At a Glance
- Tasks: Tackle environmental crimes and ensure clean, safe streets for the community.
- Company: Watford Borough Council, committed to a sustainable and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for community engagement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join us to protect the environment and enhance community well-being.
- Qualifications: Full driving licence and a passion for environmental protection.
The predicted salary is between 30800 - 34800 € per year.
Location: Watford Town Hall
Function: Environmental Health
Salary: £36,457 - £40,197 per annum
Status: Full Time
Job Type: Permanent
About Watford Borough Council: Watford is an urban borough in South West Hertfordshire; the borough has excellent transport links with mainline rail connections to London. Watford is the centre of a sub-region serving around 500,000 people living within a 20-minute travelling time catchment. As part of the London commuter belt, Watford is strongly influenced by London which brings the benefits of a buoyant economy.
- £1.4bn local investment happening – mix of public and private funding
- 5 major development and regeneration projects happening
- 3500 registered businesses
- Higher than average working age population
- Skilled workforce
- Affordable local housing market
- Home to many major international head offices
The Role: The role requires you to work with communities, other departments and agencies within the Borough and across Council boundaries to develop effective ways of tackling environmental crimes and minimise any detrimental effects on residents' amenity. The aim is to achieve clean and safe streets and gardens by effectively responding to problems such as fly-tips, domestic and commercial waste duty of care issues, commercial burning, abandoned vehicles, daytime stray dogs provision, along with reporting anti-social behaviour and licensing offences and other issues noted whilst carrying out patrols. You will primarily utilise powers under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environmental Protection Act along with any other relevant enforcement legislation.
What we are looking for: Join our team as an Environmental Crime Officer, we are seeking a candidate who can:
- Plan and balance a reactive caseload alongside ongoing project work and other scheduled proactive and educative work, having regard to the unit plan, the service plan and the Council's priorities.
- Provide an immediate response to environmental crime emergencies, such as a large potentially hazardous fly tip, along with responding to stray dogs requests.
- Undertake frequent site visits and patrols supporting the delivery across the borough. This will involve searching through fly tips and accumulations, taking and securing evidence and ensuring accurate records for evidence purposes.
- Establish good working relationships and partnerships with officers within this service, across the Council, customers and other outside organisations (such as Police, Environment Agency and other relevant statutory agencies) and persons in order to properly perform the range of duties.
A full (current) driving licence is therefore essential. It will also involve regular walking patrols around the Borough and enforcement work.
Closing Date: 1st March 2026
For an informal discussion please contact Nick Egerton (Environmental Health Manager - Environment).
A basic Disclosure check or DBS enhanced check (as applicable) will be carried out for this post. At Watford Borough Council, we consider equality issues alongside other factors when making decisions as an employer of choice. We are committed to ensuring that we have effective policies, strategies, procedures, and processes and that we encourage behaviour which promotes equality, encourages diversity, and contributes to an inclusive organisational culture.
Environmental Crime Officer in Watford employer: Watford Borough Council
Watford Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a tangible impact on the community by tackling environmental crimes. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, you will have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities while enjoying the benefits of working in a vibrant borough with excellent transport links and a supportive team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Crime Officer in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local community! Attend events or meetings in Watford to connect with residents and other professionals. This will not only help you understand the environmental issues they face but also show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Environmental Crime Officers on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for someone looking to join the team at Watford Borough Council.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills in action! If you have experience dealing with environmental issues, consider volunteering for local clean-up projects. This hands-on experience can be a great talking point during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Watford Borough Council team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Crime Officer in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Environmental Crime Officer. We want to see how you can tackle environmental issues and work with communities, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for environmental protection shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference in the community, so share why this role excites you and how you can contribute to clean and safe streets.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watford Borough Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environmental Protection Act, as well as other relevant enforcement legislation. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they apply to environmental crime will show your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Demonstrate Community Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked with communities or other agencies in the past. Highlight your ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively, as this is crucial for tackling environmental crimes and ensuring community safety.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of scenarios where you've had to respond to emergencies or tackle complex issues. Be ready to discuss your approach to prioritising tasks and managing a reactive caseload while balancing ongoing projects, as this reflects the demands of the role.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that may require you to think on your feet, such as how you would handle a hazardous fly tip or a stray dog situation. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and demonstrate your readiness for the job.
