Part Time Enforcement Officer Trading Standards (Tobacco and Vapes)
Fixed Term - 2.5 years duration, Part Time - 20 to 30 Hours Per Week, Monday to Friday
Up to £31,295 per annum, full time equivalent
Location: Chelmsford
Closing Date: Wednesday 17th December 2025 at 11.59pm
Interview Date: 8th January 2026
Please note that we are happy to consider applications from individuals looking for between 20 and 30 hours work per week, which can be worked over 3, 4 or 5 days per week, Monday to Friday.
Essex Trading Standards is looking for a highly motivated individual to take on a vital role in enforcing vape and tobacco regulations. This is more than just a job - it's your chance to make a lasting impact on the Essex community, ensuring fairness, compliance, and public safety. If you're ready to take on a rewarding challenge with clear career progression and want to be proud of the difference you make, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for. Join us and be part of something meaningful!
This role is offered as a Fixed Term Contract or Secondment opportunity for a period of 2.5 years and is a part time role offering between 20 and 30 hours per week.
As an 'Community Based Worker' position, the role will involve a combination of remote working, community based and office-based working. There will be an expectation for you to attend the office - County Hall, Chelmsford, CM1 1QH 1 - 2 days per week in addition to 'as and when' there is a business need.
Why work with us?
* Flexible Working Arrangements.
* 37 hour working week. Monday to Friday.
* 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays after 5 years of service.
* Local Authority Pension Scheme.
* Work for a high performing team with great team morale and friendly, helpful, and supportive colleagues.
* Access high quality training and development to help develop your career within the child and family sector.
* Continuous Service - Joining us from another local authority? Then you could benefit from bringing your time served and benefits with you.
The Role:
Trading Standards is responsible for supporting legitimate business activity by providing advice and support, encouraging economic development and prosperity, and helping to create a level playing field. We protect the economic interests of Essex residents (particularly the more vulnerable members of community) by using all the tools available to swiftly and effectively tackle rogue traders and businesses that cause the most consumer detriment. We adopt an intelligence led approach to enforcing a broad range of Trading Standards legislation including fair trading, underage sales, food and product safety, animal health and welfare to name just a few.
The Enforcement Officer Trading Standards (Tobacco and Vapes) role will focus on the enforcement of rules regulating vapes and tobacco, including the supply of illegal/illicit products and tackling age restricted sales to children. The role will provide information, advice, and assistance on Trading Standards law to businesses based in Essex.
The role includes undertaking visits alone to inspect businesses for compliance, providing guidance and support, and when necessary, gathering of evidence and compiling prosecution reports.
The role contributes to the achievement of service and community objectives including, the reduction of crime and disorder; reducing anti-social behaviour; improving health and wellbeing; and promoting a fair trading environment throughout the County of Essex, by enforcing civil and criminal Trading Standards laws in an effective, efficient and impartial way.
About You:
Essential:
* Previous experience of working in Trading Standards, another enforcement or regulatory type role or equivalent profession
* Good attention to detail and the ability to keep accurate, concise, and legally admissible records and notes.
* Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and ability to use / learn bespoke Trading Standards databases e.g., Intelligence Database (IDB) and Civica APP/Cx trader and enforcement databases.
Desirable:
* Demonstrable knowledge of relevant Trading Standards legislation, enforcement procedures and protocols is highly desirable.
* Excellent communication skills with a range of internal and external stakeholders including colleagues, managers, elected members, partners, and business representatives.
* Educated to RQF level 3 (A Level's) or equivalent by experience.
* Evidence of continuing professional development and knowledge in relevant professional area.