Environmental Health Officer (Environmental Protection)

Somerset Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the United Kingdom seeks an experienced Environmental Health Officer to play a crucial role in improving the lives of residents. Key responsibilities include investigating noise complaints, conducting risk assessments on water supplies, and providing advice on environmental planning. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of environmental legislation and excellent communication skills. The position offers a supportive work environment with flexible working arrangements and generous employee benefits including training and development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave allowance

Flexible working arrangements

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts for gyms

Pension Scheme

Flexible Benefits Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in environmental protection roles.
• Knowledge of environmental legislation and codes of practice.
• Experience in inspecting premises and investigating complaints.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and enforce noise and nuisance complaints.
• Conduct risk assessments of private water supplies.
• Inspect premises under Environmental Permitting Regulations.

Skills

Organisational skills

Self-motivation

Team player

Verbal communication

Written communication

Risk assessment

Knowledge of legislation

Education

Relevant qualifications in Environmental Health

Job description

Environmental Health Officer (Environmental Protection)

Salary:£37,280 to £41,771 per annum

Working pattern:Full Time

Location:Somerset

Closing date:4 January 2026

Some key information

• Full time, 37 hours per week.
• Permanent position.
• Offices at Taunton, Bridgwater, Shepton Mallet, Yeovil as required.
• 30 days annual leave.
• The Council offers flexible and agile working, with excellent technology to support this.

Somerset Council’s Environmental Health team is a busy, multi-disciplinary team covering health and safety, food safety, environmental protection and private sector housing. An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, hardworking and experienced Environmental Health professional has become available within the team.

What will I be doing?

We’re working to improve the lives of people in Somerset – and you’ll be a key part of that.

You would be expected to fulfil a range of environmental protection roles which could include:

• Investigation and enforcement of noise, nuisance and other complaints.
• Sampling and risk assessment of private water supplies.
• Providing comments and advice on environmental aspects of planning and licensing applications.
• Carrying out inspections of premises with permits under the Environmental Permitting Regulations.
• Arranging public health funerals.
• Giving advice on a range of environmental issues such as air quality and contaminated land.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be.

You will need to be organised, self-motivated and an excellent team player. A good knowledge of relevant legislation and any associated codes of practice/guidance is required for this role, and experience of inspecting a range of premises and investigating complaints is essential.

You must have good verbal and written communication skills and be competent to deal with complex case work, taking enforcement action where necessary. We are looking for applicants who can demonstrate an adaptable and flexible approach, a positive attitude and an ability to work on your own initiative.

You will be suitably qualified and experienced with evidence of having continued to develop your skills and qualifications.

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

What's in it for me?

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

Anything else I should know?

If you would like to discuss the role, or have any questions about applying, please contact Richard Allard, Environmental Protection Manager, [e-mail]

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button - we can’t wait to hear from you.

A bit more about Somerset Council

The Council Offices provide a pleasant, comfortable and modern working environment and a fleet of pool cars for use on official business.

Other benefits include payment of professional subscription if required for the role. A relocation allowance may apply if eligible.