Apprentice Environmental Health Practitioner

Job Title: Apprentice Environmental Health Practitioner
Hours: 37 hours per week (with 20% allocated study time)
Salary: HC05 £ 25,989 - £28,142 to HC06 £ 28,142 - £32,061 per annum
Contract: Fixed Term (while studying four-year BSc Course)
Contract end: 31/08/2030
Closing date: 26/07/2026
Interview date: 05/08/2026

Herefordshire Council seeks an enthusiastic apprentice to join our Environmental Health Regulatory Services team. This opportunity allows you to earn a fully funded Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) accredited BSc (Hons) Environmental Health Practitioner Degree through University Central Weston while working in a professional regulatory environment.

Environmental Health Practitioners protect public health, improve living and working conditions, support local businesses, and help communities thrive. Through education, advice, investigation and enforcement, we tackle nuisance and pollution, housing conditions, food safety and broader public health concerns.

This "earn while you learn" role splits the working week between study (20%) and work (80%). One day per week is dedicated study, with optional online or in‑person delivery. The remaining four days involve a work role mainly in the Environmental Health Community Protection team, delivering services in public health, noise nuisance, anti‑social behaviour, environmental and nuisance protection, investigations, consultations, and opportunities in housing standards, food safety, health and safety at work, and environmental protection teams.

The role supports progression to a qualified Environmental Health Practitioner and follows a career‑graded pathway from Apprentice to Graduate level.

• Respond to complaints and enquiries, manage initial enquiry and investigation caseload.
• Support officers on inspections and investigations.
• Liaise with the public, colleagues, Councillors, and external agencies.
• Assist with proactive compliance work, projects and evidence collection (samples, photos).
• Maintain accurate records and use council systems to support investigations and decision making.
• Support officers in enforcing compliance with standards and regulations protecting public health and safety.

• Self‑motivated to learn and develop new skills.
• Excellent communication skills; enjoy working with a wide range of people.
• Organised and able to manage competing priorities in workplace and course.
• Good IT and written skills.
• Enjoy problem solving and investigating issues.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity and a commitment to public service.
• Able to travel throughout Herefordshire and, where necessary, work outside normal office hours.
• Eligible:
  Grade 4/C or above in GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent Level 2 qualifications); 80 UCAS points (typically equivalent to grades CDD at A‑Level or a Level 3 qualification); and eligible to undertake an apprenticeship programme.

• Competitive salary between £25,989 and £32,061, with training, mentoring and support.
• Full‑time paid employment split into 20% study and 80% work role.
• Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Clear career progression pathways.
• Annual leave: 31 days pro‑rata plus bank holidays; option to purchase additional days.
• Flexible working, including potential for job‑sharing, part‑time hours and agile working.
• Employee Assistance Programme; 24/7 support and counselling.
• Payment of professional membership fees based on role requirements.
• Access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits including savings, cashback, and discounts.

• Support candidates with disabilities under the "Disability Confident" scheme.
• Support Armed Forces Veterans or Reservists under the Armed Forces Covenant.
• Support Herefordshire care leavers.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.