legislation for environmental protection and overseeing the conduct of studies, investigations, surveys, programmes and law enforcement in the field of air pollution, ozone layer depletion and global warming; (b) chairing inter-departmental committees and working parties on air pollution, ozone layer depletion and global warming matters, and representing the Director of Environmental Protection on inter-departmental committees, Advisory Council on the Environment and other committees involving representatives of outside bodies; (c) liaising with government departments, educational and professional institutes, public organisations, including District Councils, and other private sector organisations on air pollution, ozone layer depletion and global warming matters; and (d) administering a group, promoting and ensuring professional standards and providing professional advice to the Director of Environmental Protection.
	B. Environmental Assessment & Planning Stream (a) preparing plans, programmes and legislation for environmental protection in the field of environmental assessment and planning, and corporate environmental management; (b) chairing inter-departmental committees and working parties on environmental assessment and planning matters, and representing the Director of Environmental Protection on inter-departmental committees, Advisory Council on the Environment and other committees involving representatives of outside bodies; (c) liaising with government departments, educational and professional institutes, public organisations, including District Councils, and other private sector organisations on environmental assessment and planning matters; (d) administering a group and providing professional advice to the Director of Environmental Protection; and (e) overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Ordinance, and coordinating the interactions between the statutory EIA process and other planning, funds approval and decision making processes.
	C. Noise Stream (a) preparing plans, programmes and legislation for environmental protection and overseeing the conduct of studies, investigations and surveys in the field of noise pollution; (b) chairing inter-departmental committees and working parties on noise pollution matters, and representing the Director of Environmental Protection on inter-departmental committees, the Advisory Council on the Environment and other committees involving representatives of outside bodies; (c) liaising with government departments, educational and professional institutes, public organisations, including District Councils, and other private sector organisations on noise pollution matters; and (d) administering a group, promoting and ensuring professional standards, and providing professional advice to the Director of Environmental Protection.
	D. Waste & Water Stream (a) preparing plans, programmes and legislation for environmental protection and overseeing the conduct of studies, investigations, surveys, programmes and law enforcement in the field of land or water pollution; (b) chairing inter-departmental committees and working parties on waste management and control or water pollution matters, and representing the Director of Environmental Protection on inter-departmental committees, Advisory Council on the Environment and other committees involving representatives of outside bodies; (c) liaising with government departments, educational and professional institutes, public organisations, including District Councils, and other private sector organisations on waste management and control and water pollution matters; (d) administering a group and providing professional advice to the Director of Environmental Protection; and (e) managing the development and operation of waste management facilities.
	E. Multi-Stream (a) managing and directing the work of a group in Environmental Compliance Division; (b) overseeing and co-ordinating the implementation and enforcement of Water Pollution Control Ordinance, Air Pollution Control Ordinance and Waste Disposal Ordinance in districts; (c) liaising with District Councils and other Environmental Sub-committees and District Lands Conference on control activities in relation to (b) above; (d) contributing to the identification of priority areas for implementing pollution control functions in the districts; (e) co-ordinating the provision of advice to industrialists and the public regarding the control of water, air and noise pollution and waste disposal; and (f) responding to local pollution complaints and undertaking public relations duties.
	Senior Environmental Protection Officers Mainly deployed on:
	A. Air Stream (a) Formulating legislation proposals, codes of practice, guidelines, standards and air quality objectives and strategies for air pollution and control; ozone layer depletion and global warming; (b) Appraising and reporting air quality, estimating emissions from air polluting sources, managing and developing air quality monitoring programmes and conducting investigations in relation to air quality management and control activities (including the evaluation of the effectiveness of control programmes); (c) Assessing projects and development plans with potential adverse impact on the atmospheric environment, and providing expert advice on air pollution problems and air control activities; (d) Co-ordinating and controlling implementation and enforcement of statutory controls on air pollution, ozone layer depletion and global warming including the assessment of applications for permits, the analysis and presentation of evidence in prosecution and appeal cases; and (e) Participating in committees and working parties on air pollution matters.
	B. Noise Stream (a) Formulating legislative proposals, codes of practice, guidelines, standards, objectives and strategies for noise pollution control; (b) Organising and controlling studies, field investigations and surveys in connection with noise planning and control activities; (c) Assessing noise planning proposals and development projects with regard to noise pollution; (d) Co-ordinating and controlling implementation and enforcement of statutory controls on noise, including the issuance of construction noise permits and noise abatement notices and overseeing prosecution and appeal cases; and (e) Participating in committees and working parties on noise pollution matters.
	C. Waste and Water Stream (a) Formulating legislative proposals, codes of practice, guidelines, standards, objectives and strategies in relation to the control of land or water pollution and waste management and disposal; (b) Organising and controlling land or water pollution studies, control schemes and projects, investigations and surveys; (c) Planning and organising engineering studies to enable the development of waste treatment and disposal facilities; (d) Co-ordinating and controlling implementation and enforcement of statutory controls on waste management and disposal and land or water pollution, including the assessment of applications for permits, the analysis and presentation of evidence in prosecution and appeal cases; (e) Assessing projects with regard to waste management and land or water pollution issues; and (f) Participating in committees and working parties on land or water pollution matters.
	D. Environmental Assessment and Planning Stream (a) Formulating legislative proposals in connection with environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental planning policy, procedures and planning guidelines relating to environmental assessment of planning and development proposals; (b) Managing the administrative and statutory processes for evaluating environmental impact assessments required for designated projects, and providing professional advice to strategic environmental assessments on major policies, plans and programmes; (c) Consolidating input and providing expert environmental advice in relation to development proposals, projects and planning matters; (d) Formulating guidelines on methodologies and techniques for environmental assessment of planning and development proposals and projects; (e) Co-ordinating and controlling implementation and enforcement of statutory controls on EIA for designated projects, including the assessment of applications for EIA report approval and environmental permits, the analysis and presentation of evidence in prosecution and appeal cases; and (f) Participating in committees and working parties on environmental assessment and planning matters.
	Environmental Protection Officers Mainly deployed on:
	A. Air Stream (a) Assisting in the preparation of legislative proposals, and in the development of codes of practice, guidelines, procedures, standards and objectives and strategies relating to air pollution, ozone layer protection and global warming; (b) Planning and implementing programmes for air quality monitoring and investigations in relation to air quality management and control activities, including analysis and interpretation of results and supervision of instrumentation; (c) Contributing to the assessment of projects and development plans with regard to air quality, and providing advice and professional input on air pollution problems and air control activities; (d) Organising and providing professional input in relation to implementation and enforcement of statutory controls on air pollution, ozone layer depletion and global warming, including the processing of applications for permits and licences, and the collection, collation and presentation of evidence in prosecution and appeal cases; and (e) Assisting through various means, such as the preparation and presentation of educational and publicity materials, in conveying air quality management policies and strategies to the public, and to prominent community representatives.
	B. Noise Stream (a) Assisting in the preparation of legislative proposals and in the development of codes of practice, guidelines, procedures, standards, objectives, strategies and policies relating to noise pollution control; (b) Planning and implementing studies, field investigations and surveys in connection with noise planning and control activities, including management of an acoustic laboratory and a calibration laboratory; (c) Giving acoustic advice on noise pollution matters and providing professional input to noise planning proposals and development project assessment in relation to noise pollution; (d) Organising and providing professional input in relation to the implementation and enforcement of statutory controls on noise, including the processing of applications for permits, complaints investigation, and the collection, collation and presentation of evidence in prosecution and appeal cases; and (e) Assisting through various means, such as the preparation and presentation of educational and publicity materials, in conveying noise policies and strategies to the public, and to prominent community representatives.
	C. Waste & Water Stream (a) Assisting in the preparation of policy and legislative proposals and in the development of codes of practice, guidelines, procedures, standards, objectives and strategies in relation to the control of land or water pollution, and waste management and disposal; (b) Planning and implementing land or water pollution studies, control schemes and projects, and investigations and surveys; (c) Assisting in studies for the development of liquid waste treatment and disposal facilities, and the development and management of solid waste facilities; (d) Organising and providing professional input in relation to implementation and enforcement of statutory controls on waste management and disposal and land or water pollution, including the processing of applications for permits, and the collection, collation and presentation of evidence in prosecution and appeal cases; (e) Giving advice on waste management and land or water pollution issues, and providing professional input to project assessment with regard to waste management and land or water pollution issues; and (f) Assisting through various means, such as the preparation and presentation of educational and publicity materials, in conveying waste management and water quality management policies and strategies to the public, and to prominent community representatives.
	D. Environmental Assessment and Planning Stream (a) Assisting in the preparation of legislative proposals in connection with environmental impact assessment and in the development of policy, procedures and planning guidelines relating to environmental assessment of planning and development proposals; (b) Assisting in the management and evaluation of environmental impact assessment required for major planning and development proposals, and carrying out environmental reviews on major development projects; (c) Co-ordinating and integrating technical environmental advice in relation to development proposals and planning matters; (d) Providing advice on the methodologies and techniques for environmental assessment of planning and development proposals; (e) Providing advice in relation to project environmental monitoring and auditing; and (f) Assisting in the development and implementation of strategies to promote corporate environmental management including environmental auditing and environmental management systems in the public and private sector.
	Assistant Environmental Protection Officer Mainly deployed on:
	A. Air Stream (a) Assisting in the preparation of legislative proposals, and in the development of codes of practice, guidelines, procedures, standards and objectives and strategies relating to air pollution, ozone layer protection and global warming; (b) Planning and implementing programmes for air quality monitoring and investigations in relation to air quality management and control activities, including analysis and interpretation of results and supervision of instrumentation; (c) Contributing to the assessment of projects and development plans with regard to air quality, and providing advice and professional input on air pollution problems and air control activities (d) Organising and providing professional input in relation to implementation and enforcement of statutory controls on air pollution, ozone layer depletion and global warming, including the processing of applications for permits and licences, and the collection, collation and presentation of evidence in prosecution and appeal cases; and (e) Assisting through various means, such as the preparation and presentation of educational and publicity materials, in conveying air quality management policies and strategies to the public, and to prominent community representatives.
	B. Noise Stream (a) Assisting in the preparation of legislative proposals and in the development of codes of practice, guidelines, procedures, standards, objectives, strategies and policies relating to noise pollution control; (b) Planning and implementing studies, field investigations and surveys in connection with noise planning and control activities, including management of an acoustic laboratory and a calibration laboratory; (c) Giving acoustic advice on noise pollution matters and providing professional input to noise planning proposals and development project assessment in relation to noise pollution; (d) Organising and providing professional input in relation to the implementation and enforcement of statutory controls on noise, including the processing of applications for permits, complaints investigation, and the collection, collation and presentation of evidence in prosecution and appeal cases; and (e) Assisting through various means, such as the preparation and presentation of educational and publicity materials, in conveying noise policies and strategies to the public, and to prominent community representatives.
	C. Waste & Water Stream (a) Assisting in the preparation of policy and legislative proposals and in the development of codes of practice, guidelines, procedures, standards, objectives and strategies in relation to the control of land or water pollution, and waste management and disposal; (b) Planning and implementing land or water pollution studies, control schemes and projects, and investigations and surveys; (c) Assisting in studies for the development of liquid waste treatment and disposal facilities, and the development and management of solid waste facilities; (d) Organising and providing professional input in relation to implementation and enforcement of statutory controls on waste management and disposal and land or water pollution, including the processing of applications for permits, and the collection, collation and presentation of evidence in prosecution and appeal cases; (e) Giving advice on waste management and land or water pollution issues, and providing professional input to project assessment with regard to waste management and land or water pollution issues; and (f) Assisting through various means, such as the preparation and presentation of educational and publicity materials, in conveying waste management and water quality management policies and strategies to the public, and to prominent community representatives.
	D. Environmental Assessment & Planning Stream (a) Assisting in the preparation of legislative proposals in connection with environmental impact assessment and in the development of policy, procedures and planning guidelines relating to environmental assessment of planning and development proposals; (b) Assisting in the management and evaluation of environmental impact assessment required for major planning and development proposals, and carrying out environmental reviews on major development projects; (c) Co-ordinating and integrating technical environmental advice in relation to development proposals and planning matters; (d) Providing advice on the methodologies and techniques for environmental assessment of planning and development proposals; (e) Providing advice in relation to project environmental monitoring and auditing; and (f) Assisting in the development and implementation of strategies to promote corporate environmental management including environmental auditing and environmental management systems in the public and private sector.
4.	Promotion Prospects
	Promotion within the Department is based on character, ability, experience and seniority. Suitably qualified staff who have demonstrated that they are capable of accepting greater responsibility may be promoted through the higher ranks within the EPO grade from Environmental Protection Officer, Senior Environmental Protection Officer, Principal Environmental Protection Officer, to ultimately the Deputy Director of Environmental Protection.
5.	Training Offered
	All staff are given on-the-job orientation and training in the various aspects of the Department's work. Training includes the writing of technical reports, laboratory practices, the planning and execution of field studies and, of course, in the use of many types of scientific equipment. Staff are encouraged to attend local and overseas training courses, conferences and seminars, in order that they can keep abreast of professional knowledge in their field.
6.	Entry Requirements
	PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (Established Office) . 1. Appointment requirements Promotion rank for Senior Environmental Protection Officers in the relevant stream for posts for work under the Air Stream, Environmental Assessment and Planning Stream, Noise Stream and Waste and Water Stream, and for Senior Environmental Protection Officers in all the streams for posts for work under the Multi-Stream. 2. Pay Scale D1 of the Directorate Pay Scale. 3. Promotion prospects Assistant Director of Environmental Protection.
	SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (Established Office) 1. Appointment requirements Promotion rank for Environmental Protection Officers in the relevant stream. 2. Pay Scale Points 45-49 of the Master Pay Scale. 3. Promotion prospects Principal Environmental Protection Officer in the relevant stream.
	ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (Established Office) 1. Appointment requirements Promotion rank for Assistant Environmental Protection Officers who have obtained : (i) three years' post-graduate experience relevant to a specific stream; or (ii) Corporate Membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers of a relevant discipline admitted on or after 5 December 1975, or equivalent, and three years' training or experience at an appropriate level of responsibility relevant to a specific stream (not necessarily obtained after Membership).
	A. Air Stream Direct Entry Candidates should have: (i) a Hong Kong First or Second Class honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering subject, and three years' post-graduate experience at an appropriate level of responsibility relevant to air pollution; or (ii) Corporate Membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers of a relevant discipline admitted on or after 5 December 1975, or equivalent, and three years' training or experience at an appropriate level of responsibility relevant to air pollution (not necessarily obtained after Membership); (iii) 'Level 2' results in the two language papers (Use of Chinese and Use of English) in the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE). A pass result in the Aptitude Test in the CRE is also required. (Please refer to paragraph 4 (ii) below); and (iv) a pass result in the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST).
	B. Noise Stream Direct Entry Candidates should have: (i) a Hong Kong First or Second Class honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering subject, and three years' post-graduate experience at an appropriate level of responsibility relevant to noise pollution; or (ii) Corporate Membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers of a relevant discipline admitted on or after 5 December 1975, or equivalent, and three years' training or experience at an appropriate level of responsibility relevant to noise pollution (not necessarily obtained after Membership); (iii) 'Level 2' results in the two language papers (Use of Chinese and Use of English) in the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE). A pass result in the Aptitude Test in the CRE is also required. (Please refer to paragraph 4 (ii) below); and (iv) a pass result in the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST).
	C. Waste and Water Stream Direct Entry Candidates should have: (i) a Hong Kong First or Second Class honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering subject, and three years' post-graduate experience at an appropriate level of responsibility relevant to waste management or water pollution; or (ii) Corporate Membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers of a relevant discipline admitted on or after 5 December 1975, or equivalent, and three years' training or experience at an appropriate level of responsibility relevant to waste management or water pollution (not necessarily obtained after Membership); (iii) 'Level 2' results in the two language papers (Use of Chinese and Use of English) in the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE). A pass result in the Aptitude Test in the CRE is also required. (Please refer to paragraph 4 (ii) below); and (iv) a pass result in the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST).
	D. Environmental Assessment and Planning Stream Direct Entry Candidates should have: (i) a Hong Kong First or Second Class honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering or planning subject, and three years' post-graduate experience at an appropriate level of responsibility relevant to environmental assessment and planning; or (ii) Corporate Membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers of a relevant discipline admitted on or after 5 December 1975, or equivalent, and three years' training or experience at an appropriate level of responsibility relevant to environmental assessment and planning (not necessarily obtained after Membership); or (iii) Corporate Membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Planners elected after 24 June 1983, or equivalent, and three years' training or experience, including one year post-qualification experience, at an appropriate level of responsibility relevant to environmental assessment and planning; (iv) 'Level 2' results in the two language papers (Use of Chinese and Use of English) in the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE). A pass result in the Aptitude Test in the CRE is also required. (Please refer to paragraph 4 (ii) below); and (iv) a pass result in the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST).
	2. Pay Scale Point 27-44 of the Master Pay Scale. 3. Promotion prospects Senior Environmental Protection Officer in the relevant stream. 4. Any other remarks (i) Candidates who have obtained a relevant professional qualification, i.e. corporate membership of a relevant professional institution mentioned in Section 1 above, will enter the pay scale at the corresponding entry point for a comparable professional rank. (ii) Starting from the CRE held in December 2006, while candidates' results in the Aptitude Test (AT) paper will continue to be classified as pass or fail, the results of the Use of Chinese (UC) and Use of English (UE) papers will be classified as 'Level 2', 'Level 1' or 'Fail', with 'Level 2' being the highest. Grade 'C' or above and Grade 'D' in Use of English of the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE), or equivalent, are accepted as equivalent to 'Level 2' and 'Level 1' results respectively in the UE paper of the CRE. Grade 'C' or above and Grade 'D' in Chinese Language and Culture or Chinese Language and Literature of the HKALE are accepted as equivalent to 'Level 2' and 'Level 1' results respectively in the UC paper of the CRE. Applicants with an overall band of 6.5 or above with no subtest score below band 6 obtained in the same sitting in the Academic Module of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) within the two-year validity period of the test are considered as having met the English language proficiency requirement of the Environmental Protection Officer post. The IELTS test result must be valid on the starting day of the application period.
	ASSISTANT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (Established Office)
	1. Appointment requirements Candidates should have: (a) a Hong Kong degree, or equivalent, in a relevant science or engineering subject; (b) 'Level 2' results in the two language papers (Use of Chinese and Use of English) in the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE). A pass result in the Aptitude Test in the CRE is also required (Please refer to paragraph 4 (ii) below); and (c) a pass result in the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST).
	2. Pay Scale Points 16-21 of the Master Pay Scale.
	3. Promotion prospects Environmental Protection Officer in the relevant stream. Note: Assistant Environmental Protection Officers and Environmental Protection Officers form a combined establishment. Assistant Environmental Protection Officers may be promoted to the Environmental Protection Officer rank when they have acquired 3 years' relevant post-graduate experience in the relevant stream provided that they are in all other respects suitable for promotion.
	4. Any other remarks (i) An AEPO may be assigned to any one of the streams set out above, in which he/she will normally remain. (ii) Starting from the CRE held in December 2006, while candidates' results in the Aptitude Test (AT) paper will continue to be classified as pass or fail, the results of the Use of Chinese (UC) and Use of English (UE) papers will be classified as 'Level 2', 'Level 1' or 'Fail', with 'Level 2' being the highest. Grade 'C' or above and Grade 'D' in Use of English of the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE), or equivalent, are accepted as equivalent to 'Level 2' and 'Level 1' results respectively in the UE paper of the CRE. Grade 'C' or above and Grade 'D' in Chinese Language and Culture or Chinese Language and Literature of the HKALE are accepted as equivalent to 'Level 2' and 'Level 1' results respectively in the UC paper of the CRE. Applicants with an overall band of 6.5 or above with no subtest score below band 6 obtained in the same sitting in the Academic Module of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) within the two-year validity period of the test are considered as having met the English language proficiency requirement of the Assistant Environmental Protection Officer post. The IELTS test result must be valid on the starting day of the application period.