Senior Environmental Health Officer

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Environmental Health Officer to play a key role in improving standards across the private rented sector. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified Environmental Health professional with strong Private Sector Housing experience to combine technical expertise, enforcement knowledge, and leadership responsibilities within a progressive local authority environment.

The successful candidate will support the Private Sector Housing management team in delivering high-quality housing enforcement, property licensing, public health, and regulatory services, while supervising officers responsible for protecting the health, safety, and welfare of residents.

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• Supervise and support a team of up to 6 officers, including Environmental Health Officers, Housing Enforcement Officers, Surveyors, Licensing Officers, Trainees, and Apprentices.
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• Undertake inspections of private rented properties, HMOs, and other residential accommodation.
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• Assess housing conditions using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and determine appropriate enforcement action.
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• Investigate complaints relating to housing standards, public health, drainage, pest control, and licensing breaches.
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• Lead on complex enforcement cases and support legal proceedings, including prosecutions and financial penalties where appropriate.
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• Administer and enforce mandatory, additional, and selective property licensing schemes.
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• Review casework and ensure the quality and accuracy of statutory notices, schedules of work, and legal documentation.
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• Work closely with landlords, tenants, managing agents, solicitors, housing providers, and partner agencies.
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• Deputise for senior managers when required.
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• Take the lead in specialist areas such as:\n
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  • Property Licensing
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  • HMO Regulation and Enforcement
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  • Fire Safety
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  • Tall Buildings
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  • Empty Properties
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  • Energy Efficiency
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  • Pest Control Contracts
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  • Complex Enforcement Activity
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  • Public Health Initiatives
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Applicants must hold:

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• A recognised Environmental Health qualification and registration as an Environmental Health Practitioner, or
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• A relevant degree/professional qualification supported by substantial experience within Private Sector Housing or Environmental Health.
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Additionally, candidates should possess:

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• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), or equivalent professional body (or be willing to obtain membership within six months).
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• Successful completion of HHSRS training.
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Candidates must demonstrate strong technical expertise in:

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• Housing Act 2004
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• Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
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• Private Sector Housing legislation
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• HMO Management Regulations
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• Property Licensing
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• Mandatory, Additional, and Selective Licensing Schemes
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• Public Health legislation
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• Drainage legislation and enforcement
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• Empty Property legislation
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• Pest Control enforcement and management
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• PACE, CPIA, and RIPA procedures
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You will also have a proven track record in:

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• Private Rented Sector (PRS) enforcement
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• HMO inspections and enforcement
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• Housing standards and compliance activity
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• Preparing legal case files and evidence bundles
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• Attending Court and Tribunal hearings
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• Supervising building and remedial works
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• Managing complex enforcement investigations
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• Supporting and supervising staff within a regulatory environment
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The successful candidate will demonstrate:

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• Experience supervising or mentoring officers within a Private Sector Housing, Housing Enforcement, or Environmental Health team.
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• Ability to manage a personal caseload while supporting colleagues on complex cases.
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• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
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• Excellent written communication and report-writing skills.
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• 36 hours per week.
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• Hybrid working arrangement in line with organisational policy.
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• A combination of office, home, and site-based working depending on business requirements.
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• Flexibility to attend occasional meetings and inspections outside normal office hours.
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Candidates should:

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• Hold a full UK driving licence.
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• Be willing to provide a vehicle for business use.
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• Be physically capable of carrying out property inspections, including accessing all areas of residential properties and using ladders where required.
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We are particularly interested in candidates with:

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• Strong local authority Private Sector Housing experience.
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• Extensive HMO licensing and enforcement expertise.
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• A comprehensive understanding of HHSRS and housing enforcement processes.
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• Previous supervisory, team leadership, or management experience.
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• Experience handling complex housing enforcement and legal proceedings.
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• The ability to drive service improvement while maintaining excellent professional standards.
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This is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking housing service where you can make a genuine impact on housing standards, resident wellbeing, and landlord compliance. The role offers a blend of technical casework, team leadership, and strategic responsibility, making it ideal for an experienced Environmental Health professional looking to progress their career within Private Sector Housing.