Environmental Health Officer - PSH

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

LGPS pension scheme

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking an Environmental Health Officer to join the Private Sector Housing Team. You will investigate complaints, inspect homes, assess housing hazards and advise landlords and tenants to improve housing standards.

This fixed-term role covers HMOs and private rented housing across a varied area. You will apply enforcement powers when required and help shape new working methods under the Renters' Rights Act.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Environmental Health leading to eligibility for registration with CIEH or substantial experience in housing standards.
• Knowledge of housing legislation including the Housing Act 2004 and enforcement principles.
• Experience of carrying out inspections, investigations or compliance activities.
• Strong communication, negotiation and report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Carry out inspections of privately rented properties, HMOs and other residential accommodation to assess compliance with housing standards.
• Identify and assess housing hazards using HHSRS and determine interventions.
• Investigate complaints from tenants and residents regarding housing conditions and property management.
• Apply informal and formal enforcement powers, including preparing evidence and supporting legal proceedings.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to tenants, landlords, managing agents and partner organisations.
• Support the implementation of duties arising from the Renters' Rights Act and contribute to service development.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to achieve positive outcomes.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Report writing

Education

Environmental Health qualification / CIEH eligibility

Job description

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Salary: Grade 10 - £38,510 to £43,149 per annum

Contract: We have 2 positions available on a 2-year Fixed Term Contract

Hours: 37 hours per week

Closing Date: 14th October 2026

About the Role

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.

What You'll Bring

• 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.

Why Join Us?

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.

Why Join Us?

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.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.