Senior Environmental Protection Officer (NSIPs and Planning)

East Suffolk Council; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council in the UK is seeking a Senior Environmental Protection Officer to lead environmental health initiatives, particularly in air quality and contaminated land management. The role involves mentoring junior staff and providing expert environmental advice on major developments. Candidates should have a degree in Environmental Health, extensive knowledge of legislation, and demonstrated experience in the field. This position offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits including generous leave and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Generous leave entitlement

Local government pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Tailored learning and development

Staff support networks

Discounts on various products and services

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge in environmental health compliance.
• Proven experience in Environmental Protection and Regulation.
• Ability to mentor and inspire junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead on complex environmental health issues.
• Provide planning advice on air quality management.
• Manage technical officers to build team resilience.

Skills

Environmental health legislation

Mentoring

Analytical mindset

Education

Degree in Environmental Health or related science

Tools

Monitoring or modelling software

Job description

Salary: £39,152 - £48,226 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Hours: 37 hours per week Contract: Permanent

Reference: 21831

Closing date: 30 January 2026.

East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work, delivering essential local services and making a real difference to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk.

Are you an experienced environmental health professional passionate about science-led approaches to healthier, safer communities?

We're looking for a Senior Environmental Protection Officer (NSIPs and Planning) to guide our technical work and shape strategic improvements across East Suffolk.

The role

This is a high-impact specialist role where you'll lead on complex environmental health issues - from air quality to contaminated land as well as advising on National Significant Infrastructure Projects including Sizewell C and Offshore Energy Projects. The role will also include mentoring newly qualified staff as we grow our team. As a key member of the team, you will ensure our work is informed, innovative, and effective.

We encourage Matrix and Project based working, which means you will support colleagues across the Environmental Protection when needs arise, ensuring that there is resilience in the team and variety in your role.

You will be

• Giving expert advice and providing planning advice on air quality management and contaminated land and/or noise, with a strong focus on major developments and NSIP’s (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects)
• Taking appropriate interventions and where necessary, enforcement actions to protect the public and environment
• Managing and mentoring technical officers to build expertise and resilience
• Representing the Council at technical forums and in multi-agency partnerships
• Driving forward evidence-based practice and supporting strategic planning
• Shaping service improvements that enhance health outcomes and sustainability.
• Collaborating with and supporting the broader team to provide targeted interventions and advice on Statutory Nuisance, and Private Water Supplies and Environmental Permitting and broader Environmental Health enquiries.

You will need

• A degree in Environmental Health or a related environmental science.
• Extensive knowledge of environmental health legislation and enforcement.
• Proven experience with dealing with Environmental Protection and Regulation to include a selection of specialisms including topics such as Statutory nuisances, air quality, environmental permitting, contaminated land, nuisance, drainage and private water supplies.
• Mentoring skills, with the ability to inspire and develop others.
• A collaborative and analytical mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Desirable, but not essential

• Experience working in local government or regulatory partnerships.
• Expertise in using monitoring or modelling software for environmental health.
• A track record of contributing to strategic plans and NSIP’s.

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don’t meet all of the essential requirements, please apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

Why work for us?

East Suffolk Council is a great place to work and there are lots of benefits our employees can access. To find out more about why we are so proud of East Suffolk Council, take a look at our video and hear why our employees think it is such a great place to work.

Here are some of the main benefits

• Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays)
• Local government pension scheme
• Flexible working arrangements
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• A wide variety of staff support networks including access to health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes.
• Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services.

Find more information about what we offer in our Benefits Brochure (pdf).

For more information

For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Sheridan Stock by emailing [e-mail].

How to apply

Complete your online application and upload your supporting statement on our website: https://www.suffolkjobsdirect.org/#en/sites/CX_6001/job/21831/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share

Closing date: 30 January 2026.

Interview date: Week commencing 16 February 2026.