At a Glance
- Tasks: Implement and enforce Environmental Health legislation while engaging with the community.
- Company: Join Ards and North Down Borough Council, dedicated to public health and safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, essential car status, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by promoting health and safety.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health or equivalent; experience in enforcement is a plus.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and impact in environmental health.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The post holder will be responsible for implementing Environmental Health Legislation on behalf of Ards and North Down Borough Council, as required by the sections management team. The post holder will also be required to deal directly with various statutory and non-statutory organisations and members of the general public in relation to a wide variety of Environmental Health Issues.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- To implement and enforce the provisions of Environmental Health legislation concerning Environmental Protection, Public Health, Food Safety, Occupational Health & Safety, Consumer Protection, Tobacco Control and Licensing & Regulatory Functions of the Councils Environmental Health Service.
- To carry out inspections without supervision; to complete risk assessments of premises, products, processes and work activities to determine the level of compliance with relevant statutory provisions and take action as appropriate.
- To perform sampling and complaint investigations; to complete all necessary administrative tasks including utilising all necessary information technology systems required to satisfactorily perform the duties of the post.
- To make decisions as authorised officers on behalf of the Council and maintain the level of competence required for authorisation under relevant legislation.
- To undertake the preparation, service and enforcement of statutory notices across all Environmental Health Functions.
- To perform any statutory functions on behalf of other officers in their absence as directed by the Service Unit Managers.
- To act as a lead Officer for any statutory functions as directed by the Service Unit Manager.
- To advise the Service Unit Manager/Head of Service on Environmental Health conditions prevailing in the Borough.
- To assist the Service Unit Manager in setting performance standards, methods of service delivery, and in the development and implementation of the departmental and corporate plans as they relate to Environmental Health, and to comply with performance standards laid down in the plans.
- To assist in the preparation for internal and external audits by Food Standards Agency, Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland, Environment and Heritage Service or other external organisations.
- To undertake the practical training of Student Environmental Health Officers to a national standard set by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
- To adhere to and implement as appropriate all Council policies; for example, with regard to Fair Employment, Equality, Health and Safety, and Training within the department.
- To carry out duties outside normal working hours as are necessary for the satisfactory performance of the post, in accordance with an agreed policy on Lone Working.
- To communicate directly and indirectly (including providing advice and assistance) with members of the public, other council officers, councillors, MLAs, MPs, local and national media (with assistance from the Councils Corporate Communications department), and various statutory and non-statutory bodies.
- To deliver key health promotion activities, Environmental Health initiatives and hazard focussed campaigns in line with current strategic priorities and up to date evidence bases.
- To deal with potentially confrontational situations that arise in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, in accordance with Council Policy.
- To carry out duties as authorised officers of other agencies (for example the investigation of incidents and outbreaks of certain infectious diseases and the issue of firework licences).
- Prepare relevant reports and participate as a member of interagency work groups as and when required.
- To interview suspects under the Police and Criminal Evidence (NI) Order 1989 and to prepare resulting witness statements and court case documentation.
- To institute legal proceedings under the Health and Safety at Work Order and other similar legislation, and act as an expert witness for the Council in court proceedings, industrial tribunals and planning enquiries.
- To represent the Council on specialist co-ordinating committees at provincial levels, and at conferences/seminars as required by the Service Unit Manager; and to deliver Environmental Health training/information to the business community, schools and the general public.
- To maintain confidentiality when receiving or processing personal data, and deal with persons relaying sensitive information in a considerate manner.
- To act in accordance with Council Policy and legal duties in relation to the General Data Protection Regulations.
- To carry out any other duties as directed by the Head of Service or the Service Unit Managers.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The person specification provides information on the qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills required to carry out the duties of the post. The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelors Degree or diploma in Environmental Health or equivalent qualification which is accredited or recognised by the CIEH.
DESIRABLE
- Additional relevant qualifications in the field of Environmental Health.
- Certificate of Registration with Environmental Health Officers Registration Board (EHORB) or equivalent; such as completion of EHP Portfolio/professional discussion to become a registered EHP.
EXPERIENCE
- Experience in an environmental health related field dealing with the public, businesses and representatives of organisations in an enforcement or advisory capacity.
- 3 Months experience working as an Environmental Health Officer in an enforcement or advisory capacity.
DESIRABLE
- Additional relevant experience in the field of Environmental Health.
KEY SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
- Basic knowledge of relevant legislation & enforcement practices.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Capable of working on own initiative with minimal supervision.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- A valid driving licence with access to a form of transport that will allow fulfilment of the duties of the post or have access to a suitable form of transport which will enable the post holder to meet the requirements of the post.
- Access to the internet to enable homeworking, if required.
The selection panel reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria to facilitate the process when necessary.
Environmental Health Officer in Newtownards employer: Ards and North Down Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Ards and North Down Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Health Officer in Newtownards
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the Environmental Health field. Attend local events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to professionals for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council and its current initiatives. Show that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for Environmental Health and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and priorities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experience and how it aligns with the role of an Environmental Health Officer. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Health Officer in Newtownards
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Environmental Health Officer role. We want to see how you can tackle the specific duties mentioned in the job description!
Show Off Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your relevant qualifications, especially if you have a degree or diploma in Environmental Health. We love seeing that you’re accredited by the CIEH or have additional certifications!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experience and skills, as we appreciate good communication just as much as you do!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ards and North Down Borough Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the key Environmental Health legislation relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the specific laws and regulations that govern food safety, public health, and environmental protection. This will not only show your knowledge but also your commitment to the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in environmental health, especially any roles where you dealt with the public or enforced regulations. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've handled challenging situations or made decisions that align with the responsibilities of an Environmental Health Officer.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As this role involves communicating with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might be asked to explain complex regulations to non-experts, so demonstrating your ability to simplify information will be a big plus.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Think about potential confrontational situations you might face in the role and how you would handle them. Showing that you can remain calm and professional under pressure is crucial.