At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure safe and quality housing for the community through inspections and enforcement.
- Company: Exeter City Council, dedicated to diversity and community service.
- Benefits: Inclusive workplace, career development, and support for all applicants.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on community welfare and safety.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by improving housing conditions.
- Qualifications: Qualified Environmental Health Officer with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About you
You be a qualified Environmental Health Officer, ideally with some experience in private sector housing enforcement. You will be able to take on a varied caseload and use the appropriate legislation (most often the Housing Act 2004) to make informed decisions regarding when and what level of enforcement to take. You will have knowledge of the implications, breaches and offences under the Renters Rights Act 2025. You will also deal with HMO licensing and inspection, and the associated follow up work. The ideal candidate would be able to take on evidence gathering, bundle preparation, and court/tribunal appearances. You will be the sort of person happy to give advice to landlords, tenants, and third party stakeholders; communication skills will be one of your strongest suites. You should be able to work comfortably within a team and assist other team members as necessary, particularly filling in when the Principal EHO is absent. You will be familiar with the issue by local authorities of various grants to improve premises; Disabled Facilities, Healthy Homes, etc. You will be happy to carry out lone inspections in the Exeter local government area, subject to dynamic risk assessment.
About the role
Using discretionary and statutory powers, to work with all sectors of the community and with internal and external partners, to maintain and improve the quality and safety of residential properties, including residential mobile home sites and HMO licensing, for those people who live in, work in or visit the City. To assist the Principal Environmental Health Officer in providing a regulatory service and carrying out the Council’s statutory duties.
About the team
A subsection of the Early Intervention and Prevention Unit, the Private Sector Housing Team consists of a Principal EHO, an EHO, 2 Environmental Health Technicians, 2 officers working on grants and a Private Sector Housing Officer. The PSH Team administers and inspects 1500 licensed HMOs, the largest number of any authority in Devon, many of which are student properties. The Team inspects single family dwellings and assesses them under the HHSRS and takes action where necessary, including prosecutions and fines, and is also involved in combatting illegal evictions, overcrowding, and general poor conditions. The Team aims to organise a landlord education event twice a year, and in the past has taken place in tenant education events.
Our commitment
At Exeter City Council we are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. To support this commitment we will strive to implement reasonable adjustments to support any members of our communities who face barriers in recruitment processes, irrespective of the reason. We are also proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Environmental Health Officer employer: Exeter City Council
Exeter City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the vibrant community we serve. As an Environmental Health Officer, you will benefit from a supportive team culture, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on housing quality and safety in Exeter. With a commitment to employee well-being and a focus on collaboration, we ensure that our staff are equipped to thrive in their roles while contributing to the betterment of our city.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Health Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the environmental health sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Housing Act 2004 and the Renters Rights Act 2025. Be ready to discuss how you've handled similar cases in the past and demonstrate your communication skills with real-life examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Be prepared to talk about how you've collaborated with others in previous roles, especially when it comes to dealing with landlords and tenants. Highlighting your ability to support your team will make you stand out.
✨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 are proactive and engaged with our mission at Exeter City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Health Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications:Make sure to highlight your qualifications as an Environmental Health Officer right at the start. We want to see your relevant experience, especially in private sector housing enforcement, so don’t hold back on those details!
Know Your Legislation:Familiarise yourself with the Housing Act 2004 and the Renters Rights Act 2025. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of these laws, so sprinkle in some examples of how you've applied them in your previous roles.
Communication is Key:Since you'll be advising landlords and tenants, showcase your communication skills in your application. We love a good story, so share instances where you’ve successfully navigated tricky conversations or resolved conflicts.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Exeter City Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Housing Act 2004 and the Renters Rights Act 2025. Being able to discuss specific cases or examples where you've applied this legislation will show your expertise and confidence in handling enforcement matters.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since communication is key in this role, prepare to demonstrate how you've effectively advised landlords and tenants in the past. Think of scenarios where your advice made a difference and be ready to share those stories during the interview.
✨Prepare for Evidence Gathering
Familiarise yourself with the process of evidence gathering and bundle preparation. You might be asked about your experience in court or tribunal appearances, so have a couple of examples ready that highlight your ability to present a strong case.
✨Team Player Mindset
The role requires collaboration within the team, especially when covering for the Principal EHO. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked in teams before, and how you can support your colleagues while also taking initiative when needed.
