Environmental Enforcement Officer in Sittingbourne

Overview

We are seeking an Enforcement Officer to join our Environmental Team on a permanent, full-time basis, delivering a visible and customer-focused enforcement service that supports safe, clean and well-managed communities. The role involves responding to a wide range of environmental and antisocial behaviour issues that matter to residents, including noise nuisance, fly-tipping, unauthorised encampments and related concerns. You will manage cases from first contact through to resolution, clearly explaining processes, actions and likely outcomes so that customers understand what to expect and why decisions are made. A key part of the role is engaging positively and professionally with members of the public, often in challenging situations. You will need to demonstrate fairness, consistency and transparency in your approach, ensuring that enforcement activity is proportionate, evidence-based and clearly communicated. You will work collaboratively with colleagues across the Council and with external partner agencies such as Kent Police, Kent Fire & Rescue Service and the Environment Agency. Effective partnership working, information sharing and coordinated action are essential to delivering timely and effective outcomes for customers.

The post requires strong attention to detail and a commitment to accurate record-keeping. You will maintain clear and comprehensive case notes, progress investigations, issue Fixed Penalty Notices where appropriate, take witness statements, conduct interviews under caution and support Legal Services in court proceedings, including attending court as a witness when required. This role requires the ability to prioritise workloads and deliver on agreed actions and timescales, keeping customers informed throughout the process and managing expectations where immediate resolution is not possible. This is a full time role working 34 hours per week on a permanent contract. Some evening and weekend work may be required for scheduled visits. A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential. This is a customer-facing role, and you must be able to communicate clearly and confidently in accurate spoken English, adapting your style to suit a wide range of audiences.

We are looking for a driven individual with excellent customer service skills, diligence, and a passion for delivering results to the community. You will need the ability to work well with others and be a strong collaborator. The successful candidate must have a positive \'can do\' attitude and the willingness to be flexible in your approach to the role. The successful candidate will be confident with computers and be assertive with an eagerness to learn. They are to possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and demonstrate an ability to produce evidential cases, with a view to prosecution. More importantly, they must have a passion for resolving issues affecting the quality of life and environment in Swale. A drive and willingness to be effective and undertake their role to the best of their ability.

Disability Confident About Disability Confident A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to .

About Swale Borough Council

Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas. We believe that staff are our most asset, and we are committed to attracting and retaining the very best. In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work life balance is high on our agenda.

Benefits

• Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave.
• Additional 3 days leave given to enable a close of the offices between Christmas and New year.
• Free parking
• Range of flexible working opportunities to accommodate people\'s home/work life balance including compressed hours, 9-day fortnight, part time.
• Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities
• Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand-new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing, and road tax.
• Annual flu vaccine
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping
• Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals
• A professional fee payment, if required for the role