Public Protection Officer / Environmental Health Practitioner (Food Safety)

Thanet District Council is looking for an experienced, enthusiastic, conscientious and motivated Food Safety Practitioner to work within our Regulatory Services Department. You will work in a multi-disciplinary role within the Public Protection Team primarily carrying out food safety inspections in the District, with some occupational health and safety and infectious disease control work.

The role provides an excellent opportunity to work and gain experience across multiple areas of Environmental Health.

You will be joining a busy, friendly, supportive and professional team within a forward-thinking and innovative service which is providing its officers with efficient and modern working practices supporting a great work-life balance.

The requirements of the role are:

• To hold the Higher Certificate in Food Control or BSc/MSc level in Environmental Health and to be registered with EHRB and/or a chartered or registered EHP or registered food safety practitioner with the CIEH.
• To instigate enforcement action, when necessary, according to Codes of Practice and Enforcement Policies, including preparing, serving, and enforcing legal notices, cautions and prosecutions relating to multiple areas of Environmental Health within level of authorisation.
• To liaise closely with the public, external partner agencies and internal departments to increase effectiveness of enforcement work.
• To manage a caseload of allocated work to specific timescales and performance targets including programmed food hygiene inspections that fall within the food hygiene ratings scheme. This role includes evening and weekend work.
• The role will involve conducting regular inspections to ensure that legislative requirements are complied with; and to participate in a National Food Hygiene Rating System or equivalent. You will also be required to undertake the investigation of complaints, assess the level of non-compliance and initiate appropriate action. To attend hearings and give evidence at Court, as required.
• This post holder is required to have a full clean UK driving licence and own transport and is essential for travelling around the district.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Emily Whittaker, Senior EHP Public Protection on or