Senior Environmental Protection Officer - Scientific Lead

Breckland District Council; Dereham; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Breckland District Council seeks a Senior Environmental Protection Officer to lead on critical environmental health issues. In this full-time role, you will manage air quality and contaminated land investigations, mentor staff, and shape strategic planning to enhance community wellbeing. Join a progressive team advocating for science-led, innovative practices in environmental health.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of environmental health legislation.
• Experience with statutory nuisances and air quality.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Lead on air quality management and contaminated land investigations.
• Provide expert advice on housing conditions and environmental permitting.
• Manage and mentor technical officers.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical mindset

Collaboration

Education

Degree in Environmental Health

Related environmental science degree

Job description

Salary:Grade 6 £43,882 - £50,761 per annum (Subject to Job Evaluation)
Hours and basis:Full time 37 hours per week, 12-month contract
Location:Dereham (with regular travel across the district)

Are you an experienced environmental health professional passionate about science-led approaches to healthier, safer communities? We're looking for aSenior Environmental Protection Officer - Scientific Leadto guide our technical work and shape strategic improvements across Breckland.

This is a high-impact specialist role where you'll lead on complex environmental health issues - from air quality to contaminated land - and mentor staff, ensuring our work is informed, innovative, and effective.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading on air quality management and contaminated land investigations.
• Providing expert advice on statutory nuisance, housing conditions, and private watersupplies and environmental Permitting.
• 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.

What We're Looking For

• A degree in Environmental Health or a related environmental science.
• Extensive knowledge of environmental health legislation and enforcement.
• Proven experience with dealing with Statutory nuisances, air quality, environmental permitting, contaminated land, nuisance, drainage and private water supplies.
• Strong leadership and 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.

It's a Bonus If You Have

• 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 health-related policy work

Why Work With Us?

At Breckland District Council, we're collaborative, ambitious, and results-driven. You'll join a forward-thinking team where innovation is valued, and your work directly improves community wellbeing and environmental quality.

Ready to lead on science-based environmental health? Apply now and help us shape a healthier future.

Closing date- 9am, Thursday 10 July 2025