Civil Enforcement Officer

Essex County Council; Harlow; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Colchester City Council, with support from Essex County Council and the North Essex Parking Partnership, seeks Civil Enforcement Officers to patrol Harlow and surrounding areas from Latton Bush, providing fair enforcement and safe, accessible streets.

You will uphold regulations, document evidence, and interact with residents and businesses while representing the partnership with professionalism and courtesy.

Qualifications

• Essential requirements include Civil Enforcement Qualification and a full UK manual driving licence.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to work independently in a public-facing environment.

Responsibilities

• Patrol designated on-street and off-street parking locations within the North Essex Parking Partnership area.
• Enforce parking restrictions in line with applicable acts and local orders.
• Issue Penalty Charge Notices using handheld devices and record evidence.
• Engage with the public, educate motorists and respond to enquiries professionally.
• Coordinate with local authorities and partner agencies as needed.
• Attend hearings and follow safety and data protection procedures.

Skills

Civil Enforcement Qualification

Full UK Manual Driving Licence

Communication skills

Public-facing

Job description

Civil Enforcement Officer - North Essex Parking Partnership | Colchester City Council

Harlow, Essex
£15.97 PAYE | £20.48 Umbrella
Full-Time Temporary Contract (Initial 3 Months with Potential Extension)

Closing Date: Monday 16th November 2026

Help Keep Our Communities Safe, Accessible and Moving

Essex County Council is proud to be supporting Colchester City Council and the North Essex Parking Partnership in the recruitment of three Civil Enforcement Officers to join their dedicated enforcement team.

This is an exciting opportunity for experienced Civil Enforcement professionals who are passionate about making a visible difference within local communities. As a Civil Enforcement Officer, you will play a vital frontline role in ensuring parking regulations are upheld, roads remain safe and accessible, and residents, visitors and businesses can travel without unnecessary disruption.

Working independently across the Harlow and Epping Forest Districts and surrounding areas, you will be responsible for enforcing parking regulations fairly, professionally and consistently while serving as a positive representative of the North Essex Parking Partnership.

Working Hours

You will start and finish your shifts at Latton Bush, Southern Way, Harlow, working on a rota basis between:

07:30am - 7:00pm - hours can be negotiated, part-time options available
10.5-hour shifts per day (including a 1-hour lunch break)

The Role

As a Civil Enforcement Officer, no two days are the same. You'll spend the majority of your time patrolling streets, car parks and designated parking areas, engaging with members of the public and ensuring compliance with parking regulations.

You will be trusted to make informed decisions, remain calm under pressure and deliver a professional enforcement service that supports the safety and accessibility of local communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Patrol designated on-street and off-street parking locations across the North Essex Parking Partnership area.
• Enforce parking restrictions in line with the Traffic Management Act 2004, local Parking Orders and operational procedures.
• Assess parking contraventions and accurately issue Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) using handheld enforcement technology.
• Gather and record evidence, including photographs and detailed notes, to support enforcement actions.
• Educate motorists and members of the public on parking regulations and restrictions.
• Respond professionally and confidently to enquiries, complaints and challenging situations.
• Work closely with local authorities, Police, PCSOs and other partner agencies when required.
• Identify and report defective road markings, signs and other issues that may impact enforcement activity.
• Maintain enforcement equipment and ensure records are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Attend adjudication hearings or court proceedings when required to provide evidence relating to enforcement activity.
• Follow all Health & Safety, Data Protection and corporate procedures to ensure the highest standards of service delivery.
• Act as a professional ambassador for the North Essex Parking Partnership at all times.

What We're Looking For

Essential Requirements

• Civil Enforcement Qualification
• Previous experience working within Civil Enforcement
• Full UK Manual Driving Licence
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions in a public-facing environment
• Good literacy and numeracy skills
• Confident using handheld devices, cameras and mobile technology

Desirable Experience & Knowledge

• Knowledge of roads and parking restrictions across the North Essex Parking Partnership areas: Epping Forest, Harlow.
• Knowledge of Traffic Management Act 2004, Highway Code parking regulations, Parking enforcement procedures, Issuing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs).
• Experience working alongside Police, PCSOs, Neighbourhood Wardens or other enforcement agencies.

Key Skills & Personal Attributes

To succeed in this role, you'll be:

• Professional, resilient and able to remain calm under pressure.
• Confident dealing with members of the public, including difficult or confrontational situations.
• Fair, tactful and diplomatic when enforcing regulations.
• Organised, methodical and highly accurate in record-keeping.
• Able to use initiative and exercise sound judgement.
• Comfortable working independently for long periods.
• Committed to excellent customer service and community engagement.
• A strong team player who supports colleagues and promotes a positive working culture.

Physical Requirements

This is an active role that involves extensive walking and outdoor working in all weather conditions. Applicants must be physically able to:

• Walk in excess of 10 miles per day.
• Spend prolonged periods standing and patrolling.
• Work outdoors throughout the year.

Applicants will be required to provide their own:

• Black trousers (non-denim)
• Suitable black footwear

Why Join the North Essex Parking Partnership?

As a Civil Enforcement Officer, you will be instrumental in improving road safety, reducing congestion, maintaining access for emergency services and helping create safer, more accessible communities for everyone.

Your work directly supports residents, businesses and visitors by ensuring parking regulations are applied fairly, consistently and professionally.

Interested?

We would love to hear from you.

Make a positive impact every day. Help keep Essex moving by joining the North Essex Parking Partnership as a Civil Enforcement Officer.