The Role
You will be responsible for risk assessing, sampling and regulation of private water supplies across the district. This will involve visiting some remote rural areas to inspect the source of the supplies and their treatment systems. With the help of a Technical Officer, you will arrange and undertake visits to residents, festival sites and food businesses and liaise with the laboratory to ensure samples are analysed within the right timescales. You will follow up on any samples that fail to meet the required standard and ensure that improvement works to private water supplies are completed. You will need to be able to talk to people confidently and assertively as you seek to resolve any poor sampling results that you receive, and you will need good organisational skills to manage a heavy caseload.
Although this will be your main role you will also be required to assist with other areas of the service as the team may need your assistance in the investigation of accidents, complaints, arranging public health funerals and food sampling.
The Experience you will bring
You do not need any specific experience in Environmental Health to apply for this position. We’re looking for people who have a science background or relevant experience in a similar regulatory role, as well as specific knowledge of private water supplies, treatment systems, water infrastructure and knowledge of how these affect public health.
You will have excellent spoken and written communication skills along with the ability to keep accurate records and as this is a chargeable service and you will need to prepare invoices and be involved in ensuring they are paid. You will need to deal with members of the public confidently and professionally and in situations which can often be difficult. Therefore, being able to maintain a professional composure will be key to your success. You will need to possess bundles of enthusiasm and self-motivation, be happy to work on your own and as a team player.
Please note, the successful applicant for the above post will be background checked with the Disclosure and Barring Service.
About Us
North Hertfordshire is a large rural district with approximately 125,000 residents with four historic towns, Hitchin, Baldock, Royston and Letchworth Garden City. The Council has a clear vision: We put people first and deliver sustainable services, to enable a brighter future together.
Why work with us?
We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in our recruitment practices and in our employment policies. We want our employees to feel safe to express themselves and we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of talents.
We are dedicated to promoting a healthy work/life balance, valuing our employees, and enabling them to make a difference to the local community.
Please note that all our vacancies require you to live and work in the UK, and selection interviews are face to face in our Letchworth offices.
At North Herts Council we are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and we guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum requirements for the job.
How to Apply
To apply for this position you must complete the Council's online application form at under the Jobs and Careers page using our secure web recruitment tool. Please note that we do not accept CV applications, either on their own or accompanying application forms. Therefore, please ensure that all relevant information is provided on the application form.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications. Therefore, please submit your application as early as possible.
If you would like an informal chat about the post. Contact Liz DeVere, Commercial Team Manager on 01462 474520 who would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Closing Date: Noon on 25th April 2025
Interviews: 13th and 14th May 2025