Principal Environmental Health Officer Environmental Protection

Hoople; Hereford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Hereford is seeking a Principal Environmental Health Officer to manage a team and address public health issues, including statutory nuisances and environmental crime. The ideal candidate must have an Environmental Health qualification, registration, and leadership experience. This permanent role offers a competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

31 days holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible working options

Professional development opportunities

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Must hold an Environmental Health qualification accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).
• Possess the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) Certificate of Registration or equivalent.
• Proven track record in environmental health case management and operational leadership.

Responsibilities

• Manage and provide strategic guidance for a multi-disciplinary team.
• Cover statutory nuisance, living condition issues, anti-social behaviour, and drainage.
• Collaborate with senior managers and partner organizations to formulate policy.

Skills

Leadership

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Degree or postgraduate qualification in Environmental Health

Job description

About The Role
Contract: Permanent
Salary: HC09 £40,777 - £45,091 (plus £2000 pro rata Market forces supplement)
Hours: 37
Location: Hereford
Closing Date: 07/09/2025
Interview Date: 19/09/2025

Herefordshire Council invites applications for the role of Principal Environmental Health Officer within our Pollution & Community Protection Team. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced environmental health professionals to step into a key leadership role and contribute to essential services across the county.

We are seeking a motivated individual with a strong background in environmental health, leadership, and problem-solving. Applicants must hold an Environmental Health qualification accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and possess the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) Certificate of Registration or an equivalent credential.

In return, Herefordshire Council is committed to supporting staff through ongoing professional development and specialist training as needed.

About the Role

As Principal Environmental Health Officer, you will manage and provide strategic guidance and operational oversight for a multi-disciplinary team. Your work will cover statutory nuisance, living condition issues, anti-social behaviour, drainage, pest control, environmental crime (such as fly-tipping), licensing consultations, public health funerals, and other investigations. Collaboration with the Private Sector Housing team is key, especially where environmental health and housing enforcement overlap.

Additionally, you will collaborate with senior managers, elected officials, and partner organizations to formulate policy and improve service delivery.

About You

• Professional Qualification: Degree or postgraduate qualification in Environmental Health (or equivalent), accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).
• Registration: Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) Certificate of Registration in Environmental Health (or equivalent recognised qualification).
• Experience: Proven track record in environmental health case management and operational leadership, with experience of complex casework requiring professional judgement, and evaluation of appropriate enforcement actions.
• Skills: Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills; able to motivate others and manage conflicting priorities. A strategic thinker with sound technical knowledge and practical expertise.
• Personal Qualities: Team worker, enthusiastic, committed to excellent customer service, collaborative, and solutions focused.

Why Herefordshire?

Herefordshire is a Unitary authority bordering Wales, with the historic City of Hereford at its centre, and surrounding picturesque market towns and scenic countryside, with an active community. Working here provides varied environmental health experience in both urban and rural settings.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: £40,777 – £45,091 per annum, plus a £2,000 pro rata market rate supplement (currently up to 30/06/2025).
• Contract: Permanent, 37 hours per week.
• Annual Leave: Generous 31 days holiday (pro rata) plus bank holidays.
• Flexible Working: Flexitime (up to 15 hours a month), hybrid and remote working options, part-time/job-share considered.
• Pension & Benefits: Access to contributory Local Government Pension Scheme and a comprehensive staff benefits package.
• Professional Development: Protected time and budget for continuing professional development, including specialist training, leadership development, and opportunities to achieve further professional qualifications.
• Career Progression: Support to move into more senior or specialist posts within the Council.

How to Apply

Applications are welcomed from environmental health professionals with significant teamworking, case management, and technical experience, particularly those ready to lead, inspire, and make a real difference.

Closing date: 7th September 2025

Take the next step in your environmental health career and join our team in Herefordshire Council — apply today and help us create a safer, healthier environment for all.