Job Description

The closing date for this position is the 19 th June 2026

Environmental Health Officer

Downshire Civic Centre, Downpatrick

Temporary (Approx 12 weeks)

£21.24 per hour

36 hours per week

Main Purpose

Undertake visits, inspections, investigations and initiate appropriate follow up action, including the servicing of notices and issuing of permits, licenses and approvals, as defined within their level of authorisation, in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, codes of practice, statutory guidance and departmental policies and procedures.

Main Roles and Responsibilities

1. Investigate and resolve complaints and process enquiries within the specific designated functional area of responsibility, whilst meeting timescales and performance indicators.
2. Conduct sampling programmes and surveys, to include interpreting and analysing results to ensure appropriate action is taken, including any enforcement action as necessary.
3. Assess and make comment on Planning and Building Control applications and consultations to include, providing professional/technical advice and guidance in respect of such consultations on the proposed design and layout of facilities and potential adverse environmental impacts.
4. Assist Head of Service and/or SEHO in the preparation and submission of funding applications and monitoring returns in respect of special projects undertaken within the functional area remit.
5. Liaise and engage with all stakeholders, elected members, contractors and other Council departments, user groups, voluntary and statutory agencies in order to promote areas of responsibility, meet service needs and ensure statutory regulations are complied with.
6. Produce written reports, business cases as required and attend necessary Council meetings and committee meetings.
7. Gather and retain evidence and provide witness statements in accordance with PACE, RIPA and when necessary, attend Court as a witness on behalf of Council, in the enforcement of relevant legislation and by-laws.
8. Undertake Environmental Health-related project work as directed by the Head of Service / Senior Environmental Health Officer using the principles of good project management.
9. Assist in the departmental response to incidents requiring a response and emergencies both within and out with normal office hours.
10. Provide knowledge and assistance in formulating responses to consultation documents on behalf of Council. Support the Head of Service and/or SEHO in the identification, development and delivery of training courses, instructional talks, lectures or health education activities within the specialist functional area as directed.
11. Assist in the training of students on placement or work experience as well as new departmental employees, as required.
12. Contribute to the development of service plans as necessary.
13. Be accountable to the Senior Environmental Health Officer for all aspects of service delivery within the section; ensuring the provision and delivery of high quality and cost effective services.
14. Keep up-to-date with changes and amendments to relevant and allied legislation including areas of best practice relating to the postholders service area, reviewing practices, making recommendations to the Head of Service / Senior Environmental Health Officer of the service and implementing service improvements, as appropriate
15. Participate in employee training and development activities to ensure that knowledge, skills and competence required to fulfil the role in full are up to date.

Essential Criteria:

(Please note that Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd require original certificates as proof of all qualifications listed on CV)

• Degree or Diploma in Environmental Health or equivalent qualification.
• Certificate of Registration with Environmental Health Officers Registration Board (EHORB) or equivalent.
• Have 6 months previous experience in the enforcement of environmental health legislation.
• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of current environmental issues.
• Be able to demonstrate competence in use of e-mail and Microsoft office applications including word and excel
• Hold a full current driving licence and access to transport, or access to transport to meet the requirements of the post.
• Ability to work outside of normal office hours, including evenings, weekends and public/bank holidays including emergency call out

Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and a Corporate Member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd adheres to all current employment legislation.

We reserve the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date, should we receive sufficient applications. If interested, please send your CV as early as possible.

Please note only those candidates shortlisted may be contacted.

Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK and Ireland. We are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Successful candidates may need to apply for an Access NI Certificate with Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd regardless if you already have a valid certificate. It will be a cost of between £16 - £32 depending on clearance level.