Senior Scientific Officer

London Borough of Barnet; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Greater London is looking for a Senior Scientific Officer. This position involves conducting health inspections, providing expert advice to residents and businesses, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Environmental Science or Pollution Control and possess strong knowledge of relevant laws. The role offers benefits such as 31 days of annual leave, access to a pension scheme, and flexible working options.

Benefits

31 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Work-life balance options

Lifestyle discounts

Payroll benefits including cycle to work

Excellent training opportunities

Employee well-being programs

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of environmental laws and regulations.
• Ability to provide expert advice to businesses and residents.
• Experience in conducting inspections to protect public health.

Responsibilities

• Conduct inspections to ensure public health standards are met.
• Advise businesses on compliance with health regulations.
• Support the Council in meeting statutory obligations.

Skills

Knowledge of relevant laws

Data recording accuracy

Adaptability

Education

Degree in Environmental Science or Pollution Control

Job description

Senior Scientific Officer

Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces, and diverse communities all help make it a wonderful place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better. As an organisation, our staff are committed to our Values (Caring, Learning to Improve, Inclusive, Collaborate).

About the Directorate

The Assurance and Public Protection directorate ensures democratic accountability of council services. The directorate works together to monitor and ensure compliance and provide assurance of Barnet being an engaged and effective council that protects the public purse. They provide enforcement services that engage and protect residents and businesses to support a safer and healthier borough. In the Assurance and Public Protection directorate, we are committed to the work we do and the difference we make to residents and customers of Barnet every single day.

What you’ll do:

• Carry out inspections and use statutory powers to protect public health.
• Provide expert advice and assistance to businesses and residents.
• Help the Council meet its statutory obligations while delivering exceptional service.

What we’re looking for:

• Degree in Environmental Science or Pollution Control.
• Strong knowledge of relevant laws, codes of practice, and guidance.
• Ability to record data accurately using specialist systems.
• Adaptable, flexible, and ready to take on new challenges.

Please click here to download the Job description for this role.

Why join us?

You’ll be part of a forward‑thinking team committed to safeguarding our community and supporting sustainable development. This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to make Barnet a safer, healthier place for everyone.

What we offer

• 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in your retirement together with security for your dependents.
• Work‑life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part‑time.
• A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more.
• Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Employee well‑being training programs including confidential employee assistance. Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Barnet operates stringent safer recruitment procedures, which may include AI detection screening, biometric ID/Right to Work checks, qualification and registration checks, up to 6 years of employment data and insights to accelerate screening, up to 5 years of employment history references, DBS checks, credit checks and social media, sanctions and occupational health screening.

All posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months, during which time you will be required to demonstrate to the council satisfaction of your suitability for the position you will be employed in.

Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Please ensure you regularly check the email account (including JUNK MAIL folders) that you use to submit your application, as any further communication regarding your application will be sent electronically. Should you not hear from us within four working weeks of the closing date for this post, then regrettably in this instance, you have not been shortlisted.

Closing date for applications

19 January 2026

Interviews will take place during week commencing 2 February 2026

If you would like further information or to have an informal discussion about this post before applying, please email [e-mail].