Enforcement Officer Trading Standards (Tobacco and Vapes)

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Chelmsford is seeking an Enforcement Officer for Trading Standards who will play a vital role in regulating tobacco and vape compliance. This position involves inspecting businesses, providing guidance, and ensuring public safety. Candidates should have experience in enforcement roles and possess strong communication skills. Join a supportive team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the community with opportunities for professional development and career progression.

Benefits

Flexible Working Arrangements

26 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Local Authority Pension Scheme

High-quality training and development

Qualifications

• Experience in Trading Standards or a related enforcement role.
• Ability to maintain accurate and legally admissible records.
• Willingness to learn new software applications.

Responsibilities

• Enforce rules regulating vapes and tobacco compliance.
• Inspect businesses for adherence to Trading Standards laws.
• Gather evidence and compile prosecution reports.

Skills

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office proficiency

Knowledge of Trading Standards legislation

Excellent communication skills

Education

Educated to RQF level 3 (A Level's) or equivalent

Tools

Intelligence Database (IDB)

Civica APP/Cx trader and enforcement databases

Job description

Enforcement Officer Trading Standards (Tobacco and Vapes)

Fixed Term - 2.5 years duration, Full Time - 37 Hours Per Week, Monday to Friday

Up to £31,295 per annum

Location: Chelmsford

Closing Date: Wednesday 17th December 2025 at 11.59pm

Interview Date: 8th January 2026

Essex Trading Standards is looking for a highly motivated individual to take on a vital role in enforcing vape and tobacco regulations. This is more than just a job - it's your chance to make a lasting impact on the Essex community, ensuring fairness, compliance, and public safety. If you're ready to take on a rewarding challenge with clear career progression and want to be proud of the difference you make, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for. Join us and be part of something meaningful!

This role is offered as a Fixed Term Contract or Secondment opportunity for a period of 2.5 years.

As an 'Community Based Worker' position, the role will involve a combination of remote working, community based and office-based working. There will be an expectation for you to attend the office - County Hall, Chelmsford, CM1 1QH 1 - 2 days per week in addition to 'as and when' there is a business need.

Why work with us?

• Flexible Working Arrangements.
• 37 hour working week. Monday to Friday.
• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays after 5 years of service.
• Local Authority Pension Scheme.
• Work for a high performing team with great team morale and friendly, helpful, and supportive colleagues.
• Access high quality training and development to help develop your career within the child and family sector.
• Continuous Service - Joining us from another local authority? Then you could benefit from bringing your time served and benefits with you.

The Role:

Trading Standards is responsible for supporting legitimate business activity by providing advice and support, encouraging economic development and prosperity, and helping to create a level playing field. We protect the economic interests of Essex residents (particularly the more vulnerable members of community) by using all the tools available to swiftly and effectively tackle rogue traders and businesses that cause the most consumer detriment. We adopt an intelligence led approach to enforcing a broad range of Trading Standards legislation including fair trading, underage sales, food and product safety, animal health and welfare to name just a few.

The Enforcement Officer Trading Standards (Tobacco and Vapes) role will focus on the enforcement of rules regulating vapes and tobacco, including the supply of illegal/illicit products and tackling age restricted sales to children. The role will provide information, advice, and assistance on Trading Standards law to businesses based in Essex.

The role includes undertaking visits alone to inspect businesses for compliance, providing guidance and support, and when necessary, gathering of evidence and compiling prosecution reports.

The role contributes to the achievement of service and community objectives including, the reduction of crime and disorder; reducing anti-social behaviour; improving health and wellbeing; and promoting a fair trading environment throughout the County of Essex, by enforcing civil and criminal Trading Standards laws in an effective, efficient and impartial way.

About You:

Essential:

• Previous experience of working in Trading Standards, another enforcement or regulatory type role or equivalent profession.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to keep accurate, concise, and legally admissible records and notes.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and ability to use / learn bespoke Trading Standards databases e.g., Intelligence Database (IDB) and Civica APP/Cx trader and enforcement databases.

Desirable:

• Demonstrable knowledge of relevant Trading Standards legislation, enforcement procedures and protocols is highly desirable
• Excellent communication skills with a range of internal and external stakeholders including colleagues, managers, elected members, partners, and business representatives.
• Educated to RQF level 3 (A Level's) or equivalent by experience.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and knowledge in relevant professional area.