Senior Environmental Health Officer

About the role

The Senior Environmental Health Officer will lead the private‑sector housing team within a progressive local authority. This senior position combines technical expertise, enforcement authority, and leadership to raise standards across the private rented sector.

Key responsibilities

• Supervise up to six officers, including EHOs, housing enforcement officers, surveyors, licensing officers, trainees and apprentices.
• Inspect private rented properties, HMOs and other residential accommodation.
• Assess housing conditions using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and determine appropriate enforcement action.
• Investigate complaints on housing standards, public health, drainage, pest control and licensing breaches.
• Lead complex enforcement cases, support legal proceedings, prosecutions and financial penalties.
• Administer mandatory, additional and selective property licensing schemes.
• Review casework to ensure quality of statutory notices, schedules of work and legal documentation.
• Collaborate with landlords, tenants, managing agents, solicitors, housing providers and partner agencies.
• Deputise for senior managers and lead specialist areas such as fire safety, energy efficiency and empty‑property regulation.

Required profile

• Recognised Environmental Health qualification and registration as an Environmental Health Practitioner, or a relevant degree with substantial private‑sector housing experience.
• Membership of CIEH, CIH or equivalent professional body (or willingness to obtain within six months).
• Successful completion of HHSRS training.

Required skills

• Proficiency with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
• Knowledge of property licensing, HMO regulation and fire‑safety standards.
• Experience in complex enforcement and public‑health investigations.