Environmental Health Officer

Reed; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Environmental Health Officer to improve resident health and well-being through effective regulation of private residential accommodations. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in Environmental Health, have significant experience in enforcement, and demonstrate strong leadership and technical report writing skills. This is a hybrid role on a 3-month contract.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Environmental Health or Housing required.
• HHSRS qualification with practical inspection experience required.
• Experience in enforcing public health legislation and property licensing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of environmental health functions.
• Take legal action independently and manage investigations.
• Prepare reports and evidence for court proceedings.

Skills

Environmental health enforcement

Regulatory compliance

Leadership skills

Technical report writing

Education

Degree or MSc in Environmental Health or Housing

HHSRS qualification

Job description

Environmental Health Officer

• Hourly Rate: £19.45 PAYE / £21.57 Umbrella
• Location: Hybrid
• Contract: 3 Months

REED is currently hiring on behalf of a client for the role of an Environmental Health Officer in Residential Services. This role is crucial for driving improvements in the health and well‑being of residents and the local environment through effective regulation of private residential accommodation.

Day‑to‑day of the role

• Lead the delivery of the Council’s functions related to environmental health, enforcement of housing standards, and regulation of private residential accommodation, including HMO and Caravan Site Licensing.
• Take enforcement and legal action independently, including serving statutory notices and orders, making licensing determinations, and preparing prosecution files.
• Manage complex criminal investigations, interview suspects under caution, and preserve evidence in accordance with the Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
• Prepare detailed reports, witness statements, and correspondence in your area of expertise, and prepare legal files for referral to Legal Services.
• Utilize delegated powers to obtain warrants of entry, undertake unannounced visits at anti‑social hours, and secure evidence for further enforcement activity.
• Investigate service requests related to long‑term empty properties using informal and legislative tools to address public health risks.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with external agencies such as the Police, DWP, HMRC, and Home Office Immigration Enforcement.
• Act as the lead for allocated areas of specialist knowledge and advice, maintaining professional competency and developing team members' skills.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Diploma (if obtained before 1993) or Degree or MSc in Environmental Health or Housing Degree.
• HHSRS qualification including practical inspection and enforcement.
• Chartered Practitioner with Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) (Desirable).
• EHORB Registration or Registered Environmental Health Practitioner (Desirable).
• Significant experience in enforcing environmental health, housing, drainage, and public health legislation.
• Substantial experience in property licensing or caravan site licensing legislation.
• Experience in undertaking complex criminal investigations and presenting evidence in Court or Tribunal.
• Ability to write clear, concise technical reports and effectively represent the Council in legal proceedings.
• Strong leadership skills, ability to motivate team members, and manage performance in line with KPIs.

To apply for this Environmental Health Officer position, please submit your CV to Holly Woodward @ REED