Senior Technical Officer (Environment)

East Herts Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in England is seeking a Senior Technical Officer (Environment) to oversee noise-related cases and influence planning decisions. This role offers a hybrid working environment and opportunities for professional growth while contributing to environmental protection in the community. Candidates should possess relevant qualifications and extensive experience in environmental health or acoustics.

Benefits

29 days annual leave

Employee well-being programme

Hybrid working arrangements

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification or equivalent experience in environmental health or acoustics.
• Knowledge of environmental and noise-related legislation.
• Experience assessing planning applications and providing technical advice.
• Confidence to act as lead officer on noise-related matters.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead all noise-related work and oversee complex cases.
• Assess planning applications for environmental considerations.
• Manage the council's approach to noise investigations.
• Carry out inspections for statutory nuisances and pollution control.
• Represent the council at public meetings and committees.

Skills

Environmental health knowledge

Acoustic expertise

Leadership skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

Relevant qualification in environmental health or acoustics

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Job description

Overview

Senior Technical Officer (Environment)

Are you an experienced professional in environmental health or acoustics, with strong technical knowledge and leadership skills? Do you enjoy taking ownership of complex cases and making a visible impact in your community?

At East Herts Council, we are seeking a Senior Technical Officer (Environment) to lead on our noise work and play a key role in shaping the future of environmental protection in the district. This role offers variety, responsibility, the flexibility of 50% home working, and the chance to contribute to major planning and development decisions in East Herts.

What will you be doing?

As the Senior Technical Officer (Environment), your main responsibilities will include:

• Leading on all noise-related work – acting as the council’s senior officer for noise, overseeing complex cases, providing expert advice, and guiding colleagues.
• Assessing and responding to planning applications – ensuring environmental considerations, particularly noise, are properly addressed and mitigated in new developments.
• Managing and developing the council’s approach to noise investigations – setting standards, supporting enforcement, and helping to deliver continuous improvement in how we respond to complaints.

In addition, you’ll support the wider environment team by:

• Carrying out proactive inspections and investigations across areas such as statutory nuisances and pollution control.
• Taking appropriate enforcement action, from issuing informal warnings to supporting legal proceedings.
• Representing the council at committees, public meetings, and external groups, including the Safety Advisory Group for major events.
• Exploring optional areas of interest – there is scope to work within air quality and contaminated land if these are areas you’d like to develop your skills further (not compulsory).

About You

We welcome applications from both environmental health professionals and those with an acoustics background who have experience in noise and environmental issues. You should bring:

• A relevant qualification or equivalent professional experience in environmental health, acoustics, or a related discipline.
• Detailed knowledge of environmental and/or noise-related legislation, codes of practice, and guidance.
• Experience in assessing planning applications and providing specialist technical advice.
• The confidence to act as the council’s lead officer on noise, supporting colleagues and making key decisions.
• Strong problem-solving, organisational, and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and manage complex caseloads.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to be the council’s lead officer for noise and influence planning and development across East Herts.
• A stimulating and supportive work environment where your expertise will be valued.
• Hybrid working arrangements – 50% home working plus flexibility with hours (flexi-time).
• 29 days annual leave (rising to 34 days with 5 years’ local government service).
• An employee well-being programme.

How to apply

For an informal discussion about the role and to find out more about East Herts Council, please contact Claire Spendley, Environment Team Manager on 01279 655261.

Closing date: 17/10/2025 at Midnight.

Interviews will be held on: week commencing 27th October.

So, if you’re looking to make a difference in East Hertfordshire as a Senior Technical Officer, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, valuing diversity and maintaining a firm commitment to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. We believe that creating inclusive environments leads to stronger collaboration and better outcomes in our work.