Environmental Protection Officer

Location: Folkestone
Contract Type: Contract – Duration currently unknown

Join Us in Protecting Public Health and the Environment

We are seeking a motivated, knowledgeable, and proactive Environmental Protection Officer to join a Environmental Health (Protection) Team.

In this varied and challenging role, you will contribute to the vital work of protecting and enhancing public health and the local environment in line with statutory duties, Government policies, and internal service priorities.

You will lead investigations, carry out technical assessments, and provide expert advice across a wide range of environmental protection functions including pollution control, contaminated land, air quality, and statutory nuisances.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Investigate and resolve complaints relating to noise, air, water, odour, light, drainage, and other statutory nuisances.
• Undertake environmental monitoring and inspections of authorised processes and contaminated land.
• Lead enforcement actions including conducting PACE interviews, issuing Fixed Penalty Notices, preparing prosecution files, and seizing equipment.
• Provide expert witness testimony at court and committee hearings.
• Monitor and manage air quality monitoring stations and technical equipment.
• Inspect and test private water supplies and contaminated land; produce risk assessments and technical reports.
• Coordinate responses to major environmental incidents and contribute to emergency planning as required.
• Lead on Unauthorised Encampments, working with partner agencies to manage site safety, welfare checks, and enforcement procedures.
• Vet planning and licensing applications to ensure protection of public health and environmental standards.
• Install, maintain, and monitor CCTV and noise monitoring equipment to support investigations and enforcement.
• Support educational and outreach activities; engage positively with residents, businesses, and stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Criteria

• HNC/HND in Environmental Health, Environmental Science, or a closely related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in environmental enforcement, including statutory nuisance and pollution control.
• Strong investigative, reporting, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to carry out formal enforcement including evidence gathering, service of notices, and court proceedings.
• Good working knowledge of relevant legislation including the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and related statutory instruments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (Essential Car User Allowance may apply).

Desirable

• CIEH qualification or working towards one.
• Experience using M3/Civica or similar case management software.
• Specialist qualifications (e.g. Institute of Acoustics, HHSRS).

Working Conditions

Applicants must be prepared to:

• Work flexibly including evenings, weekends, and public holidays where required (e.g. for events or emergencies)
• Participate in an out-of-hours rota or emergency response service
• Travel regularly within the district or assigned area

Make a difference in your community. Protect the environment. Safeguard public health.