Environmental Health Officer

Folkestone & Hythe District Council; Folkestone; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority council in Folkestone seeks an Environmental Health Officer to deliver public health services. The candidate should have expertise in food safety and health regulations, with 5 years local authority experience. This role offers hybrid working arrangements, generous leave, and a focus on staff wellbeing. Interested candidates should contact for an informal discussion.

Benefits

Flexible working

Generous leave policy

Pension scheme

Family-friendly initiatives

Health & wellbeing initiatives

Reimbursement for professional memberships

Qualifications

• Registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB).
• Demonstrable local authority experience in food safety.
• Experience with formal enforcement action and court proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections across food safety and health.
• Respond to complaints and notifications.
• Prepare prosecution files and represent in court.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Education

BSc (Hons) or MSc Environmental Health

Higher Certificate in Food Control

Job description

Environmental Health Officer (2 Year Fixed-Term)

Salary: £43,438 - £49,655 (Grade G)

Location: Folkestone / Hybrid

Hours: 37 hours per week

DBS Check: Yes – Basic

Are you passionate about protecting public health? We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Environmental Health Officer to join our Food Safety and Health & Safety Team. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact in your community by delivering statutory services and enforcing public health legislation.

About the Role

As an experienced Environmental Health Officer, you will:

• Deliver statutory functions in food safety, health and safety in the workplace, public health, zoo licensing plus tattooing and skin piercing.
• Investigate notifiable diseases and work in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency.
• Provide expert advice to businesses and council departments on compliance and best practice.
• Take enforcement action where necessary, including preparing prosecution files and attending court.
• Lead policy development and contribute to statutory plans in your areas of expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections and investigations across food safety, workplace health and safety, tattooing, skin piercing and zoo licensing.
• Respond to complaints and RIDDOR notifications.
• Taking formal enforcement action where appropriate including preparing prosecution files and representing the local authority in court.
• Advise businesses and stakeholders on statutory obligations and best practices.
• Maintain professional standards and support training initiatives within the team.
• Prepare reports and attend meetings with internal and external stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced professional with 5 years demonstrable local authority district experience, that has the following:

Essential:

• BSc (Hons) or MSc Environmental Health or Higher Certificate in Food Control (or equivalent).
• Registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) and/or Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
• Demonstrable local authority experience in food safety, health and safety, and public health regulatory work including undertaking formal enforcement action and court experience.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.

Desirable:

• NEBOSH or IOSH Health and Safety qualification.
• Training in, Approved Premises, Lead Auditor, Zoo Licensing or Imported Food.

Why Join Us

Folkestone & Hythe is a dynamic and innovative place to live, work and visit. Recognised by Best Companies as an outstanding organisation to work for, we have a focus on wellbeing and staff development. Our benefits include:

• Flexible Working: Embrace a culture that supports agile and hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous Leave: Enjoy up to 31 days of holiday plus bank holidays, a flexi-time scheme, birthday leave, and Christmas office closure.
• Pension Scheme: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Family-Friendly Initiatives: Benefit from a range of family-friendly policies and support.
• Health & Wellbeing: Participate in health and wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Additional Perks: Reimbursement of professional membership subscriptions, salary sacrifice schemes, corporate membership discounts, and free office parking.

This role will require travelling throughout the district and visiting premises at evenings and weekends.

We have a hybrid working approach with an expectation that you will work from the Civic Centre in Folkestone at least one day per week.

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Nicola Wilson (Environmental Health & Licensing Manager) on 01303 853262 or email [e-mail]

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 23:59 on 21st October 2025. Previous applications received within the last 6 months need not re-apply.

Interviews are due to be held w/c 03 November 2025.