Apprentice Environmental Health Practitioner in Hereford

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? Herefordshire Council is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated apprentice to join our Environmental Health Regulatory Services team. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain a fully funded Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) accredited BSc (Hons) Environmental Health Practitioner Degree through University Central Weston, while 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. Working across Herefordshire’s market towns, rural communities and Hereford City, you'll gain valuable experience while helping to make a real difference to the lives of Herefordshire’s residents, businesses and visitors.

This is a unique "earn while you learn" opportunity, combining practical work experience with a fully funded (CIEH) accredited BSc (Hons) Environmental Health Practitioner Degree through University Central Weston. The working week will be split between study and work - One day a week (20%) University study day – optional online or in person delivered courses with occasional requirement to attend in-person for practical studies. For the remaining four days (80%) the successful applicant will be assigned to a work role predominantly in the Environmental Health Community Protection team to deliver a wide range of services including; public health, noise nuisance, anti-social behaviour, environmental and nuisance protection, investigations and consultations, with additional opportunities to work in the other specialism areas; housing standards, food safety, health and safety at work, environmental protection teams.

Within the 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. The fixed term role forms part of a career-graded pathway that supports progression from Apprentice to Graduate level.

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 working towards managing your own initial enquiry and investigation caseload; support officers on inspections and investigations; liaise with members of the public, colleagues, Councillors and external agencies; assist with proactive compliance work and projects; assist officers by taking evidence such as samples and photos; maintain 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.

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 Herefordshire and, where necessary, work outside normal office hours.
• Be eligible for the apprenticeship.

You will need:

• Grade 4/C or above in GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent Level 2 qualifications).
• Have equivalent of 80 UCAS points (typically equivalent to grades CDD at A-Level or a Level 3 qualification), including at least one science or technology-related subject.
• Eligibility to undertake an apprenticeship programme.

We Offer:

• A competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme.
• Salary range of £25,989 - £32,061 – Four-year fixed-term education and career development role, with training, mentoring and support.
• Full-time paid employment - split into 20% allocated study and 80% appointed work role.
• Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Career progression: clear pathways to progress.
• Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays.
• Flexible working: including the potential for job-sharing, part-time hours and agile working.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling.
• Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements).
• Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits.

Herefordshire Council is committed to strengthening a diverse and inclusive work environment which reflects the communities of Herefordshire. If you are looking at the next stage of your career and have a broad base of fieldwork experience, we can provide supportive and welcoming opportunities to help you develop your professional, management & supervisory skills.

Our recruitment process runs in partnership with Hoople Resourcing. If you require any reasonable adjustments or alternative methods for the online application process, please contact the resourcing team by email.

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. For more information or to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Elisabeth Laughland, Regulatory Service Manager (01432 261676) or email.