Environmental Protection Officer

Buckingham Futures is pleased to present an exciting opportunity for an Environmental Protection Officer in the West Midlands. This role offers the chance to play a key part in environmental protection efforts, specifically focusing on land and water quality, development proposals, statutory nuisance, and the implementation of policies that align with statutory and local objectives. The successful candidate will also take a lead role in water sampling and ensuring the quality of both recreational and drinking water.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Site Investigations and Water Quality Assurance: Conduct comprehensive research and inspections of individual sites to identify contaminated land. Develop a prioritised action plan for addressing contaminated land, with a particular focus on the protection of water sources and the prevention of contamination.

2. Water Sampling and Monitoring: Oversee the discharge of the authority’s duties concerning the quality of recreational and drinking water, including developing, implementing, and managing routine water sampling protocols to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

3. Statutory Nuisance and Pollution Control: Investigate complaints related to statutory nuisances, taking decisive action to prevent their recurrence, including preparing and issuing statutory notices. Focus particularly on nuisances that impact water quality and public health.

4. Proactive Environmental Measures: Plan and deliver proactive environmental work aligned with Section duties, providing specialist advice on water quality, contamination, and environmental protection to other Council departments.

5. Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement: Ensure adherence to legal requirements for environmental protection by adopting a proactive enforcement approach, including the service of statutory notices, evidence gathering, and court attendance where necessary.

Personal Requirements:

1. Experience: A minimum of one year’s experience in environmental protection/pollution control, with a focus on water quality, within a local authority.

2. Qualifications: The postholder should possess a Diploma/Degree in Environmental Health, be registered with the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB), or hold a relevant science degree.

Knowledge:

• In-depth understanding of environmental protection, with particular emphasis on water quality management.
• Knowledge of local authority contaminated land functions and remediation techniques.
• Familiarity with local authority noise control legislation, especially as it impacts water-related nuisance.
• Proficiency in environmental assessments of planning applications and water quality monitoring.
• Understanding of the equipment, protocols, and standards for water and environmental monitoring.
• Familiarity with performance targets, statutory indicators, and administrative systems.

Experience:

• At least one year’s experience in pollution control/environmental protection, with a focus on water sampling and quality.
• Supervisory experience of technical officers and working with elected members.
• Proficiency with IT systems and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Qualifications:

• Degree or Diploma in Environmental Health.
• Registered with the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) or equivalent relevant science degree.
• Graduate/Corporate Member of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH).
• Additional qualifications relevant to the role.

Other Requirements:

• Full driving licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes.