At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspect food safety and health regulations, investigate incidents, and support community events.
- Company: Lichfield District Council, committed to public health and community safety.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension scheme, and professional development support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public health while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: CIEH/EHRB qualification in Environmental Health and two years of experience required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Lichfield District Council – Environmental Health Officer / Food Safety Officer. Food and Health & Safety Team. Permanent | Full Time (29.6 hours/4 days). Salary: Band I. Location: District Council House, Lichfield (hybrid working).
The Opportunity
We are looking for a qualified and experienced Environmental Health Officer / Food Safety Officer to join our Food and Health & Safety Team. This is a varied and rewarding role, where you will be involved in all key aspects of environmental health work, with a primary focus on:
- Food safety
- Health and safety enforcement
- Infectious disease control
- Event safety and Safety Advisory Group (SAG) work
- Primary Authority arrangements
You will manage a diverse caseload of proactive and reactive work, investigate complaints and incidents, support high‑profile events, and help deliver projects that make a real difference to the district. Working under the general supervision of the Food and Health and Safety Manager, you will also represent the Council with confidence – including at meetings, multi‑agency groups, and, where necessary, in court.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Inspecting and enforcing food safety and health & safety legislation across a wide range of premises
- Investigating complaints, accidents, and incidents, taking proportionate enforcement action where required
- Supporting and contributing to Safety Advisory Group (SAG) work and event safety planning
- Managing and developing Primary Authority relationships
- Preparing technical reports and presenting to Members, courts, and other forums
- Providing professional advice to colleagues, businesses, partners, and the public
- Supporting emergency planning, resilience duties, and out‑of‑hours response when required
- Using and maintaining Council systems, including IDOX
What We’re Looking For
- A CIEH / EHRB‑recognised qualification in Environmental Health (BSc, MSc, Diploma or equivalent) and a minimum of two years post‑qualification experience
- Registration with the EHRB (or eligibility)
- Strong experience and knowledge of food safety and health & safety enforcement
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to produce high‑quality reports and provide clear advice
- Confidence working independently and as part of a team
- A flexible approach, including the ability to work outside normal hours when required
- A full driving licence
Why Join Us
In return, we offer a supportive and forward‑thinking working environment, with benefits including:
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Generous annual leave allowance, plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Payment of professional fees (where applicable)
- Free on‑site parking
- Modern offices opposite Lichfield City railway station
- Employee wellbeing support and development opportunities
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you are passionate about protecting public health and want to make a meaningful impact locally, we would love to hear from you.
How To Apply
For full details of the role, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.
Environmental Health Officer / Food Safety Officer in Lichfield employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Environmental Health Officer / Food Safety Officer in Lichfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Environmental Health Officers on LinkedIn or at local events. They can give you insider tips about the role and might even know of openings before they're advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of food safety and health & safety legislation. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've enforced these laws or handled complaints effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, practice explaining complex topics in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to provide clear advice to colleagues and the public, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Lichfield District Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Environmental Health Officer / Food Safety Officer in Lichfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in environmental health and food safety. We want to see how your skills match the specific requirements of the role, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, use your application to demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality reports and provide clear advice. We love seeing examples of how you’ve communicated effectively in past roles.
Be Confident and Professional:Remember, you’ll be representing the Council, so convey your confidence and professionalism in your written application. Use a tone that reflects your ability to engage with various stakeholders, from colleagues to the public.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food safety and health & safety legislation. Familiarise yourself with the latest regulations and best practices, as well as any recent changes in the law. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your experience in environmental health. Think about situations where you've successfully managed complaints, enforced legislation, or contributed to event safety planning. Being able to share these stories will highlight your qualifications and problem-solving skills.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As an Environmental Health Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, and be ready to discuss how you would handle difficult conversations, especially when it comes to enforcement actions. This will showcase your ability to provide clear advice and support.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team, the council's priorities, or upcoming projects. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to demonstrate your knowledge about the council's work.
