Environmental Protection Officer / Environmental Health Officer

Buckingham Futures; Essex; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Essex is seeking an experienced Environmental Protection Officer / Environmental Health Officer to join their team. This pivotal role involves reviewing planning applications, investigating environmental complaints, and managing pollution incidents. Candidates should have a degree in Environmental Health and relevant experience. This opportunity offers a chance to impact community sustainability positively, initially on a 3-month contract with potential for extension.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in planning consultation and environmental protection.
• Strong understanding of environmental legislation and planning policy.
• Ability to interpret and analyse complex environmental data.

Responsibilities

• Review planning applications focusing on environmental health concerns.
• Investigate complaints related to statutory nuisances.
• Undertake enforcement actions as per legislation.
• Respond to pollution incidents from various sources.

Skills

Planning consultation

Environmental protection

Communication skills

Data analysis

Education

Degree in Environmental Health or related discipline

Job description

Buckingham Futures is recruiting on behalf of a local authority in Essex for an experienced Environmental Protection Officer / Environmental Health Officer to join their Environmental Health team. This pivotal role is initially offered on a 3-month contract, with a strong likelihood of extension.

You will play a key role in shaping sustainable development by supporting planning consultations and leading environmental protection initiatives, ensuring environmental risks to public health are effectively assessed, mitigated, and managed. This is an excellent opportunity to make a tangible impact on the community while working in a dynamic regulatory environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Review planning applications with a focus on noise, air quality, land contamination, odour, lighting, and other environmental health concerns.
• Investigate complaints relating to statutory nuisances, including noise, odour, smoke, light, and dust.
• Undertake enforcement actions in line with environmental protection legislation.
• Respond to pollution incidents from both commercial and domestic sources.
• Assess and manage potentially contaminated land under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act.
• Support the implementation of local air quality strategies and monitor key environmental indicators.
• Prepare professional documentation, including reports, notices, and witness statements.

Requirements

• Degree in Environmental Health, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in planning consultation and environmental protection within a regulatory setting.
• Strong understanding of environmental legislation, planning policy, and relevant technical guidance (e.g., BS4142, IAQM).
• Ability to interpret and analyse complex environmental data and provide practical, actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Highly organised, proactive, and able to manage a diverse caseload independently.

If you have the relevant experience and qualifications or would like further information, please contact us on 020 8732 5450 or email [e-mail].