Job title: Technical Officer Environmental Health( Commercial) / Directorate: Places
Post number: PLTE3120 / Division: Technical & Environment Services
Grade:5/6/7 / Section/team: Environmental Health (Commercial)
Overall purpose of job:
Protect, improve and promote the health of North Lincolnshire’s residents by ensuring that risks from the environment are controlled or eliminated by influencing the behaviour of individuals and organisations in accordance with statutory requirements and the Council’s agreed priorities.
Post holders will be expected to be flexible in undertaking the duties and responsibilities attached to their post and may be asked to perform other duties, which reasonably correspond to the general character of the post and are commensurate with its level of responsibility.
Main Responsibilities
Lower Grade
  1. Provide technical support and assistance to the Environmental Health (Commercial) team in the practical implementation of:-
  2. Integrated Pollution Prevention & Control (IPPC)
  3. Contaminated Land Strategy and identification of Contaminated Land
  4. Air Quality, Noise & Statutory Nuisance
  5. Development Management and Licensing consultations
  6. To organise or undertake monitoring, surveying, sampling and measurement of environmental pollutants including domestic and commercial/industrial noise, nitrogen dioxide, PM10 dust, PAH, landfill gas etc., arrange repeat visits of specialist contractors and the replacement and repair of equipment as directed.
  7. Carrying out under supervision, the day to day operation of the air quality monitoring network, acting as a point of contact for consultants and engineers, responding to calibration issues and identifying and remedying faults.

  1. Carrying out under supervision, the initial screening of planning and licensing applications to assess their likely environmental impacts.
  2. Taking initial enquiries from service users via the telephone, email and face to face and providing advice and information.
  3. Carrying out under supervision, a programme of inspections of a range of low risk premises/land to secure compliance with legislation and to promote improvements in compliance through personal contact.
  4. Assist with revisits to check on compliance with formal and informal notices, the preliminary investigation of complaints and incidents and to assist with general duties in relation to domestic, commercial and industrial premises.
  5. The interpretation of robust data including comparison against relevant objectives and standards for consideration by Environmental Health staff.
  6. To assist in the organisation of liaison forums and meetings between regulators, health professionals, academics and local industry to encourage the sharing of good practice and knowledge to bring about environmental improvements in North Lincolnshire and compliance with air quality objectives.
  7. Use information technology and other methods (as directed) to maintain all necessary records and databases, interrogate data to produce environmental reports, enable the preparation and submission of statistical returns, the compilation of management information.
  8. To develop and maintain appropriate scientific, technical and professional knowledge and skills by undertaking continuous training and development and act as a full member of the Environmental Health (Commercial) Team and contribute to team meetings.
Middle Grade
At the middle grade, the post holder will maintain and have a greater responsibility for the above duties and will have the necessary knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications to operate with a greater degree of autonomy under the general direction of an Environmental Protection Officer.
At the middle grade, the post holder will be expected to do all the above, in addition to the following:-
12.Carrying out a programme of inspections of a range of low and medium risk Part B premises to secure compliance with legislation and to promote improvements in compliance through personal contact.
13.Under supervision, draft and interpret technical documents including permits, environmental assessments, planning reports and legal notices.
14.Under supervision, investigate pollution incidents and complaints relating to Environmental Protection issues including preparation and service of statutory notices, preparation of witness statements, preparation of documents for legal proceedings and attendance in court. Enforcement duties shall be carried out in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
15.To continue to develop and maintain a high level of appropriate scientific, technical and professional knowledge and skills by undertaking continuous training and development and act as a full member of the Environmental Health (Commercial) Team and contribute to team meetings.
Higher Grade
At the higher grade, the post holder will maintain and have a greater responsibility for the above duties and will have the necessary knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications to operate independentlyacross a range of environmental protection disciplines.
At the higher grade, the post holder will be expected to do all the above, in addition to the following:-
16.To regulate emissions from industrial installations through the Environmental Permitting Regulations.
17.Draft and interpret technical documents including permits, environmental assessments, planning reports and legal notices.
18.Investigate pollution incidents and complaints relating to Environmental Protection issues including preparation and service of statutory notices, preparation of witness statements, preparation of documents for legal proceedings and attendance in court, Public Inquiries, Planning, Licensing and other Council Committees. Enforcement duties shall be carried out in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
19.To further develop and maintain a high level of appropriate scientific, technical and professional knowledge and skills by undertaking continuous training and development and act as a full member of the Environmental Health (Commercial) Team and contribute to team meetings.
Knowledge, skills and experience
Lower Grade
  1. A relevant degree in a scientific or environmental discipline and minimum of GCSE equivalent in maths and English.
  2. Ability to undertake pollution and noise monitoring.
  3. Accurate and numerate with good attention to detail.
  4. Good organisational skills.
  5. Computer literate with experience of different software packages, including spreadsheets and their functions (Excel), databases and E-mail.
  6. Active interest in pollution control and environmental protection issues.
  7. Able to demonstrate good customer care skills.
  8. Hold a full and valid UK driving licence.
  9. Good verbal and written communication skills
  10. Able to meet tight deadlines/work under pressure.

Knowledge, skills and experience (cont.)
Middle Grade
In addition to all of the above:-
  1. Has a minimum of 12 months relevant work experience or holds an additional relevant qualification or e.g. IOA Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement, LAQM: Introduction to Contaminated Land Management, Introduction to Environmental Permitting Regime.
  2. Competent in the use of a scientific calculator.
  3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills including confidence to answer the telephone and face to face enquiries.
  4. Computer literate with experience of different software packages including advanced level excel, familiarity with the use of ‘Openair’, DMRB and Microsoft Office.
  5. Knowledge of pollutants and other environmental issues and their impact on health.
  6. Ability to carry out the investigation, mediation and resolution of technical complaints and pollution incidents with members of the public and the business community including in conflict/enforcement situations
  7. Ability to carry out the review of technical and scientific documents, identify deficiencies and appraise colleagues within the team.
  8. Experience of team working and working on own initiative.
  9. Able to meet tight deadlines/work under pressure and multi task during and outside core working hours with a well-developed understanding of risk based methods for determining day to day priorities.
  10. Knowledge of PACE Codes of Practice and rules governing evidence gathering.
Higher Grade
In addition to all of the above:-
  1. Detailed knowledge of a range of environmental protection disciplines.
  2. Experience of dealing with members of the public and businesses in a range of potential conflict situations.
  3. An understanding of pollution issues from industrial sites.
  4. Experience of reviewing technical and scientific documents, identify deficiencies and make recommendations on action and mitigation measures to protect the environment and public health.
  5. Well-developed skills to undertake the investigation, mediation and resolution of technical complaints and pollution incidents with members of the public and the business community including in conflict / enforcement situations.
  6. Well-developed verbal communication skills including the ability to diffuse conflict situations. Excellent written communication skills with high level of attention to detail. Good presentation skills.

Creativity and innovation
Lower Grade
•Carry out risk assessments for a variety of working situations
•Assess potential environmental impacts of planning applications with reference to internal procedures and then taking considered view.
•Using office and field based information technology to research collate and interpret data forming initial recommendations against established standards and objectives for further consideration by colleagues.
•Researching, preparing written reports, letters and inspection reports using templates
•Identifying, consulting and working with colleagues, other officers and external organisations to resolve problems.
Middle Grade
In addition to all of the above:-
•Under supervision preparing statutory notices, reports and similar as required to deal with a wide variety of problems.
•Identify by inspection and investigation breaches of statutory offences.
•Resolving conflict and potentially contentious situations through consultation and negotiation.
•Ability to respond and show rational quick thinking when conducting interviews to question offenders and gather evidence in accordance with Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984 to establish offences and possible defences.
Higher Grade
In addition to all of the above:-
  • Complex problem solving, locating information, determining the most appropriateresolution to complaints and incidents, utilise the full range of available legal remedies in a practical way, including giving advice and prosecution.
•Pursuing legal proceedings including briefing legal representatives, preparation of court files and information and appearing in court as an expert witness.
•Identify by inspection and investigation breaches of statutory offences including determining statutory nuisances.
•Identifying, consulting and working with colleagues, other officers and external organisations to resolve complex situations.
•Conducting interviews and evidence gathering in accordance with Police & Criminal Evidence Act 1984
Contacts and Relationships
Lower Grade
In order to carry out the functions of the post it is necessary to influence attitudes and behaviour and enforce statutory requirements as necessary. In particular:-
  1. Colleagues in the team and other parts of the council (daily) – communicating, advising, providing or obtaining information and working in partnership.
  2. General public (daily) – receiving requests for service / complaints, advising.
  3. Other sections members – supporting, advising, exchanging information and knowledge, communicating and sharing workload.
  4. External bodies, agencies and contractors (monthly) – supporting, advising, fact finding, and signposting clients.
Middle Grade
In addition to all of the above:-
  1. Colleagues in the team and other parts of the council (daily) – negotiating, motivating, influencing, instructing.
  2. General public (daily) – fact-finding, interviewing, persuading, negotiating, educating, mediating and enforcing.
  3. Elected members and parish councillors (monthly) – supporting, receiving requests for service/complaints, advising, educating and influencing.
  4. External bodies and agencies (monthly) – supporting, advising, fact finding, motivating, influencing, persuading and signposting clients.
  5. Offenders (daily) –cautioning, taking appropriate enforcement action against and ensuring their compliance. These situations may be quite contentious, requiring the use of tact and diplomacy.
  6. Statutory Consultees – fact finding, obtaining and interpreting information.
Higher Grade
In addition to all of the above:-
11. Offenders (monthly) – formal interviewing under PACE conditions
12. Members of the public and businesses – dealing with a range of potential conflict situations, which may be contentious and complex, requiring the use of tact and diplomacy.
13.Magistrates, Court Clerks, Government Inspectors, offenders -Pursuing legal proceedings including briefing legal representatives, preparation of court files and information and appearing in court as an expert witness
Decision making
Lower Grade
  • Prioritising own workload from daily incoming work in response to changing and conflicting demands.
  • Interprets robust data including comparison against relevant objectives and standards for consideration by Environmental Health staff.
  • Assess/determine potential environmental impacts of planning applications with reference to internal procedures and then taking considered view.
Middle Grade
In addition to all of the above:-
  • Determining the existence of minor offences and service of legal notices
  • Determine the most appropriate method of resolution, including the most appropriate legal powers, time limits for compliance and the parties responsible for taking action.
  • Recommending the next course of action to secure compliance e.g. prosecution/simple caution in accordance with the Places Enforcement Policy.
Higher Grade
In addition to all of the above:-
  • Determining the existence of statutory nuisances, service of legal notices, contravention of abatement notices and the most appropriate method of resolution, including the most appropriate legal powers, time limits for compliance and the parties responsible for taking action.
  • Negotiation with those responsible for statutory contraventions to achieve a mutually acceptable resolution.
  • Determining whether environmental reports are sufficient to approve planning applications with or without planning conditions and applications for discharge of planning conditions and advising Development Management accordingly.

Responsibility for Resources:

Sole responsibility –

  • For own personal safety equipment and ancillary items such as a mobile phone and digital camera, estimated value of up to £100, whilst away from the office 30% of the time.
Shared responsibility -
  • For sound level meters, matrons and air quality monitoring equipment interview equipment, evidence & keys. Estimated value of up to £5,000.
  • Time spent in the office is dependant of the balance of reactive and proactive demands but generally ranges from approximately 40% out of the office and 60% office based.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work Demands
Lower Grade
  • An individual must prioritise their own workload, which will fluctuate. There is pressure to meet deadlines and time limits in which the proactiveaspects of the job are carried out. Routine duties are always liable to be interrupted by unforeseen demands on the service and the post holder is responsible for rearranging work patterns in order to meet emergency situations where these arise.
Middle Grade
In addition to all of the above:-
  • The individual will be required to manage a workload, some of which will include statutory deadlines. Tasks will involve dealing with a wider range of contacts placing a higher level of demand upon them albeit it in respect of low to medium risk inspections and complaints.
Higher Grade
In addition to all of the above:-
  • The external environment and its impact on service users and the public and the competing demands of commercial organisations will dictate priorities and consequently the post holder will be required to balancecomplex and conflicting priorities. The individual will need to continually risk assess their workload to ensure they are assigned the appropriate response. Balancing the need to achieve inspection targets with the carrying out of fair and thorough investigation in accordance with judicial rules.
  • Access to animmediate line manager will not always be available.

Physical Demands:
  • The job demands walking, climbing, sitting, squatting, standing and driving, use of a keyboard and lifting and movement of goods/items during inspections. Lifting of noise and sampling equipment is also required. At times equipment may need to be carried on to locations where surveillance and monitoring work is required.
  • The investigation and inspection of premises/monitoring locations may require the examination of difficult to access areas. These would include, during inspections, working platforms in manufacturing premises, visiting building sites, confined spaces and the requirement to survey large sites for contaminated land assessment and across rough ground where personal safety is an issue.

Working Conditions:
  • The job is part office based and requires some mobile working, visiting commercial and industrial premises, and members of the public in their own homes or other locations.
  • Locations may pose a risk of physical injury e.g. building work in progress, hazardous substances, manufacturing processes or activities, Potentially/statutory contaminated land sites.
  • Working at height and in confined spaces.
  • Exposure to litter and fly tipped rubbish, noise, dust, strong odours.
  • Visits may be undertaken at night and or in inclement weather.
  • Appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided.

Work Context
Lower Grade
  • The job involves lone working when visiting a range of domestic and commercial premises. Some sites can be in remote locations where personal safety may be an issue. Lone working procedures are in place.
  • Exposure to risks from working in confined spaces and often at height, exposure to litter and fly tipped rubbish, noise, dust, strong odours.
  • Premises may pose a risk of physical injury e.g. building works in progress, work place site traffic, hazardous processes or equipment, variable ground conditions and hazardous substances such as asbestos. Monitoring of environmental pollutants may involve contact with the same.
Middle/Higher Grade
In addition to all of the above:-
  • Contact will be made with a range of clients on a face to face basis, who are often sensitive, emotional, aggressive or abusive. Clients may be elderly, infirm, under the influence of drugs or other substances or exhibit challenging behaviour. They may be affected by the risk of prosecution, or be affected by their interaction with the service.
  • Work can result in significant expense for businesses and this can lead to protracted negotiation and conflict.

Position in organisation:

Indicate how many staff the post is directly accountable for:
Are posts in more than one location? Yes N
Is the supervision/management shared with another post in the structure? Yes  No 
Please indicate which post(s) ______