Environmental Health Officer – Pollution & Nuisance
Environment & Regeneration – Regulatory Services Partnership (RSP)
London Borough of Merton (working across Merton & Richmond)
Salary: Career Grade (ME10–ME13)
Contract: Temporary
Location: Merton Civic Centre & Richmond Civic Centre (with borough-wide site work)
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated Environmental Health professional to join the Pollution (Noise & Nuisance) Team within the Regulatory Services Partnership.
You will play a key role in protecting public health by investigating and resolving complaints relating to environmental pollution, statutory nuisance, and construction‑related impacts. This is a varied, field‑based enforcement role involving both reactive casework and proactive regulatory activity.
Key Responsibilities
* Investigate complaints of statutory nuisance, including noise, dust, fumes, smoke, light, and odour
* Respond to construction site impacts, including noise, vibration, and dust control
* Enforce environmental legislation, primarily under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and Control of Pollution Act 1974
* Manage complaints relating to:
o Commercial waste and rubbish accumulation (including hazardous waste)
o Pest and vermin issues in commercial premises
o Drainage and environmental hazards
* Carry out site inspections, monitoring, sampling, and evidence gathering
* Undertake formal enforcement action where required (notices, penalties, legal proceedings)
* Prepare case files and present evidence for court or tribunal proceedings
* Work collaboratively with residents, businesses, contractors, councillors, and partner agencies
* Provide clear, professional advice and guidance to stakeholders
Enforcement & Legal Work
You will be responsible for:
* Conducting investigations in line with PACE, CPIA, RIPA and Human Rights legislation
* Preparing prosecution cases and supporting legal action where necessary
* Issuing statutory notices and taking proportionate enforcement action
* Attending court and giving evidence as required
* Managing complex and contentious casework involving construction and industrial activity
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
* Experienced in Environmental Health, Pollution Control, or Environmental Enforcement
* Knowledgeable in statutory nuisance and environmental legislation
* Confident handling construction‑related environmental issues
* Skilled in investigation, evidence gathering, and report writing
* Able to manage a busy and demanding workload independently
* Strong in communication and customer service, including handling difficult situations
Requirements
* Degree or equivalent in Environmental Health (or relevant enforcement experience)
* Experience working within a local authority or regulatory environment
* Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (essential)
* Willingness to work flexibly, including occasional out‑of‑hours work
Career Grade Progression
This is a career grade post (ME10–ME13). Progression is based on:
* Demonstrated competence at higher levels
* Service need and availability of higher‑level work
* Performance against agreed professional competencies
Senior / Principal Level Duties (where applicable)
At higher levels, you may also:
* Lead complex and high‑profile pollution investigations
* Manage legal proceedings and specialist cases (e.g. construction agreements)
* Provide expert advice to councillors, MPs, and partner agencies
* Develop policy and best practice guidance
* Mentor junior officers and deputise for senior management
* Represent the Council at regional and national forums
Working Environment
* Split‑site working across Merton and Richmond
* Regular fieldwork and site inspections
* Some evening or out‑of‑hours work required
* Fast‑paced regulatory and enforcement environment
What We Offer
* Varied and meaningful public health enforcement work
* Exposure to complex and interesting environmental cases
* Opportunity to progress within a structured career grade system
* Work across two London boroughs in a shared service partnership
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