Are you eager to learn and ready to try a new career?
In this challenging and rewarding role you will help to protect and improve our environment, the food we eat, our workplaces and our homes, and make a real difference to the lives of people in the New Forest.
Here at New Forest District Council, we are strengthening our environmental health teams and are looking for the next generation of talented and passionate individuals.
About you
You will study for a 4-year degree level qualification at university, commencing in September 2026. On days when you are not studying you will undertake varied work with the teams in food safety, health and safety at work, public health, environmental protection and licensing.
This apprenticeship offers you a great opportunity to gain a qualification (where your employer funds the tuition fees) whilst you are earning a salary. Real, practical work experience will support you in understanding the role and assist with your academic study.
This is a fantastic opportunity and on passing the apprenticeship, you will have a direct pathway into becoming an Environmental Health Officer. We will seek to retain our apprentices following successful completion of the course, securing a permanent role within the Council.
If you're ambitious and passionate, are driven to deliver, and want to be part of our team, we welcome your application.
More information about environmental health and the profession is available at: https://www.cieh.org/what-is-environmental-health/
What’s in it for you?
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£27,939 - £34,654 per annum (pay award pending)
- 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Casual car user allowance, and free on-site parking
- Local Government Pension Scheme, with the option of Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
- Employee Assistance Programme offering free 24 hour legal, financial and wellbeing advice
- Employee discount scheme, with savings across major supermarkets, retailers, restaurants, leisure providers
- Cycle to Work scheme helping you save around 40% on bikes and accessories
- A supportive, inclusive culture, where everyone is welcomed and valued, guided by our LEAF values (learning, Empathy, Ambition, Fairness)
- Access to learning and development opportunities to support your growth
We are proud to be Disability Confident Employer and offer a range of active staff networks, including:
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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Group
- LGBTQ+ Network
- Women’s Network
- Early Careers Network
- Neurodiversity Network
About us:
The New Forest is one of the largest districts in the country situated on the south coast. It has a unique and diverse environment which includes the outstanding New Forest National Park, thriving towns and villages and a 64 km coastline.
Our offices in Lyndhurst are in the centre of the New Forest, with open plan layout and modern meeting spaces. There is also the opportunity for hybrid working as well as working on District.
At NFDC we recognise that every colleague plays a vital part in delivering high-quality services to our communities. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel valued for the work they do and the strengths they bring.
We aim to foster a culture where people feel confident to share ideas, contribute their expertise, and develop through meaningful conversations with their managers and supported learning opportunities. Whilst we have our corporate values, LEAF Learning Empathy Ambition Fairness, we understand that different teams work in different ways, and we want our values to be lived in ways that make sense locally while staying true to our shared purpose as an organisation.
We want colleagues to thrive, which is why we promote wellbeing, balance, and opportunities for learning and progression. Our values guide how we work together and how we support each other to be confident, capable, and adaptable.
Click here to see why employees think that New Forest District Council is a great place to work: Working for NFDC
Please note: You’ll likely be aware that as part of the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the current organisation will transition into a new operating structure from 1 April 2028. It is important that applicants understand how this may affect their employment should they be successful. You will find attached a useful LGR update sheet at top of this advert.
If you’re interested
Please see the candidate booklet for more information about working at the Council and the job description.
If you are passionate about making a difference, committed to delivering excellent public services, and looking for a place where you can develop and continue to grow, we would be delighted to receive your application.
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Ben Stockley or Rachel Higgins, 02380 285000 and ask for environmental health, for a confidential discussion.
Closing date: Midnight 19th July 2026
Interview date: likely the week commencing the 3 August 2026
