Environmental Health Officer – Pollution & Nuisance – AR

Job Details

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

You will:

  • 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:
    • Commercial waste and rubbish accumulation (including hazardous waste)
    • Pest and vermin issues in commercial premises
    • 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