Environmental Health Officer

Ardsandnorthdown; Newtownards; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional health authority is seeking an Environmental Health Officer based in Newtownards. This role involves enforcing environmental legislation, conducting inspections, and advising on public health matters. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree and experience in environmental health activities. Key responsibilities include managing compliance in food safety and public health, conducting risk assessments, and engaging with the community. A valid driving license is essential, along with excellent communication skills and a proactive approach.

Qualifications

• Experience in an environmental health-related field dealing with the public and businesses.
• 3 months experience working as an Environmental Health Officer in an enforcement or advisory capacity.

Responsibilities

• Implement and enforce Environmental Health legislation across various domains.
• Carry out inspections and risk assessments without supervision.
• Prepare, serve, and enforce statutory notices.
• Advise the Service Unit Manager on Environmental Health conditions.

Skills

Knowledge of relevant legislation

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Basic knowledge of enforcement practices

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Health or equivalent

Job description

Job Title

Environmental Health Officer

Directorate

Active and Healthy Communities

Section

Environmental Health, in any of the following areas

• Food Control and Consumer Protection
• Public Health and Housing
• Health and Safetyuphoria, Noise and Petroleum Licensing

Location

Church Street, Newtownards

Responsible to

Service Unit Manager

Salary Scale

PO2SCP 30-33

Car Status

Essential

Purpose and Function of the Post532

The post holder will be responsible for implementing Environmental Health Legislation on behalf of Ards and North Down Borough Council, as required by the sections management team, and will deal directly with various statutory and non‑statutory organisations and members of the general public in relation to a wide variety of Environmental Health issues.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement and enforce the provisions of Environmental Health legislation concerning Environmental Protection, Public Health, Food Safety, Occupational Health & Safety, Consumer Protection, Tobacco Control and Licensing & Regulatory Functions of the Council's Environmental Health Service.
• Carry out inspections without supervision; complete risk assessments of premises, products, processes and work activities to determine compliance with relevant statutory provisions and take action as appropriate. Perform sampling and complaint investigations and complete all administrative tasks, utilising all necessary IT systems to satisfactorily perform the duties of theAls.
• Make decisions as authorised officers on behalf of the Council and maintain the required competence for authorisation under relevant legislation.
• Prepare, serve and enforce statutory notices across all Environmental Health functions.
• Perform any statutory functions on behalf of other officers in their absence as directed by the Service Unit Managers.
• Act as a lead officer for any statutory functions as directed by the Service Unit Manager.
• Advise the Service Unit Manager/Head of Service on Environmental Health conditions prevailing in the Borough.
• Assist the Service Unit Manager in setting service delivery standards and in the development and implementation of departmental and corporate plans salam as they relate to Environmental Health, and to comply with performance standards laid down in the plans. Assist in the preparation for internal and external audits by the Food Standards Agency, Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland, Environment and Heritage Service or other external organisations.
• Undertake the practical training of Student Environmental Health Officers to a national standard set by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
• Adhere to and implement as appropriate all Council policies, for example, with regard to Fair Employment, Equality, Health and Safety, and Training within the department.
• Carry out duties outside normal working hours as are necessary for the satisfactory performance of the post, in accordance with an agreed policy on Lone Working.
• Communicate directly and indirectly (including providing advice and assistance) with members of the public, other council officers, councillors, MLAs, MPs, local and national media (with assistance from the Council's Corporate Communications department), and various statutory and non‑statutory bodies. Deliver key health promotion activities, Environmental Health initiatives and hazard‑focused campaigns in line with current strategic priorities and up‑to‑date evidence bases.
• Deal with potentially confrontational situations that arise in the course of carrying out the vêt duties of the post, in accordance with Council Policy.
• Carry out duties as authorised officers of other agencies (for example, the investigation of incidents and outbreaks of certain infectious diseases and the issue of firework licences). Prepare relevant reports and participate as a member of interagency work groups as and when required.
• Interview suspects under the Police and Criminal Evidence (NI) Order 1989 and prepare resulting witness statements and court case documentation. Institute legal proceedings under the Health and Safety at Work Order and other similar legislation, and act as an expert witness for the Council in court proceedings, industrial tribunals and planning enquiries.
• Represent the Council on specialist coordinating committees at provincial levels, and at conferences/seminars asProfesor by the Service Unit Manager; and Fakultal Environmental Health training/information to the business community, schools and the general public.
• Maintain confidentiality when receiving or processing personal data, and deal with persons relaying sensitive information in a considerate manner. Act in accordance with Council Policy and legal duties in relation to the General Data Protection Regulations.
• Carry out any other duties as directed by the Head of Service or the Service Unit Managers.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or diploma in талерт Environmental Health or equivalent qualification which is accredited or recognised by the CIEH.

Desirable Qualifications

• Additional relevant qualifications in the field of Environmental Health.
• Certificate of Registration with the Environmental Health Officers Registration Board (EHORB) or equivalent; such as completion of an EHP Portfolio or professional discussion to become a registered EHP.

Essential Experience

• Experience in an environmental health‑related field dealing with the public, businesses and representatives of organisations in an enforcement or advisory capacity.
• 3 months experience working as an Environmental Health Officer in an enforcement or advisory capacity.

Desirable Experience

• Additional relevant experience in the field of Environmental Health.

Key Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of relevant legislation & enforcement practices.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Capable of working on own initiative with minimal supervision.

Other Requirements

• A valid driving licence and access to a suitable form of transport that will allow fulfilment of the duties of the post or access to suitable transport for the post holder to meet the requirements of the post.
• Access to the internet to enable homeworking, if required.
• The above alternative (access to a suitable form of transport) is a reasonable adjustment specifically for applicants with disabilities who, as a result of their disability, are unable to hold a valid driving licence.

The selection panel reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria to facilitate the process when necessary.