Employer:
Folkestone & Hythe District Council
Salary:
£43,438 - £49,655 (Grade G)
Location:
Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent CT20 2QY
Contract:
Contract
Working Pattern:
Flexible Hours/Full Time
Hours:
37 hours per week.
DBS Check:
Yes
Closing Date:
21/10/2025 at 23:59
Reference:
H&O/25/322880
2 Year Fixed-Term post
Are you passionate about protecting public health? We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Environmental Health Officer to join our Food Safety and Health & Safety Team. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact in your community by delivering statutory services and enforcing public health legislation.
About the Role
* As an experienced Environmental Health Officer, you will:
* Deliver statutory functions in food safety, health and safety in the workplace, public health, zoo licensing plus tattooing and skin piercing.
* Investigate notifiable diseasesand work in partnership with the UK Health Security Agency.
* Provide expert advice to businesses and council departments on compliance and best practice.
* Take enforcement action where necessary, including preparing prosecution files and attending court.
* Lead policy development and contribute to statutory plans in your areas of expertise.
Key Responsibilities
* Conduct inspections and investigations across food safety, workplace health and safety, tattooing, skin piercing and zoo licensing.
* Respond to complaints and RIDDOR notifications.
* Taking formal enforcement action where appropriate including preparing prosecution files and representing the local authority in court.
* Advise businesses and stakeholders on statutory obligations and best practices.
* Maintain professional standards and support training initiatives within the team.
* Prepare reports and attend meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking a dynamic and experienced professional with 5 years demonstrable local authority district experience, that has the following:
Essential:
* BSc (Hons) or MSc Environmental Health or Higher Certificate in Food Control (or equivalent).
* Registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) and/or Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
* Demonstrable local authority experience in food safety, health and safety, and public health regulatory work including undertaking formal enforcement action and court experience.
* Strong communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
Desirable:
* NEBOSH or IOSH Health and Safety qualification.
* Training in, Approved Premises, Lead Auditor, Zoo Licensing or Imported Food.
Why Join Us
Folkestone & Hythe is a dynamic and innovative place to live, work and visit. Recognised by Best Companies as an outstanding organisation to work for, we have a focus on wellbeing and staff development. Our benefits include:
* Flexible Working: Embrace a culture that supports agile and hybrid working arrangements.
* Generous Leave: Enjoy up to 31 days of holiday plus bank holidays, a flexi-time scheme, birthday leave, and Christmas office closure.
* Pension Scheme: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
* Family-Friendly Initiatives: Benefit from a range of family-friendly policies and support.
* Health & Wellbeing: Participate in health and wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Programme.
* Additional Perks: Reimbursement of professional membership subscriptions, salary sacrifice schemes, corporate membership discounts, and free office parking.
This role will require travelling throughout the district and visiting premises at evenings and weekends.
We have a hybrid working approach with an expectation that you will work from the Civic Centre in Folkestone at least one day per week.
For an informal discussion about this role please contact Nicola Wilson (Environmental Health & Licensing Manager) on or email
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 23:59 on 21st October 2025. Previous applications received within the last 6 months need not re-apply.
Interviews are due to be held w/c 03 November 2025.
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided below. Please note that we do not accept CV's without a fully completed application form.
Further information on this vacancy
* Environmental Health Officer - Role Profile