Principal Environmental Health Officer - about the role

£44,952 - £46,525 per annum (subject to level of skills and experience)
37 hours per week
Permanent
Witney
Up to £4,000 (one off) expenses payment available, subject to terms and conditions

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for public health and environmental regulation? Publica is seeking a dynamic and experienced Principal Officer to join our team in one of the UK’s most stunning natural landscapes.

About the role

As a Principal Officer, you will manage a caseload in West Oxfordshire and lead a motivated team across the three partner councils, where you can really make your mark. We offer excellent training and progression opportunities. In this role, you will be at the forefront of our efforts to maintain and enhance housing standards and public health in West Oxfordshire. You will manage and execute statutory duties related to Private Sector Housing and caravan and campsite licensing, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Your responsibilities will include:

Overseeing and conducting inspections to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Addressing public health concerns and implementing strategies to mitigate risks.
Ensuring adherence to Environmental Health legislation.
Leading a team of professionals, providing guidance and support to achieve departmental objectives.
Collaborating with other council departments, stakeholders, and the community to promote public health and environmental well-being.
Keeping up-to-date with changes in relevant legislation and best practices.

About you

To succeed in this role, you will need:

A strong understanding of housing standards, public health principles, and environmental regulations.
Proven leadership abilities with experience in managing teams.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
A proactive and solution-oriented approach to problem-solving.
Relevant degree/experience or experience in Environmental Health, Housing, or a related field. Previous experience in a similar regulatory or compliance role within the public sector is highly desirable.

Why work with us?

Work in a beautiful area known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant community.
Play a critical role in safeguarding public health and improving housing standards.
Join a dedicated and supportive team committed to making a positive difference.
Opportunities for professional development and career progression.

Testimonials

“As a Principal Officer, I am the main contact for the Technical Pollution Team, ensuring we protect the environment, promote enhanced sustainable practices and provide the best service for our communities. I am also responsible for supporting a friendly team of Senior Officers, Officers and Regulatory Support Officers, who go above and beyond to serve our customers. Publica has given me the opportunity to work across different districts with different needs and priorities, whilst developing my technical knowledge and people management and leadership skills.”

“Our team is a dynamic mix of talented individuals who are committed to their work and always willing to lend a helping hand. The tasks I handle vary greatly providing a healthy mix of routine and novelty, every day being exciting and engaging.

Over the past number of years, my role has been challenging and immensely rewarding, the diverse range of responsibilities has allowed me to develop a broad skill set and deepen my expertise. The diversity not only makes the work interesting but also ensures continuous learning and growth. I have just been lucky enough to be recently enrolled on a two year leadership and management apprenticeship. Publica is committed to the training and progression of its staff.

The localities that we work in add an extra layer of satisfaction being able to work in and around the amazing Forest of Dean, Oxfordshire and the Cotswolds. The stunning surroundings provide the perfect backdrop to our daily work.”

Join us in our mission to protect and enhance the quality of life for our residents. Apply today! If you are ready to take on this rewarding role and make a significant impact, we would love to hear from you.

If you believe you meet most of the requirements of the role, please apply. We offer great training and support to help you to reach your potential. Please note that the salary band will match your experience level. We will also consider applicants who wish to work a shorter working week or who require a flexible working pattern.

Special conditions

Ability to travel

For more information about this role please see the Job Description/Person Specification.

You will be employed by Publica Group Ltd which was created by four partner councils (Forest of Dean District Council, West Oxfordshire District Council, Cotswold District Council, and Cheltenham Borough Council) to deliver more efficient and improved services.

Publica is a unique place to work – we are a local government organisation with a twist! Publica wants to transform the way local services are delivered. To help do this we have started to fundamentally rethink the way we design our services in the digital era so that Publica is a customer-focused organisation driven by real user needs.

What can we do for you

Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working
Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role)
27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays and an extra two volunteering days off a year for you to support a charity of your choice
Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care
Pension scheme with a good employer contribution of 5% of your earnings
Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues
Cycle to work scheme
Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars
Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements
Additional income protection, covering 50% of your salary for potentially a further five years if you are unable to work due to sickness or injury
Life assurance, currently four times your annual salary

Terms and conditions apply.

These are just a handful of the benefits that you can enjoy when you join us!

Apply now

To apply for this position please click on "apply now" above to complete an application form and supporting statement together with your CV. Please tell us about your skills, knowledge, qualifications, experience and how they meet the criteria listed above and in the job description/person specification. It’s important that we’re a good fit for each other, so let us know what’s important to you and why you want to work for Publica Group Ltd. Your CV will not be available to the hiring manager unless you are shortlisted for interview to assist with our non-biased screening process so please ensure you complete the application form in full.

The deadline to apply is midnight on Sunday 24 November 2024.

Publica have the right to close this advert early if we find a suitable candidate.

It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientation, those from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and those with disabilities.

Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email.

Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years’ employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.