Environmental health officer (Grade I) - Facilities & Environment

Job Description

Senior Environmental Health Officer (Grade I) – Facilities & Environment

Salary: £42,771 per annum
Department: Facilities & Environment
Location: BARNET
Contract : Full-Time, Permanent

Job Purpose

The Senior Environmental Health Officer (Grade I) – Facilities & Environment is responsible for leading and delivering high-quality environmental health services across facilities management, environmental compliance, public health protection, and workplace safety functions.

The postholder will provide specialist advice, manage complex environmental health investigations, ensure compliance with statutory regulations, and support the organisation in maintaining safe, sustainable, and legally compliant environments. The role also includes supervisory responsibilities, strategic input into environmental initiatives, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to promote best practice in environmental health and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:-

Lead inspections, audits, and investigations relating to environmental health, workplace safety, hygiene, and environmental protection.

Ensure compliance with relevant environmental health legislation, including health and safety, waste management, pollution control, food safety (where applicable), and public health regulations.

Investigate complaints, incidents, environmental hazards, and breaches of statutory requirements.

Prepare detailed inspection reports, enforcement notices, and recommendations for corrective actions.

Provide expert guidance on environmental health risks and mitigation strategies.

Environmental Management

Support the management and monitoring of facilities to ensure safe, compliant, and sustainable operations.

Oversee environmental monitoring programmes including air quality, water hygiene, waste disposal, pest control, and hazardous substances management.

Assist in developing environmental sustainability initiatives and continuous improvement programmes.

Ensure facilities operate in accordance with environmental permits, licences, and corporate standards.

Supervision

Provide technical leadership and mentoring to Environmental Health Officers and support staff.

Allocate workloads, monitor performance, and support professional development within the team.

Deputise for the Environmental Health Manager where required.

Support recruitment, training, and induction of new staff members.

Investigations

Conduct complex investigations into environmental incidents, accidents, and public health concerns.

Carry out risk assessments and develop action plans to minimise environmental and operational risks.

Liaise with regulatory bodies, contractors, and partner agencies regarding compliance and enforcement matters.

Maintain accurate records and evidence in accordance with legal and organisational requirements.

Service Development

Contribute to the development and implementation of environmental health policies, procedures, and operational strategies.

Monitor changes in legislation and ensure organisational compliance with evolving standards.

Participate in service improvement projects and environmental initiatives.

Prepare reports, statistics, and performance data for senior management.

Qualifications

Degree or Diploma in Environmental Health or equivalent recognised qualification.

Registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) or Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).

Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).

Experience

Significant experience working within environmental health, facilities management, or environmental compliance.

Experience conducting inspections, audits, investigations, and enforcement activities.

Experience interpreting and applying environmental health legislation.

Experience supervising or mentoring staff.

Experience preparing technical reports and presenting findings to senior stakeholders.

Skills & Knowledge

Strong knowledge of environmental health legislation and regulatory frameworks.

Excellent investigative and problem-solving skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to build effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Office and environmental reporting systems.

Strong report-writing and analytical abilities.

Desirable 

Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner status.

Qualification in Health & Safety (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH).

Experience in sustainability and environmental management systems.

Experience within local authority, healthcare, housing, or large facilities environments.

Competencies

Leadership and accountability

Professional integrity

Attention to detail

Decision-making and sound judgement

Customer and public focus

Team collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Strategic thinking and continuous improvement

Working Conditions

Combination of office-based and site-based working.

Requirement to undertake inspections in varied environments.

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Full UK driving licence may be required.