Overview
Fixed term for 12 months - Full time but part time will be considered.
We are seeking a qualified Environmental Health Officer/Private Sector Housing Officer to join our Private Sector Housing Team and contribute in protecting the quality of life of our residents. This is an exciting time to join the team, as we have just made a designation to introduce additional licensing and with further selective licensing schemes planned. This recognises the importance of good housing and the key role the private sector landlords play in this, to help build thriving communities.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
We support hybrid working, it's important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you'll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.
About the role
Environmental Health Officer/Senior EHO - Private Sector Housing RG4 to RG7b (SCP19 to SCP36: £32,061 to £47,181 + Market Supplement for CIEH Registered EHPs/EHRB registered practitioners £5,000 (subject to review in June 2027)
Or
Private Sector Housing Officer /Senior Private Sector Housing Officer RG4m - RG6b (SCP19 to SCP31 £32,061 to £41,771)
Experience in dealing with tall building fire safety and/or licensing of houses in multiple occupation and discretionary licensing schemes is desirable.
We have a vacancy for an Environmental Health Officer within our Private Sector Housing Team. You will be based at our Civic Offices in the centre of Reading but will spend significant time out of the office on inspections and there is flexibility to work from home, subject to the needs of the service.
Private Sector Housing - As an urban area we are challenged a high proportion of rented properties including licensable houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), many of which are in poor condition.
The successful candidate will carry out inspections and investigations looking at housing conditions across the borough. Primarily this will be linked to compliance with the HMO licensing schemes, as well as dealing with housing complaints and providing assistance and advice to tenants and landlords.
Depending on experience we are also looking for candidates who could contribute to our work relating to tall building fire safety and find new ways to deliver services in the private rented sector as well.
The successful candidate will spend significant time on inspections, advising landlords on legal requirements and on the consultation process and on processing HMO licence applications. You will work with partners both internally and externally to administer the scheme and improve property conditions for our residents.
There will be the requirement for some work outside of normal office hours, and you will need a flexible approach to your work. There is also a possibility to assist on an out of hours noise rota (there is additional payment for working on the out of hours noise rota).
About you
Please note the qualifications requirements for this post, which for an environmental health officer is subject to professional registration as an environmental health practitioner via EHRB/Register of Environmental Health Practitioners Registration. New professionals completing their studies may be eligible to apply to the Graduate EHO payscale.
For a Private Sector Housing Officer you must have a suitable qualification and proven knowledge and experience providing specialist and advanced knowledge relevant to the needs of the service, see job description for further details on qualifications on pay progression.
You must have:
- Knowledge of the Private Rented Sector and/or a regulatory environment.
- Possession of a current driving licence
And you should be able to communicate effectively with colleagues, members of the public and other agencies, both verbally and in writing.
You'll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you'll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance - striving to be even better - and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you'll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted, and a salary sacrifice scheme to help lower the cost of your nursery fees
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Stuart Taylor, Principal Environmental Health Officer
stuart.taylor@reading.gov.uk
Closing Date: Monday 13th July 2026
Interview Date: w/c 20th July 2026
Interview Setup: In person at the Civic Offices, Reading
Contact Details:
CIH International Housing Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Health Officer/Private Sector Housing Officer in Reading
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
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How to prepare for a job interview at CIH International Housing Group
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Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at CIH International Housing Group. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
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