At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct inspections and provide expert advice to protect public health in Barnet.
- Company: Join Barnet Council, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to community safety and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, flexible working options, and lifestyle discounts.
- Other info: Excellent training opportunities and commitment to employee well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Environmental Science or Pollution Control and strong knowledge of relevant laws.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces, and diverse communities all help make it a wonderful place to live and work. As a council, we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better. Our staff are committed to our Values (Caring, Learning to Improve, Inclusive, Collaborate).
About the Directorate
The Assurance and Public Protection directorate ensures democratic accountability of council services. The directorate works together to monitor and ensure compliance and provide assurance of Barnet being an engaged and effective council that protects the public purse. They provide enforcement services that engage and protect residents and businesses to support a safer and healthier borough. In the Assurance and Public Protection directorate, we are committed to the work we do and the difference we make to residents and customers of Barnet every single day.
What you’ll do:
- Carry out inspections and use statutory powers to protect public health.
- Provide expert advice and assistance to businesses and residents.
- Help the Council meet its statutory obligations while delivering exceptional service.
What we’re looking for:
- Degree in Environmental Science or Pollution Control.
- Strong knowledge of relevant laws, codes of practice, and guidance.
- Ability to record data accurately using specialist systems.
- Adaptable, flexible, and ready to take on new challenges.
Why join us? You’ll be part of a forward‑thinking team committed to safeguarding our community and supporting sustainable development. This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to make Barnet a safer, healthier place for everyone.
What we offer:
- 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, which provides a valuable guaranteed income in your retirement together with security for your dependents.
- Work‑life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part‑time.
- A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more.
- Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- Employee well‑being training programs including confidential employee assistance.
Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Barnet operates stringent safer recruitment procedures, which may include AI detection screening, biometric ID/Right to Work checks, qualification and registration checks, up to 6 years of employment data and insights to accelerate screening, up to 5 years of employment history references, DBS checks, credit checks and social media, sanctions and occupational health screening.
All posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months, during which time you will be required to demonstrate to the council satisfaction of your suitability for the position you will be employed in. Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible. Please ensure you regularly check the email account (including JUNK MAIL folders) that you use to submit your application, as any further communication regarding your application will be sent electronically. Should you not hear from us within four working weeks of the closing date for this post, then regrettably in this instance, you have not been shortlisted.
Closing date for applications: 19 January 2026
Interviews will take place during week commencing 2 February 2026
If you would like further information or to have an informal discussion about this post before applying, please email Jennifer.Barrett@barnet.gov.uk.
Senior Scientific Officer employer: London Borough of Barnet
BICS is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its staff. As a Clinical Manager, you will benefit from comprehensive supervision and the opportunity to engage in advanced training, such as the Leadership in CYP Mental Health Services postgraduate certificate. Located in Barnet, you will be part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the mental health of children and young people across the borough.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Scientific Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Barnet Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the team and what they really value in a Senior Scientific Officer.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of environmental laws and public health standards. We want to show that we’re not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about making Barnet a safer place.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. We need to articulate how our skills align with Barnet's values—Caring, Learning to Improve, Inclusive, and Collaborate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Scientific Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you really understand the role of a Senior Scientific Officer. Brush up on your knowledge of environmental science and relevant laws. This will help you tailor your application to show how you can contribute to Barnet's goals.
Show Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for making Barnet a safer and healthier place. Use your application to express why you care about public health and how you can make a difference in our community.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while showcasing your skills and experience.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute! We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications. So, get your application in as soon as you can through our website to ensure you don’t miss out.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Barnet
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of environmental science and pollution control. Familiarise yourself with relevant laws and codes of practice, as these will likely come up during the interview. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've applied this knowledge in past roles will really impress.
✨Show Your Values
Barnet Council is all about their values: Caring, Learning to Improve, Inclusive, and Collaborate. Think of examples from your previous work that demonstrate these values in action. This will show that you not only understand what they stand for but also embody those principles.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle real-life situations related to public health inspections or compliance issues. Prepare some scenarios where you successfully navigated challenges in your previous roles, highlighting your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have a chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how the council measures success in the Assurance and Public Protection directorate. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
