Environmental Protection Officer (EPO)
Location: East Suffolk Contract: Full‑time, Permanent
About the Role
We are seeking an Environmental Protection Officer to join our Environmental Protection team, helping to protect public health and improve environmental quality across the East Suffolk district.
This is a varied enforcement and regulatory role where you will investigate environmental complaints, undertake inspections, enforce environmental legislation, and provide specialist advice to residents, businesses and partner organisations. Working across a broad range of environmental protection functions, you will play a key role in ensuring compliance with statutory requirements while delivering excellent customer service.
This position offers an excellent opportunity for an Environmental Health or Environmental Protection professional looking to develop their career within local authority regulatory services.
Key Responsibilities
- Investigate complaints relating to environmental protection and public health, including statutory nuisance, noise, pollution, contaminated land, waste, drainage, private water supplies, pest control, licensing and anti‑social behaviour.
- Carry out inspections of residential, commercial and industrial premises to assess compliance with environmental legislation.
- Conduct investigations to criminal standards in accordance with PACE, RIPA, CPIA and Human Rights legislation.
- Gather, record and manage evidence, including taking witness statements and maintaining accurate case records.
- Prepare investigation reports, enforcement documentation and prosecution files where appropriate.
- Undertake interviews under PACE (under supervision where applicable).
- Apply a proportionate enforcement approach, including issuing warnings, serving notices, Fixed Penalty Notices and supporting legal proceedings where necessary.
- Provide technical advice and guidance to residents, businesses and internal council departments.
- Respond to consultations from Planning and Licensing teams, providing environmental protection advice on proposed developments and licensing applications.
- Maintain accurate records using case management and corporate IT systems.
- Liaise with external agencies including the Environment Agency, DEFRA, emergency services and other regulatory bodies.
- Keep up to date with relevant environmental legislation, guidance and industry best practice through Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Participate in emergency planning and business continuity responses when required.
About You
We’re looking for someone with a passion for protecting public health and the environment, who enjoys investigation, problem‑solving and working with a wide range of stakeholders.
You’ll have:
- Experience within Environmental Protection, Environmental Health or a related regulatory environment.
- Knowledge of environmental legislation and enforcement practices.
- Experience investigating complaints and carrying out inspections.
- Excellent written communication and report writing skills.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied caseload.
- Confidence communicating with members of the public, businesses and partner agencies.
- The ability to make balanced, evidence‑based decisions and apply legislation appropriately.
- Strong IT skills and experience maintaining accurate case records.
- A proactive and professional approach with excellent attention to detail.
Desirable
- Experience within a local authority Environmental Protection or Environmental Health team.
- Knowledge of PACE, RIPA, CPIA and environmental enforcement procedures.
- Experience preparing evidence for legal proceedings.
- Professional qualification in Environmental Health, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. CIEH).
What You’ll Gain
- A varied and rewarding role with genuine impact on local communities.
- Exposure to a broad range of environmental protection and public health work.
- Opportunities for professional development and ongoing training.
- Supportive team environment with opportunities to progress into Senior Environmental Protection Officer roles.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…