About Us North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community. The Role We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Environmental Protection Officer to join our Environmental Protection Team. This is a proactive frontline service which delivers a broad range of statutory duties for the benefit of those that live, work and visit North Somerset. Environmental Protection is one of the cornerstones of Environmental Health that is concerned with protecting the public's health from various threats in the environment. Poor health often results from poor environments and the work of the Environmental Protection Team makes a huge difference to the public's health and wellbeing. In this role, you will be responsible for identifying, investigating, and assessing concerns raised by members of the public about the environment in which they live, work or visit. It is our role to investigate their concerns and then work out the best approaches, within reason and using available tools and powers to tackle them. The postholder will work as part of a team dealing with statutory nuisance investigations (noise, smoke, dust and light issues), they will take part in environmental monitoring and sampling workstreams (soil air and water). The post-holder will also help investigate dog control and pest control matters and may also get involved in our Public Health Funeral casework. Key Responsibilities: To take responsibility for a caseload of service requests. This will primarily include the functions of statutory nuisance, dog and pest control investigations but may involve other areas of work such as environmental monitoring and sampling (soil air and water) and public health funeral work. To carry out pro-active and reactive visits to customer's properties. To provide information and advice to customers about technical and legal standards and processes they should follow. To establish & maintain appropriate links between customers, businesses and the general public and other services to ensure correct technical and legal standards are complied with To analyse and interpret data and information and make recommendations to support decision making by others for a broad range of activities across a service area. To communicate effectively with colleagues and customers, both verbally and in writing through the appropriate use of case or site notes and other records within information sharing protocols and record keeping policies. To take part in enforcement exercises with external agencies as required To work outside normal office hours, when necessary, for the effective performance of duties. To operate standard computer applications to produce well-presented and accurate records, presentations and reports. Use of databases and document management systems Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role. Work Style At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated. This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way: 2-3 days in the office per week Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand. Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration. About You We are looking for an individual who is passionate about Environmental Protection and who possesses the following skills and experience: Essential Criteria: Qualified to Level 3 or 4 in a subject area relevant to environmental protection matters Knowledge of relevant legislation Significant practical work experience relevant to Environmental Protection Experience of working in a customer facing role Desirable Criteria: Experience of working in local government Specialist experience in the use of sound level meters, basic acoustics or environmental sampling What We Offer At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer: Competitive salary and benefits Flexible working arrangements Local Government Pension Opportunities for professional development Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet. To find out more about working for Local Government please visit https://www.localcounciljobs.gov.uk/why-work-in-local-government How to Apply If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role. Contact Information For further information about the role, please contact Dee Mawn, Environmental Protection Service Leader at dee.mawnn-somerset.gov.uk or 01275 884162 Important Information As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role. Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK. Equal Opportunities At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.