Environmental Health Officer

Are you passionate about protecting public health? We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Environmental Health Officer to join our Food Safety and Health & Safety Team. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact in your community by delivering statutory services and enforcing public health legislation.

As an experienced Environmental Health Officer, you will:

• Deliver statutory functions in food safety, health and safety in the workplace, public health, zoolicensing plus tattooing and skin piercing.
• Investigate notifiable diseases and work in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency.
• Provide expert advice to businesses and council departments on compliance and best practice.
• Take enforcement action where necessary, including preparing prosecution files and attending court.
• Lead policy development and contribute to statutory plans in your areas of expertise.

• Conduct inspections and investigations across food safety, workplace health and safety, tattooing, skin piercing and zoo licensing.
• Respond to complaints and RIDDOR notifications.
• Taking formal enforcement action where appropriate including preparing prosecution files and representing the local authority in court.
• Advise businesses and stakeholders on statutory obligations and best practices.
• Maintain professional standards and support training initiatives within the team.
• Prepare reports and attend meetings with internal and external stakeholders.

We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced professional with 5 years demonstrable local authority district experience, that has the following:

• BSc (Hons) or MSc Environmental Health or Higher Certificate in Food Control (or equivalent).
• Registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) and/or Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
• 5 years demonstrable local authority experience in food safety, health and safety, and public health regulatory work including undertaking formal enforcement action and court experience.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
• NEBOSH or IOSH Health and Safety qualification.
• Training in, Approved Premises, Lead Auditor, Zoo Licensing or Imported Food.

Folkestone & Hythe is a dynamic and innovative place to live, work and visit. Recognised by Best Companies as an outstanding organisation to work for, we have a focus on wellbeing and staff development. Our benefits include:

• Flexible Working:
  Embrace a culture that supports agile and hybrid working arrangements.
• Generous Leave:
  Enjoy up to 31 days of holiday plus bank holidays, a flexi-time scheme, birthday leave, and Christmas office closure.
• Pension Scheme:
  Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Family-Friendly Initiatives:
  Benefit from a range of family-friendly policies and support.
• Health & Wellbeing:
  Participate in health and wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Additional Perks:
  Reimbursement of professional membership subscriptions, salary sacrifice schemes, corporate membership discounts, and free office parking.

This role will require travelling throughout the district and visiting premises at evenings and weekends.