At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect public health and ensure food safety compliance in our community.
- Company: Join the ambitious and forward-thinking West Suffolk Council.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, increasing to 29, plus professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working with a supportive and collaborative team.
- Qualifications: Passion for environmental health and a Higher Certificate in Food Control or equivalent.
- Other info: Exciting career pathway with opportunities for growth and varied projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the role: This role is an opportunity to make a real difference to our community, to protect the public and help businesses comply with their legal responsibilities with food safety, health and safety and infectious disease control. We have reviewed our services to meet future challenges and are working with professionals to refresh and enhance our whole commercial service and improve our team structure. We are building the future at West Suffolk and we’d love you to be part of it!
You will be working with a friendly, supportive and dedicated Food and Safety team, who genuinely value collaboration and helping each other succeed. You’ll also share your knowledge, insights and experience with the team, helping to develop and strengthen skills together. There will be the opportunity to undertake focussed projects and targeted work to meet our purpose. We welcome new approaches and different ways of thinking, and you’ll enjoy varied, interesting work that really makes a difference.
You’ll use your professional judgement to provide clear, confident advice and take enforcement interventions where needed, as well as investigating complaints, outbreaks and sampling. Working closely with customers, local businesses, and partner organisations, you’ll play a key role in driving real improvements and help businesses meet their food and safety legal responsibilities and raise standards across the area.
What you will need: To be passionate about what environmental health can do, contribute and benefit from our team and enjoy problem solving. You will share our values and be motivated by the positive impact you can have on people, businesses and the community. The review and restructure of our services have led to a number of additional posts required to meet future demands. We are, therefore, looking for qualified and fully registered Environmental Health Officers and Food and Safety Officers, with a Higher Certificate in Food Control or equivalent.
We welcome applications from outstanding Environmental Health graduates, apprentices or very soon to be registered officers for development roles, in a Career Pathway. If qualified with the higher certificate in food premises, we would support developing your competencies with the safety element of the role, which may include completing the NEBOSH qualification.
Site visits are required in a large rural area and so the suitable candidate will have the ability to travel throughout the West Suffolk area. This is an exciting time to be joining West Suffolk Council which has gained a reputation for being ambitious and forward-thinking. West Suffolk residents enjoy a great quality of life, making it a fantastic place to live, work and bring up a family. The area offers both space, peace and quiet in its beautiful countryside locations, but also buzz and activity in its forward-looking towns and an innovative entrepreneurial spirit in its thriving small business sector. Bury St Edmunds, the main town, was ranked the best place to live in the East of England by the Sunday Times.
Please refer to the job description and person specification for full details of this exciting opportunity.
Why work for us? Our benefits include: Holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 29 days after 5 years (pro rata if part time) plus
Environmental Health Officer / Food and Safety Officer employer: West Suffolk Council
Contact Detail:
West Suffolk Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Health Officer / Food and Safety Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the environmental health field, attend local events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to food safety and community health. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference with them.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles or projects. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and adapt to new situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Health Officer / Food and Safety Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for environmental health! Share why you’re excited about making a difference in the community and how you can contribute to our team. A genuine passion can really set your application apart.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Environmental Health Officer or Food and Safety Officer, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and experiences. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at West Suffolk!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Suffolk Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of environmental health and food safety regulations. Familiarise yourself with the latest legislation and best practices, as well as any recent changes in the field. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed and ready to contribute.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully tackled challenges related to food safety or health issues. Be ready to discuss how you approached these situations, what actions you took, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and act decisively.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with a supportive team, highlight your experience in collaborative environments. Share instances where you've worked effectively with others to achieve common goals, especially in community-focused projects. This will resonate well with their values of teamwork and support.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the team's current projects or future challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. It also gives you a chance to assess if this is the right fit for you, making the interview a two-way street.