Principal Environmental Health Officer

Location: Derbyshire
Contract: Interim
Working pattern: 2 days per week on site

About the role

Our client, a district council in Derbyshire, is looking for an experienced Principal Environmental Health Officer to join its regulatory services team on an interim contract. The role carries senior responsibility for the delivery of environmental health functions, combining hands-on casework with oversight of the team’s priorities and standards.

You will provide technical leadership across a varied portfolio, which typically covers food safety, health and safety, environmental protection, licensing and housing standards. You will support and guide officers, review complex cases and make sure enforcement decisions are proportionate, well evidenced and legally sound.

The role requires two days per week on site, which gives the team direct access to senior input and gives you the chance to work closely with colleagues, partners and the local business community. The successful candidate will be comfortable stepping into an established service and making a clear contribution from the outset.

Main responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the delivery of environmental health services, including food safety, health and safety, and environmental protection
• Manage and advise on complex cases, including investigations, enforcement action and prosecutions
• Provide technical guidance and day-to-day support to Environmental Health Officers and Technicians
• Oversee food hygiene inspection programmes and the response to food safety incidents
• Investigate and resolve complaints relating to noise, nuisance, air quality, contaminated land and pollution
• Contribute to licensing functions and the regulation of private sector housing standards where required
• Respond to infectious disease notifications and outbreaks, working with UKHSA and other partners
• Review and sign off enforcement notices, reports and legal documentation
• Represent the council in dealings with businesses, residents, partner agencies and, where required, the courts
• Contribute to service planning, policies, procedures and performance monitoring

Requirements

Essential

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Environmental Health, or an equivalent recognised qualification
• Registered with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) or an equivalent professional body
• Substantial post-qualification experience in a local authority environmental health setting
• Experience at senior or principal level, including casework oversight and the guidance of other officers
• Sound knowledge of enforcement legislation, codes of practice and investigation procedures
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear reports and evidence
• Able to attend site 2 days per week

Desirable

• Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner status
• Experience of preparing cases for prosecution and giving evidence in court
• Previous interim or contract experience within local government

The offer

• Interim contract with a district council
• 2 days per week on site
• Senior role with a broad environmental health remit
• Rate and contract length to be confirmed with candidates

This role suits an experienced environmental health professional who is comfortable leading casework and supporting a team within a local authority setting. If you would like to bring your senior-level experience to a district council on an interim basis, apply below.