At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead investigations and improve housing standards for residents' health.
- Company: Join Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, a supportive and impactful workplace.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, sign-on payment, generous leave, and hybrid working model.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal development and a commitment to equality.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public health and housing standards.
- Qualifications: Qualified Environmental Health professional with experience in private sector housing.
The predicted salary is between 51038 - 51038 £ per year.
Use your expertise where it really matters. At Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, we’re seeking a qualified Environmental Health Officer to step into a senior role that provides variety, influence and professional autonomy, backed by a supportive management team. This is an opportunity to focus on meaningful, high-impact work in private sector housing—protecting residents’ health, improving housing standards and applying enforcement proportionately and professionally. If you’re looking for a role where your judgement is trusted and your experience valued, we’d love to hear from you.
About the role
As a Senior Environmental Health Officer, you will lead on a wide range of private sector housing functions, combining complex casework, enforcement, supervision and project delivery. Your work will directly improve living conditions for residents while supporting landlords to meet their legal responsibilities. The role offers genuine scope to shape service delivery, mentor developing officers and influence policy and practice.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead investigations into housing conditions in the private rented sector and take appropriate enforcement action, including notices, civil penalties and prosecutions.
- Carry out Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) inspections and apply professional judgement to assess risk and severity.
- Manage the Council-owned Cinder Hill Wood Traveller site, including tenant liaison and licence compliance.
- Coordinate action to reduce long-term empty properties.
- Lead on the licensing and enforcement of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and supported housing.
- Investigate allegations of unlawful eviction and harassment.
- Support the delivery of Disabled Facilities Grants and discretionary housing assistance.
- Supervise and support an Environmental Health Apprentice and contribute to training and professional development across the service.
About you
You’ll be a qualified Environmental Health professional with experience in private sector housing and the confidence to manage complex and sensitive cases. We’re looking for someone who is practical and solutions-focused, with a strong commitment to public health and housing standards. You’ll bring:
- Substantial experience in housing standards enforcement and private sector housing work.
- Experience of HMO licensing and regulatory compliance.
- Strong working knowledge of housing and public health legislation.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to manage difficult conversations calmly and professionally.
- Strong organisational and case management skills.
- The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team.
- BSc or MSc in Environmental Health.
- Registered Environmental Health Practitioner status or EHORB registration.
This post is subject to a satisfactory basic DBS check.
What we offer:
- An attractive basic salary within a clear pay structure. An attractive starting salary of £51,038 increasing to £52,381 after one years service and increasing further to £53,724 upon completion of two years in post (subject to managerial approval).
- A sign-on payment of £5,000, 50% is to be paid on successful completion of your probation and the other 50% on the anniversary of 18 months in post.
- 26 days annual leave (increasing to 29 days after 5 years continuous Local Government service) plus three additional days in December and bank holidays.
- Membership of the Local Government (CARE – Career Average (Revalued Earnings) Pension Scheme – Employer contribution of 19.7%.
- Free staff parking and an essential car user allowance of £1000 per annum (pro-rated for part time staff).
- The Council operates a hybrid working model with minimum 2 days working in the office.
- Access to HAPI an all-in-one benefits hub, giving you easy access to a wide range of employee perks, wellbeing support, discounts, and everyday savings.
- Invaluable training opportunities for continuing professional development.
- The Council has partnered with Health Assured to provide staff with access to EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) to assist in balancing everyday life with the requirement of work and home.
Tunbridge Wells – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Senior Environmental Health Officer (Private Sector Housing) in Somerset employer: Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
At Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values the expertise and contributions of our staff. As a Senior Environmental Health Officer, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, offers competitive salaries with attractive benefits, and provides opportunities to make a real impact in the community. With a hybrid working model and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we ensure that our team members thrive both personally and professionally in the beautiful setting of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
Contact Details:
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Environmental Health Officer (Private Sector Housing) in Somerset
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Environmental Health Officer (Private Sector Housing) in Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
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Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
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Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
