Apprentice Environmental Health Practitioner

£24,796 per annum plus benefits

Full time, fixed-term contract (4 years) while studying for a BSc degree

Are you looking for a career that combines science, investigation, problem solving and public service? Would you like to earn a salary while studying for a professional degree and building a rewarding career? East Cambridgeshire District Council is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated apprentice to join our Environmental Health team. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain a fully funded, BSc (Hons) Environmental Health Degree, through Middlesex University, whilst working in a professional regulatory work environment.

Environmental Health Practitioners play a vital role in protecting public health, improving living and working conditions, supporting local businesses, and helping communities thrive. Through a combination of education, advice, investigation and enforcement, we tackle issues ranging from nuisance and pollution to housing conditions, food safety and wider public health concerns.

As an apprentice, you will benefit from a structured, four-year programme that combines university study with workplace hands-on learning, giving you the skills, knowledge and experience required to become a qualified Environmental Health Practitioner.

The Role

This is a great "earn while you learn" opportunity, combining practical work experience with a fully funded, CIEH accredited BSc (Hons) Environmental Health Degree through Middlesex University. Your working week will be split between study, as required by the university and work roles across our Environmental Health team. This will enable you to experience and help deliver a wide range of services including public health, inspections, investigations and consultations, environmental protection, housing standards, food safety, and health and safety at work.

Within our supportive and experienced team, you will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to progress towards becoming a qualified and professionally registered Environmental Health Practitioner.

What will you be doing?

As an Apprentice Environmental Health Practitioner, no two days will be the same. While completing your Environmental Health Practitioner Degree studies you will work alongside experienced officers in the workplace learning, applying academic knowledge to real-world environmental health challenges. As a member of the team you will assist in:

• responding to complaints and enquiries whilst working towards managing your own initial enquiry and investigation caseload;
• supporting officers on inspections and investigations;
• liaising with members of the public, colleagues, Councillors and external agencies;
• assisting with proactive compliance work and projects;
• assisting officers by taking evidence such as samples and photos;
• maintaining accurate records and use council systems to support investigations and decision making;
• support officers to evidence and enforce compliance with the various standards and regulations that protect public health, and safety.

About You

We're looking for someone with enthusiasm, curiosity, dedication and a genuine interest in protecting public health and making a positive difference within local communities. You will:

• Be self-motivated to learn and develop new skills.
• Have excellent communication skills and enjoy working with a wide range of people.
• Be organised and able to manage competing priorities in both the workplace and course.
• Have good IT and written skills.
• Enjoy problem solving and investigating issues.
• Be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity and a commitment to public service.
• Be able to travel throughout our District and, where necessary, work outside normal office hours.
• Be eligible for enrolment onto the Environmental Health Apprenticeship Degree at Middlesex University.

Please note that this will be assessed and confirmed by the University as part of our selection process. Eligibility to undertake an apprenticeship programme.

Benefits

In return, the Council offers a range of benefits including:

• flexible working
• childcare scheme (in approved cases)
• training and development
• occupational health programme
• holiday and sickness scheme entitlements
• enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Career progression: clear pathways to progress

If you are looking to work for an organisation that prioritises environmental sustainability, the Council has made a clear commitment to operate in a responsible and sustainable manner and has recently been awarded the silver accreditation of the Investors in the Environment scheme as well as coming 43rd (out of 164) on the latest national council climate scorecard.

For an informal discussion regarding the post please contact Nick Baker, Waste and Environmental Services Manager (07980 259958) or email nick.baker@eastcambs.gov.uk

Environmental health career information is available at the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) - What is Environmental Health? Roles, impact and careers explained

Course information from Middlesex University - Environmental Health (Apprenticeship) BSc (Honours) 2026 | Middlesex University

How to apply

Apply online. To apply for a position, please upload an up-to-date CV and complete the application form demonstrating your experience, skills and abilities for the role. Be sure to include reference to the job profile and person specification!

Closing date for completed applications is: Friday 7 August 2026

The selection process will be held on: week commencing Monday 17 August 2026. Please note that only candidates selected for interview will be contacted via email by the HR Department with the confirmation of an interview. If you have not been contacted by that date, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.

The council is an equal opportunities employer and operates a no smoking policy.