The Service Trading Standards and Animal Health forms part of the wider remit of the Public Protection Service. Whilst operationally managed by as a single team and integrated working is encouraged, Trading Standards and Animal Health are two separate functions with their own dedicated officers, each led by a Senior Trading Standards Officer. The Role An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated individual with enforcement experience, to join the Trading Standards team in a permanent role as a Fair Trading Officer. The successful applicant will be a self-starter, capable of independent problem solving and able to juggle a varied workload which involves investigating complaints, responding to business advice requests, inspecting premises and carrying out topical projects. Strong written and verbal communication skills are vital. Experience in a Trading Standards team is preferred but applications from those with experience in a comparable enforcement or legal environment will be eagerly considered. The role will require the successful applicant to work out and about in Northumberland which offers an amazing backdrop to your working day. Some days may find you working in coastal tourist hotspots in the shadow of castles and history, or in bustling town centres, and other days working in the rural tranquillity that characterises the County. The service operates in an agile way with a flexible blend of working from home and from an office - the team is based at West Hartford Community Fire Station in Cramlington, however there are offices available to use throughout the County, including Hexham and Morpeth. Depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful applicant, the post will be appointed on either Level 3 Fair Trading Officer (Band 6) or Level 4 (Band 7) Essential criteria for appointment at either band 6 or band 7 grading includes the need for: - A minimum of 5 GCSES at A-C grades (or equivalent), - Experience in a comparable investigatory role, - An ability to engage effectively with colleagues, customers and businesses, - Being an effective team player but also able to work unsupervised. Appointment to band 7 is subject to production of certificates proving qualification/competence in subject area(s) relevant to Trading Standards or Animal Health. Where this evidence is not available or certificates are not held, appointment will be made at band 6. The full job descriptions and person specification for both posts can be found in the supporting documents for the Band 7 and Band 6 Band 7 £34,314 - £37,938 or Band 6 £30,559 - £33,366 For an informal chat please contact Darin Wilson, Head of Public Protection on 07766 785695 Why choose us? Northumberland County Councils (NCC) vision is Land of Great Opportunities, for current and future generations. We believe there is no better place to live and work. For further information about working for NCC, please visit our website. We have some outstanding benefits and perks to offer you, including: -26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees) -Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme -Flexi scheme (if applicable) up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part-time employees) To see all our excellent benefits and perks, please visit our website. Further information Please note that this is a full time position but applications on a secondment or part-time basis would be considered for the right applicant. For guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please see the guidance notes. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post. Alternative application format: British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial 018001 01670 623930 ADZN1_UKTJ