Environmental Health Officer - food

3 months contract with a Local Authority

Job Title: Environmental Health Officer

Job Purpose

To deliver a professional Environmental Health service by undertaking complex inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities within food hygiene, food standards, and health and safety disciplines. The post holder will be responsible for securing compliance with relevant legislation, providing expert advice to businesses and stakeholders, and supporting the delivery of regulatory functions that safeguard public health and consumer protection.

The role also involves supervising and mentoring less experienced officers, leading projects to improve compliance standards, and deputising for the Environmental Health Team Manager when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections and planned interventions at higher-risk commercial premises to assess compliance with food hygiene, food standards, and health and safety legislation.
  


• Investigate complex complaints, incidents, and enforcement matters, determining appropriate regulatory action in accordance with council policies and statutory requirements.
  


• Prepare detailed reports, witness statements, and evidence files for legal proceedings, and attend courts or tribunals to provide professional evidence.
  


• Provide specialist environmental health advice and guidance to businesses, consumers, elected members, and internal stakeholders.
  


• Investigate notifications and referrals from national regulators and enforcement bodies, ensuring timely and appropriate action.
  


• Undertake food, water, and environmental sampling activities in line with approved sampling programmes.
  


• Act as a consultee for planning applications, licensing matters, and Safety Advisory Group consultations.
  


• Develop and deliver projects, initiatives, and training aimed at improving compliance and supporting local businesses.
  


• Monitor, evaluate, and report on project outcomes, identifying opportunities for service improvements and future interventions.
  


• Provide operational supervision, coaching, and support to less experienced officers.
  


• Deputise for the Environmental Health Team Manager as required.
  


• Represent the service at internal and external meetings, professional forums, and public engagement events.
  


• Maintain accurate electronic records, reports, and case management documentation.
  

Experience Required

• Significant experience of enforcing and securing compliance with food safety, food standards, and/or health and safety legislation.
  


• Experience conducting complex investigations and bringing enforcement cases to a successful conclusion.
  


• Experience interpreting legislation, codes of practice, policies, and regulatory guidance.
  


• Experience preparing legal case files and presenting evidence in formal proceedings.
  


• Experience handling complex complaints and enquiries from businesses and members of the public.
  


• Experience supervising, mentoring, or supporting colleagues is desirable.
  


• Experience working within local authority environmental health services is highly desirable.
  

Qualifications

Applicants must hold one of the following relevant qualifications:

Environmental Health Officers

• Registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) as an Environmental Health Officer.
  

Health & Safety Specialists

• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent qualification at Level 4 or above.
  

Food Specialists

• Higher Certificate in Food Premises Inspection; or
  


• Higher Certificate in Food Control.
  

Desirable Qualifications

• Accredited Food Standards Training.
  


• Registered trainer with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) or equivalent professional body.
  


• Lead Assessor or Peer Reviewer qualification.
  


• Additional qualifications relating to food safety, health and safety, approved premises inspections, or skin piercing inspections.
  

Skills & Knowledge

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  


• Ability to influence, advise, and persuade businesses and stakeholders.
  


• Strong investigative and analytical skills.
  


• Knowledge of Environmental Health legislation, food safety, food standards, health and safety regulations, PACE, and RIPA.
  


• Ability to produce accurate reports and deliver presentations.
  


• Strong organisational and workload prioritisation skills.
  


• Competent in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  


• Experience using regulatory databases such as Civica APP is desirable.
  


• Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles.
  

Additional Information

• Enhanced DBS and relevant background checks may be required.
  


• Pay Rate: £ 55.00/Hours, UMB
  


• Agile and flexible working arrangements available.
  


• Regular travel across the borough required for inspections and investigations.
  


• Ability to transport inspection equipment and samples.
  


• Occasional evening and weekend working may be required (approximately 12 occasions per year).
  


• The role may involve working in challenging environments, including commercial premises, homes, food businesses, and sites requiring specialist safety precautions.
  


• The position may involve dealing with confrontational situations and requires a professional, diplomatic approach.
  


• Candidates must be committed to promoting Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, Data Protection, and Council policies always.
  


• We operate on a bi-weekly payment schedule.
  

·         Closing date: Soon – early applications are encouraged