Private Sector Technical Officer

Overview

Role
:
Private Sector Housing Technical Officer (Secondment, 9 months, Fixed Term)

Hours
: 37 per week.
Salary
: £33,143 – £36,363 a year pro rata plus £963 essential car user allowance.

This position is available as a secondment opportunity. If you are a permanent Luton Borough Council employee you must obtain written approval from your manager before applying. The manager’s approval must be submitted with your application.

Secondments are an excellent opportunity for professionals with a background in Environmental Health, Private Sector Housing, building construction, or enforcement activities to help improve housing conditions and protect residents across Luton.

• Conduct property inspections and detailed building surveys.
• Assess property conditions, take measurements, and analyse findings.
• Prepare accurate reports, specifications, records, and enforcement documentation.
• Support and implement Local Authority enforcement procedures.
• Provide professional advice and guidance to residents, landlords and stakeholders.
• Manage a varied workload to meet deadlines and service priorities.
• Work collaboratively with landlords, tenants, agents, contractors and partner organisations to uphold and improve housing standards.
• Contribute to the council’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in service delivery.

• Demonstrable experience in Environmental Health (Private Sector Housing) or a comparable enforcement role.
• Strong understanding of Local Authority enforcement procedures.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence positive outcomes.
• Fluent spoken English and clear written communication skills for advising and supporting the public.
• Experience inspecting premises, measuring, and analysing technical information.
• Strong report‑writing and record‑keeping skills with high accuracy.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workloads effectively.
• Successful team player experience.
• Awareness of the impact of discrimination on service delivery.

• Qualification in Building Construction, Building Technology (e.g., BTEC) or equivalent relevant experience.
• Ability to travel throughout the Borough on a daily basis.
• Capability to undertake building surveys, including accessing loft and roof spaces using steps and ladders.
• Availability to work in the office for a minimum of two days per week between 09:00 and 17:00.

• 25–32 days annual leave, linked to length of service and grade.
• Buy‑up scheme: up to 20 days additional annual leave.
• Career Pathways: opportunities for career progression or specialist moves.
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 19.2% and a 3× salary death‑in‑service grant.
• Generous relocation allowance up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility).
• Employee Assistance Programme: confidential counselling and wellbeing support.
• Work‑life balance: flexible working options, including possible home working.
• Unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and career support.
• Staff offers: discounts on MOT, gym, fitness, restaurants and salons.
• Arriva Travel Club: savings on local bus travel.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough. Our work environment, recruitment, and service delivery are inclusive and free from discrimination.