Apprentice Environmental Health Practitioner (2 Posts)
Salary: HC4 £19,264 - £20,043 per annum
Contract: Apprentice
Contract end date: 05/07/2026
Closing date: 08/07/2022
Interview date: w/c 18/07/2022

An exciting opportunity has arisen to work in the Environmental Health service of Herefordshire Council covering Hereford City and its beautiful rural surroundings including the County towns of Leominster, Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury and Kington.

Environmental Health is focused on protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of individuals from their wider physical environment and by doing so makes a fundamental contribution to the prevention of harm and the improvement to public health.  Using scientific, technical, investigative and legislative skills to advise and enforce legislation that protects and improves the environments in which people live and work and play. No two days are the same and your career could lead to a variety of specialisms, supporting local communities through to influencing national policy.

We are offering two candidates an exciting opportunity to gain a CIEH accredited degree level qualification whilst working within the Council’s regulatory service as an Apprentice Environmental Health Practitioner where you “earn and learn”. This apprenticeship pathway will give you the hands-on experience, knowledge and confidence to lead you into your chosen career and give you the chance to fully realise your potential.

The successful applicants will be working alongside the Environmental Protection team to deliver a wide range of services including environmental and nuisance protection with additional opportunities in public health, food safety, health and safety at work, and housing (subject to service and training requirements).

Whilst working, you will complete a BSc (Hons) Environmental Health Practitioner Apprenticeship Degree, for which you will be entitled to paid study time to complete; this is linked to the national apprenticeship scheme. You will have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, learning and developing new skills whilst building your confidence along the way.

As you learn and develop your skills and knowledge, you will: help respond to complaints and enquiries, support officers on inspections and investigations; liaise with members of the public, colleagues and external agencies, assist with proactive compliance work and projects; assist officers by taking evidence such as samples and photos; accurately record your actions and optimise the data management system; and support officers to evidence and enforce compliance with the various standards and regulations that protect public health.

We welcome applicants across the board particularly those with an interest in the future of Herefordshire. You don’t need any regulatory work experience, but will need to demonstrate a willingness to learn, demonstrate good communication and IT skills and have grade 4/C or above in English and Maths GCSE (or other level 2 equivalent) and 96 UCAS points (typically at least grades CCC at A – Level or Level 3 equivalent) with a minimum of one science or technology-based subject i.e. Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Nutrition, Food Science or similar. You must also meet the requirements to be eligible for an apprenticeship.

Successful candidates will be offered the support to achieve their professional qualification with the ultimate aim of becoming a CIEH registered Environmental Health Practitioner. If you have the ability to engage with businesses, stakeholders, councillors, and members of public in a customer focused and professional manner and possess strong organisation skills to help manage your own case workload your application is strongly encouraged.

If you would like an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Charles Yarnold - Environmental Health Service Manager, on 01432 260765 or via email: cyarnold@herefordshire.gov.uk

We welcome applicants whatever their personal characteristics or social identity. All requests for flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments will be considered. 

The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for: 
•             Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme;
•             Those who indicate in their supporting statement that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant; and 
•             Those who indicate in their supporting statement that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care. 
               
Benefits with Herefordshire Council 
•             Holidays: 25 days per year, increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service 
•             Pension: LGS pension scheme 
•             Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts. 
•             We also offer an employee assistance programme that means you will have access to confidential support and advice if you ever need it. 

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for more details of this role. 

To apply, please submit your CV along with a supporting statement, referring to the job description and person specification, detailing how you meet the specific requirements of the role.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you would like to obtain details regarding feedback on your application please contact Hoople Resourcing at: enquiries@hoopleresourcing.co.uk