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- Tasks: Support public health by managing environmental health inspections and investigations.
- Company: Join Surrey Heath Borough Council, a community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a local government pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Qualified Environmental Health Officer or relevant food safety qualifications required.
- Other info: Friendly team culture with opportunities for innovation and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 35300 - 46000 £ per year.
Join Surrey Heath Borough Council for a year and be part of an organisation committed to delivery through meaningful community engagement and excellent customer service. We have a friendly and supportive staff culture with people who want to help make a real difference in our community for everyone that lives and works here. We welcome a culture of innovation and creativity by welcoming new ideas from everyone.
About the Role
We are looking for a qualified Environmental Health Officer (EHO) to provide one year’s maternity cover to carry out and support the work of the Environmental Health & Licensing Service’s Commercial Team across a range of functions. The postholder will be required to demonstrate a good working knowledge of food safety, health and safety and public health legislation and have experience of prioritising and managing a varied caseload of local authority regulatory inspections and investigations. Consideration will be given to non‑EHO applicants who have the relevant Chartered Institute of Environmental Health accredited Food Inspector qualification and current competency to carry out food safety inspections starting on a SH05 salary grade. Full details of the responsibilities of this role can be found in the Job Profile.
About You
You will be enthusiastic, committed and self‑motivated, with good organisational skills. You must be an excellent communicator and be confident in dealing with members of the public, businesses, elected Members and other agencies. You will need a proactive approach and be able to work on your own initiative with minimal supervision, but also be able to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve positive public health outcomes. A flexible approach to the work undertaken and the hours/location worked will also be needed to enable changing service priorities to be met.
Additional Information
All successful applicants will be subject to pre‑employment checks in line with BPSS guidelines, which includes standard identification, referencing and unspent conviction checks. We undertake not to discriminate unfairly against any subject of a disclosure on the basis of conviction or other information revealed. For the best chance of successful application, please read the Job Description and Personal Specification fully before applying for this vacancy as it contains information you will need to refer to when applying. We do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed application form. To reduce the risk of bias in recruitment, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process. If you have not heard from the council within 4 weeks of the closing date you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful. All unsuccessful applications will be removed and confidentially disposed of 6 months after the closing date. If you have any further enquiries please email recruitment@surreyheath.gov.uk or telephone 01276 707126. For technical issues, please contact Jobsgopublic directly.
Benefits
We are committed to providing a healthy work life balance for our employees, with hybrid working and other flexible working arrangements on offer. A laptop and mobile phone will be provided for your role if applicable. We offer a generous benefits package including a minimum of 23 days’ annual leave rising to 28 days after 5 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, a generous local government pension scheme, free parking for all employees and payment of a professional membership fee. As well as subsidised gym membership at our local Places Leisure Centre and great savings from supermarkets, shopping, cycle to work scheme.
Closing date: Sunday 15th March 2026
Interview date: Friday 20th March 2026
Contact details
For an informal discussion, please contact Frances Soper, Environmental Health and Licensing Manager on 01276 707390 Frances.soper@surreyheath.gov.uk or Nathita Fleet, Principal EHO on 01276 707295 Nathita.fleet@surreyheath.gov.uk.
Our Commitment
Surrey Heath Borough Council is committed to equality of opportunity in employment and service delivery and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided.
Privacy Notices
Surrey Heath Borough Council Privacy Notice
Further information on this vacancy Recruitment Pack - October 2025 Environmental Health Officer (Commercial) Job Profile
Environmental Health Officer (Commercial) employer: Surrey Heath Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey Heath Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Health Officer (Commercial)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Surrey Heath Borough Council. Understanding their commitment to community engagement and customer service will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As an Environmental Health Officer, you'll need to interact with various stakeholders. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend or family member to boost your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your organisational skills! Be ready to discuss how you've managed a varied caseload in the past. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to prioritise tasks and handle inspections effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about the role. Don’t forget to complete the application form fully – no CVs accepted here!
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Health Officer (Commercial)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description and personal specification. It’s packed with info that’ll help you tailor your application to what they’re looking for.
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills in food safety, health and safety, and public health legislation. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've managed a varied caseload or dealt with stakeholders effectively.
Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through! They’re looking for someone enthusiastic and self-motivated, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for making a difference in the community.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure you fill out the application form completely. No CVs, please! This is your chance to stand out, so give it your best shot!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey Heath Borough Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food safety, health and safety, and public health legislation. Being able to discuss specific regulations and how they apply to the role will show that you're not just qualified, but also genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Environmental Health Officer, you'll be dealing with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with the public, businesses, and other agencies in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to handle diverse interactions confidently.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
With a varied caseload, it's crucial to show that you can prioritise and manage your time effectively. Think of instances where you've successfully juggled multiple tasks or projects, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Embrace Flexibility
The role requires a flexible approach to work. Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to changing priorities in previous roles. Highlighting your willingness to adjust and your proactive nature will resonate well with the interviewers.