Environmental Health Officer (private Sector Housing) – AR

Carrington Blake Recruitment; Tees Valley; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an Environmental Health Officer focused on private sector housing in Tees Valley. The role involves inspecting rented properties, enforcing housing standards legislation, and engaging with various stakeholders. Candidates should have a degree in Environmental Health and relevant practical experience. The position is hybrid, involving both office attendance and field inspections, with a commitment to safeguarding community health and promoting fair housing standards.

Qualifications

• Degree accredited by relevant institutions or equivalent experience in private sector housing.
• Practical experience in housing inspections and enforcement processes.
• Full UK driving license is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections of private rented properties.
• Investigate complaints about housing conditions.
• Provide professional advice regarding housing legislation.

Skills

Knowledge of housing legislation

Ability to work independently

Environmental Health principles

Education

Degree in Environmental Health

Job description

Job Description – Environmental Health Officer (private Sector Housing)

Post Title: Environmental Health Officer (Private Sector Housing)

Directorate / Service: Environment and Commercial Services – Public Protection Service

Team: Private Sector Housing Team

Responsible To: Principal Public Protection Officer

Location: Fountain Court, Middlesbrough (Hybrid working – office attendance subject to service need)

Working Pattern: Ideally full time (37 hours per week, Monday to Friday). Part-time working may be considered subject to service needs and cost.

Contract: Fixed term- January 2026 to May 2026

Purpose of the Role

To protect the health, safety and wellbeing of residents living in private rented accommodation by enforcing housing standards legislation. The post holder will inspect and regulate private sector housing, investigate complaints, undertake licensing work, and take proportionate enforcement action where standards are not met. The role contributes to the wider Public Protection Service objectives and works closely with internal and external partners.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Housing Inspections and Enforcement

• Carry out inspections of private rented properties, including Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
• Assess housing conditions using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
• Identify Category 1 and Category 2 hazards and determine appropriate enforcement action.
• Serve statutory notices, prepare schedules of works, and recommend civil penalties or prosecution where necessary.
• Monitor compliance and carry out follow-up inspections.

Licensing Functions

• Support the delivery of selective licensing and HMO licensing schemes.
• Undertake licence inspections, renewals, compliance checks, and enforcement related to licence conditions.

Complaint Investigation

• Investigate complaints relating to poor housing conditions, disrepair, damp and mould, fire safety, overcrowding, and other housing-related hazards.
• Gather evidence, interview relevant parties, and maintain accurate case records.

Advice, Reporting and Professional Support

• Interpret housing and environmental health legislation and provide advice to managers, colleagues, landlords, tenants, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare clear, accurate inspection reports, legal notices, and case documentation.
• Contribute to policy development, service planning, and performance monitoring where appropriate.

Partnership and Communication

• Work collaboratively with other council services, fire and rescue services, social care, and external agencies.
• Maintain effective communication with landlords, tenants, and members of the public.
• Attend meetings, including public meetings, where required.

Service Development and Training

• Contribute to special projects, service improvements, and public education initiatives.
• Support staff development by sharing knowledge and identifying training needs.
• Participate in continuous professional development and mandatory training.

General Responsibilities

• Ensure personal safety and the safety of others during inspections and site visits.
• Maintain accurate records on council data and case management systems.
• Act in accordance with council policies on equality, data protection, safeguarding, and health and safety.

Person Specification (Summary)

Essential Requirements

• Degree (BSc or MSc) in Environmental Health accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health or the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland, or equivalent qualifications and experience relevant to private sector housing.
• Practical experience of private sector housing work, including inspections, enforcement, or licensing.
• Knowledge of housing legislation, including the Housing Act 2004 and HHSRS.
• Ability to work independently, manage caseloads, and make proportionate enforcement decisions.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Requirements

• Professional registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board or CIEH.
• HHSRS certification and experience of formal hazard assessment.
• Experience of HMO or selective licensing schemes.
• Training or experience in investigations, evidence gathering, and legal proceedings.
• Knowledge of wider Public Protection or Trading Standards functions.

Values and Behaviours

• Demonstrate a commitment to equality, fairness, and respectful service delivery.
• Handle confidential information in accordance with data protection legislation.
• Act professionally and proportionately when exercising enforcement powers.
• Show commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
• Engage positively in continuous learning and professional development.