Environmental Protection Officer (Planning)
Hours: 37 Hours Per Week, Mon – Fri, 09:00 – 17:00
Contract: Temporary, 20 Jul 2026 – 31 Jan 2027
We're recruiting an Environmental Protection Officer to support North Devon District Council's Regulatory Services. This is a key role, ideal for someone with strong technical knowledge of environmental health, regulatory compliance, and a commitment to protecting public health and the environment.
About the Role
As an Environmental Protection Officer, you'll promote and enforce environmental protection across the district, regulating industrial emissions, air quality, contaminated land, drinking water, nuisance complaints, and planning/licensing advice. You'll play a vital role in safeguarding residents, tenants, workers, and consumers while supporting local economic growth through effective regulation.
What you'll be doing:
- Conducting inspections, investigations, audits, and monitoring activities
- Providing advice to businesses, consumers, and residents to encourage compliance
- Managing casework independently, making decisions on enforcement and compliance actions
- Collaborating with partners such as Planning, Building Control, Housing, and external agencies (Environment Agency, DEFRA)
- Preparing reports, drafting and serving Notices, and representing the Council in formal settings
- Supporting training and peer reviews within the service
- Providing on-call advice outside normal working hours when required
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone proactive, technically skilled, and confident in managing complex environmental casework.
You'll ideally have:
- A first degree or postgraduate diploma in Environmental Health (or equivalent experience)
- Full membership of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board
- Strong technical and legal knowledge across environmental protection functions
- Experience delivering environmental protection services within local government
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to prioritise workload, meet deadlines, and manage sensitive or confrontational situations professionally
- A full driving licence and access to a vehicle (essential for site visits)
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to make a direct impact on public health and environmental protection
- Work in a varied role covering inspections, compliance, and enforcement
- Collaborate with multi-agency partners on high-profile cases
- Gain valuable experience in regulatory services and planning advice
Benefits
- Weekly Pay
- Company Pension
- Ongoing Agency Support
- Temp-to-Perm Opportunities
Additional Information
- Location: Brynsworthy Offices, EX31 3NP (hybrid working subject to agreement)
- Pay Rate: £35 per hour
Reference: 5300123
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months
Pay: £35.00 per hour
Expected hours: 37.0 per week
Application question(s):
- Do you have a recognised Degree or qualification in Environmental Health or a related discipline? (Essential)
- Are you registered with the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) or hold an equivalent professional Environmental Health qualification? (Essential)
Experience:
- working as an Environmental Health Officer: 2 years (required)
- investigating statutory nuisance, environmental protection: 1 year (required)
- investigating housing, commercial, or air quality complaints: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- UK driving licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
