Technical Officer in Downpatrick

The Closing date for this post is the 15th May 2026.

Downshire Civic Centre, Downpatrick

Temporary (Approx 26 weeks) £19.37 per hour

14.4 hours per week (Wednesday & Thursday)

Main Purpose

To provide technical support and assistance to the Health and Well Being Department across the range of Environmental Health functions in accordance with the performance and quality targets specified. The postholder will have responsibility for contributing to the delivery of an effective Health and Well Being Service which is customer focused, innovative and value for money, through the assignment to any area of responsibility, within the Health and Well Being Department. The postholder will assist in undertaking inspections of commercial and domestic premises, the investigation of complaints and the enforcement of relevant statutory provisions. They will provide advice and make recommendations to the public, commercial and government organisations. This will include ensuring the department complies with all statutory and legislative requirements, by adhering to these and working in accordance with good governance, best practice and health and safety requirements.

Main Roles and Responsibilities

• Undertake food and water sampling; to provide advice on maintaining the safety of food, private water supplies and recreational waters and communicate necessary follow up actions to Senior Environmental Health Officers (SEHOs) / Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) as appropriate.
• To provide information to support responses to planning consultations and other enquiries as required.
• To respond to enquiries and complaints relating to pest control, providing preventative advice and taking follow up enforcement action as appropriate.
• Assist the Head of Service in monitoring the Councils air quality programme as required.
• Apply and enforce the provisions of relevant waste legislation which fall within the remit of the section.
• Respond to service requests and investigate complaints received by the Health and Well Being Department as required.
• Undertake visits, inspections and investigations, carrying out interviews, under caution where required, and initiate appropriate follow up action, including the service of notices as defined within their level of authorisation.
• Assist in the training of students on placement or work experience as well as new departmental employees, as required.
• Liaise and engage with all stakeholders, elected members, contractors and other Council departments, user groups, voluntary and statutory agencies in order to promote areas of responsibility, meet service needs and ensure statutory regulations are complied with.
• Produce written reports, business cases as required and attend necessary Council meetings and committee meetings.
• Undertake Environmental Health-related project work as directed by the Head of Service / Senior Environmental Health Officer using the principles of good project management.
• Gather and retain evidence and provide witness statements in accordance with PACE, RIPA and when necessary, attend Court as a witness on behalf of Council, in the enforcement of relevant legislation and by-laws.
• To ensure that Corporate policies and procedures are adhered to at all times.

Service Delivery and Performance

Be accountable to the Senior Environmental Health Officer for all aspects of service delivery within the section; ensuring the provision and delivery of high quality and cost effective services.

Performance Improvement

Keep up-to-date with changes and amendments to relevant and allied legislation including areas of best practice relating to the postholders service area, reviewing practices, making recommendations to the Head of Service / Senior Environmental Health Officer and implementing service improvements, as appropriate.

Participate in employee training and development activities to ensure that knowledge, skills and competence required to fulfil the role in full are up to date.

General

• Carry out duties in compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Order 1978 (as amended); Acts of Parliament; Statutory Instruments and Regulations and other legal requirements; and all Council Policies and Procedures including Dignity at Work, Health and Safety, Attendance and all relevant Codes of Conduct.
• Undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and promote the positive reputation of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
• Lead by example by behaving at all times in accordance with the Councils values and promote same within the organisation and externally.
• Undertake all aspects of work respecting confidentiality and ensure that personal and/or sensitive information under the control or access of the postholder is used, stored and maintained in accordance with relevant data protection legislation.
• Deputise for and represent the Senior Environmental Health Officer as required.
• Contribute to Corporate, Departmental and Regional working groups as required.
• Actively participate in employee relations matters including undertaking investigations and chairing hearings relating to employment matters as required (e.g. discipline, grievance & harassment) and make decisions regarding appropriate outcomes with support from HR and in compliance with the relevant legislation.
• Participate in the Councils Recruitment and Selection processes as a panel member, including assisting the panel with development of person specification, identifying selection methods and adhering to advice given regarding current employment legislation and codes of practice.

Essential Criteria:

• Have a minimum of a Level 4 qualification, for e.g., HNC (or equivalent) in a relevant subject i.e. Environmental Science/Health, Built Environment, Food.
• 6 months (post qualification) investigative or enforcement experience.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of Environmental Health matters.
• Good written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Competence in the use of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Spreadsheets, databases and ability to manage email.
• The ability to work on own initiative with minimum supervision.
• The ability to work as part of a team.
• Hold a full current driving licence and access to transport, or access to transport to meet the requirements of the post.
• Ability to work outside of normal office hours, including evenings, weekends and public/bank holidays.