Job Description

Some key information
We are seeking Food Safety Officer/Environmental Health Officer posts to fulfil a range of duties within the Food & Safety Team. We would also consider job share depending on suitable applicants.

• Grade SOM 10 37,280 to 41,771 per annum (pro rata for part time hours).
• Permanent contract.
• Offices at Taunton, Bridgwater, Shepton Mallet, Yeovil as required.
• 2 x Full time (37 hours per week) and 1 x 0.6 FTE (22.2 hours per week).
• 30 days annual leave.

Somerset Council's Environmental Health team is a busy, multi-disciplinary team covering health and safety, food safety, environmental protection and private sector housing. An exciting opportunity for enthusiastic, hardworking and experienced Environmental Health professionals has become available within the Food & Safety team.
What will I be doing?
We're working to improve the lives of people in Somerset - and you'll be a key part of that.
You will be expected to carry out a range of food hygiene inspections, food complaint and infectious disease/outbreak investigations as well as accidents and health and safety complaint investigations. You will have an important role in offering advice and guidance to businesses to achieve compliance with food safety and health and safety law, and to take relevant enforcement action when necessary to protect public health.
What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?
We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be.
You will need to be organised, self-motivated and an excellent team player. A good knowledge of relevant legislation and any associated codes of practice/guidance is required for this role, and experience of inspecting a range of premises and investigating complaints is essential.
You must have good verbal and written communication skills and be competent to deal with complex case work, taking enforcement action where necessary. We are looking for applicants who can demonstrate an adaptable and flexible approach, a positive attitude and an ability to work on your own initiative.
You will possess one of the following:

• A Degree in Environmental Health
• A Diploma in Environmental Health (or historical equivalent) from EHRB or REHIS
• The CIEH Advanced Professional Certificate in Food Hygiene and Standards Control (APC)
• The CIEH or EHRB Higher Certificate in Food Control
• The Higher Certificate in Official Control awarded by the Scottish Food Safety Officers Registration Board (SFSORB)

In addition, the candidate must have, or be working towards the following:

• CIEH Environmental Health Practitioner/Food Safety Practitioner Registration (or historical equivalent i.e. EHRB Registration)

Please note: Food Safety Officers will also need to hold a relevant health and safety qualification.
We're proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.
We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there's anything you want to talk about before you apply.
What's in it for me?
We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.
We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.

Anything else I should know?
The salary range for this role is 37,280 to 41,771 per annum (pro rata for part time hours).
If you would like to discuss the role, or have any questions about applying, please contact Emily Vining, Food & Dafety Manager by email: emily.vining@somerset.gov.uk
When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.
If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button - we can't wait to hear from you.
A bit more about Somerset Council
The Council offers flexible and agile working, with excellent technology to support this.
The Council Offices provide a pleasant, comfortable and modern working environment and a fleet of pool cars for use on official business.
Other benefits include payment of professional subscription if required for the role. A relocation allowance may apply if eligible.

Skills Required