Environmental Health Officer

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

LGPS

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council's Private Sector Housing Team is seeking an Environmental Health Officer to improve housing conditions and protect residents across the county.

You will inspect homes, assess housing hazards, advise landlords and tenants, and take proportionate enforcement action where required. This role involves working across the private rented sector, including HMOs, and supporting service development ahead of Renters' Rights Act reforms.

Qualifications

• Qualified Environmental Health professional eligible for CIEH registration or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of Housing Act 2004 and regulatory enforcement principles.
• Experience in inspections, investigations or compliance activities.
• Proven ability to provide expert housing advice to landlords and tenants.

Responsibilities

• Carry out inspections of privately rented properties and HMOs to assess compliance with housing standards.
• Identify housing hazards using HHSRS and determine appropriate interventions.
• Investigate complaints from tenants and residents about housing conditions.
• Apply proportionate enforcement powers and prepare evidence for proceedings as required.
• Provide guidance to tenants, landlords and partners to support compliance and improvement.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Report writing

Problem solving

Decision making

Caseload management

Teamwork

Driving licence

Education

Environmental Health qualification

Job description

As an Environmental Health Officer within Somerset Council's Private Sector Housing Team, you will play a vital role in improving housing conditions and protecting some of the county's most vulnerable residents. You will investigate complaints, inspect homes, assess housing hazards, advise landlords and tenants, and take proportionate enforcement action where necessary. The role offers a varied and rewarding caseload across a diverse geographical area, providing opportunities to make a genuine difference to people's lives, health and wellbeing. Working across the private rented sector, including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), you will use your professional expertise to ensure housing standards are maintained, support compliance through advice and education, and take formal action where required. This is an exciting opportunity to join the service at a pivotal time. As Somerset Council prepares for significant reforms under the Renters' Rights Act, you will help shape new ways of working, influence service development, and contribute to delivering improved outcomes for tenants and landlords across Somerset. How You'll Make a Difference

• Carry out inspections of privately rented properties, HMOs and other residential accommodation to assess compliance with housing standards.
• Identify and assess housing hazards using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and determine appropriate interventions.
• Investigate complaints from tenants and residents regarding housing conditions, property management and housing-related concerns.
• Use professional judgement to secure fair, proportionate and effective regulatory outcomes that protect residents and improve housing standards.
• Apply informal and formal enforcement powers, including preparing evidence and supporting legal proceedings where required.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to tenants, landlords, managing agents, colleagues and partner organisations.
• Support the implementation of new duties arising from the Renters' Rights Act and contribute to the continuous development of the service.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to achieve positive outcomes for residents and communities.
• A recognised qualification in Environmental Health leading to eligibility for registration with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), or substantial experience in housing standards, regulatory enforcement or a related field.
• Knowledge of housing legislation, including the Housing Act 2004, and an understanding of regulatory enforcement principles.
• Experience of carrying out inspections, investigations or compliance activities.
• Strong communication, negotiation and report-writing skills.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and sound decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritise workloads effectively and work both independently and as part of a team.
• A proactive, adaptable approach and a commitment to delivering high-quality public services.
• Full UK driving licence or the ability to travel throughout Somerset to undertake the duties of the role.
• At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.
• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
• Find out more about working at Somerset Council.