Environmental Health Practitioner Apprentice

Through experiential learning and training the successful candidate will learn about, and become competent in investigating and regulating, a range of environmental protection functions in a local authority setting, including:

Statutory nuisance and anti-social behaviour complaints, e.g., noise, bonfires, artificial lighting, odours, etc. Air quality and smoke control Animal activities licensing, animal control & stray dog services Waste accumulations Pest control Drainage Filthy and verminous properties Unauthorised encampments Environmental Permitting Environmental considerations linked to planning and licensing applications

The candidate will enjoy a varied and interesting, but sometimes also challenging, workload.  Working both in and out of the office, the candidate will initially focus on supporting the work of the team but progress towards managing their own caseload as their knowledge, skills, and experiences progress too.

Working alongside our Food and Safety Team, the successful candidate will also have access to other core environmental health areas, such as food safety, private water supplies, infectious disease control, skin piercing and health and safety, as well as those carried out by the council’s Private Sector Housing Team.

Daily duties:

Assist officers with investigations, inspections, regulatory enforcement visits, audits, and service requests, undertaking tasks as directed To create and maintain written and/or computer records that are accurate, timely and in line with procedures To make records whilst on site and provide feedback to officers on key observations Communicate effectively on the phone/face to face/in writing with all customers, colleagues, and stakeholders (i.e., the public, local businesses/traders, council officers, etc.) on relevant areas of work Assist in the preparation of case files, reports, correspondence, animal activities licences and preparation of data analysis As experience is gained, to lead on the above, to carry and manage own caseload of reactive and pre-programmed work. Attend and participate in tutorials, meetings and other training as required for the apprenticeships, personal development or service need. Record information and feedback as directed Successful complete each academic section of the course as specified by the course tutors Assist with any other duties commensurate with the post as directed To follow corporate policies, procedures and legal responsibilities To be aware of and exercise personal and corporate responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act and other related matters

Training:
Level 6 (BsC Hons) Environmental Practitioner Degree Day release at University Centre Weston Off the job training Work based learning assessment Block release in year 1 BSc (Hons) degree in Environmental Health/BSc (Hons) degree in Environmental Science

Training Outcome:

Possible future prospects include opportunities for career progression within the Council and continued professional development/ qualification training with the CIEH in pursuance of becoming a:

Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner Registered Environmental Health Practitioner Registered Food Safety Practitioner

Employer Description:
Gravesham Borough Council provides a range of services to over 106,000 people and 4,000 businesses. The Borough of Gravesham, situated in the Northwest corner of Kent, covers 25,000 acres of the most varied countryside in south east England. Bordered by the River Thames to the north, it is at the heart of Thames Gateway and has a significant role to play in the regeneration of a major government growth area. Gravesham Borough Council is committed to delivering to the community and working with us means you are part of delivering the level of growth and improvement our community needs and deserves.

Working Hours :
Monday - Friday. Shift times to be confirmed. Unpaid lunch break.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Customer care skills,Problem solving skills,Team working,Polite and keen to learn,Practically minded,Outstanding work ethic,Excellent timekeeping,Adapt to different situations,Empathy and integrity