At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect public health and ensure safety in a vibrant city environment.
- Company: Cambridge City Council, a leader in local government innovation.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a unique city while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Passion for public health and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 47181 £ per year.
This is Cambridge – a city like no other. A world‑renowned centre of academic excellence, innovation and heritage, where medieval streets sit alongside cutting‑edge science parks, and where Environmental Health plays a vital role in keeping a complex, vibrant and fast‑moving city safe, healthy and thriving. At Cambridge City Council, our Environmental Health & Public Safety Team sits right at the heart of this. We are ambitious, visible and deeply embedded in the life of the city – from bustling commercial districts and independent businesses to iconic university colleges, major events and a globally recognised nightlife and cultural scene.
What Makes This Role Exceptional
- Inspecting restaurants, cafés, hotels and street food traders in a city known for world‑class hospitality and innovation.
- Investigating food, Health and Safety complaints.
- Investigating infectious diseases.
- Supporting the safety and success of major public events, including May Balls, student celebrations, outdoor festivals and city‑wide cultural events.
- Working closely with licensing colleagues, police and event organisers to shape a safe and vibrant nighttime economy.
- Investigating complaints for licensing and statutory nuisances primarily within commercial premises.
- Advising businesses, supporting compliance and helping high‑profile venues operate safely and successfully.
- Playing a key role in protecting public health across one of the UK’s most dynamic commercial and visitor economies.
This is a role where your decisions matter – where your professional judgement directly shapes the safety, reputation and experience of a globally recognised city.
Who We Are Looking For
We are open to two entry points:
- Environmental Health Officer (qualified level): You will bring experience, confidence and full professional competence to manage complex casework, make enforcement decisions and act as a key technical lead across the service.
- Trainee Environmental Health Officer (development pathway): You will be developing towards qualification, with a strong academic foundation in Environmental Health, a willingness to learn and the ability to apply yourself in a fast‑paced, real‑world regulatory environment with structured support and mentoring.
Across both levels, we are looking for people who are:
- Passionate about protecting public health and improving places.
- Confident communicators, able to engage with businesses, residents and partners.
- Comfortable working in a complex regulatory environment.
- Organised, resilient and able to manage competing priorities.
- Curious, proactive and committed to professional development.
Why Join Us
Working in Cambridge means being part of something genuinely unique. This is not a standard Environmental Health role – it’s a chance to shape one of the most historically significant, internationally recognised and fast‑evolving cities in the UK. You will be joining a supportive, highly skilled team within a council that values professional expertise, collaboration and innovation. We invest in our people and give you the autonomy and support to grow.
In addition we offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Excellent learning and development opportunities supported via a range of sources and methods and, where applicable, recognised through Digital Badges.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and Additional Voluntary Contribution (Shared AVC) Scheme.
- Agile and Flexible working options.
- Generous annual leave starting at 25 days, rising to 30 days after five years’ service, plus 8 days public holidays (pro rata for part time), with the option to purchase additional leave.
- Family friendly policies and Flexible Bank Holidays.
- Confidential wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and Your Care wellbeing platform.
- Staff reward and recognition framework, including an annual staff awards ceremony.
- Professional Membership Fees paid for, dependent on role.
- Salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle to Work, Gym Membership and Home & Electronics Lifestyle Savings with over 750 discounts from the UK’s leading retailers, restaurants, supermarkets, attractions and more.
- Free swimming at CCC swimming pools.
- Subsidy for public transport.
- Relocation Assistance may be payable in approved cases.
- Annually negotiated pay and award progression.
Hours
This is a full‑time role, for 37 hours per week. Although the role is advertised as full time, if you believe you have the skills and experience to join us and would like to discuss different working patterns, please do get in touch.
Contract
Permanent
Salary
The two entry points attract the following salaries:
- Environmental Health Officer (qualified level): £41,771 – £47,181 per annum (City Pay Band 6), pro rata for part time.
- Trainee Environmental Health Officer (development pathway): £29,540 – £32,061 per annum (City Pay Band 3), pro rata for part time.
Location
This is flexible – working in and around the District in Cambridge or at one of our offices or working from home. You will be able to balance your work location accordingly.
Cambridge City Council is an Equal Opportunity employer and embraces diversity, creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Health Officer / Trainee EHO in Cambridge
✨Get Hands-On Experiential Learning
As a trainee in environmental engineering tech, seek out opportunities for internships or volunteer work in green projects. Practising your skills in real-world settings not only boosts your CV but shows employers like Cambridge City Council that you’re genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Join Environmental Tech Forums and Meetups
Connect with folks in your industry by participating in local environmental tech meetups or online forums. These spaces are buzzing with ideas and opportunities, and it’s a great way to get your name out there—word of mouth can lead to unexpected trainee roles, like the ones at Cambridge City Council.
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're still studying or recently graduated, leverage your university’s career services. They often have exclusive listings for trainee positions and can connect you with alumni who are already working in the environmental sector. You might even find a friendly face at Cambridge City Council!
✨Follow Up After Applications
After you’ve applied, don’t be shy—reach out to Cambridge City Council directly to express your enthusiasm. A simple email can make you stand out. It shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the trainee position. Trust us, it can work wonders!
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Health Officer / Trainee EHO in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the environmental engineering tech field, it's super valuable to highlight any relevant projects you've worked on. Whether it's a university project or a side gig, throwing in specific details about your contributions and the outcomes can really catch the eye of Cambridge City Council.
Get Technical with Your Skills:Make sure to list technical skills that are applicable to environmental engineering tech. This could be software like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or any environmental modelling tools you're familiar with. Tailor your CV to show us how your skills align perfectly with what Cambridge City Council is looking for.
Passion for Sustainability is Key:When you’re writing your cover letter, don’t hold back on your passion for sustainability and environmental issues. As a trainee, we want to see your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Share any experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in this field.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've earned any certifications that are relevant to environmental engineering, definitely include those! Even if they’re online courses or workshops, they show that you're proactive about your learning and keen to build a career in this field. We love to see that kind of initiative at Cambridge City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge City Council
✨Show Your Passion for the Environment
When you're heading into an interview for a trainee role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to share why you’re passionate about sustainability and environmental solutions. We want to see your genuine interest in the field, so bring up projects or initiatives you've been involved with, even if they're just from your studies!
✨Brush Up on Relevant Tools and Software
Expect to discuss tools that are commonly used in environmental engineering, like AutoCAD or GIS systems. Familiarise yourself with the basics of these platforms, as you might face technical questions about their applications. We recommend having a specific example ready to showcase your understanding of how these tools can be leveraged in real-world scenarios.
✨Prepare for Scenario-based Questions
In a trainee interview, you might come across situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. They may ask you how you would approach an environmental issue or manage a project under tight deadlines. Think through potential scenarios and how you'd handle them, showing your analytical thinking and ability to adapt!
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
As a trainee, the interviewers at Cambridge City Council will be looking for your potential to grow. Be ready to discuss what you're keen to learn in the role and how you’re planning to develop your skills in environmental engineering tech. We suggest mentioning any relevant courses or certifications you’re considering to show that you’re proactive about your personal and professional growth.
