Environmental Health Technical Assistant (Public Sector)

Job Description

Environmental Health Technical Assistant


VANRATH are recruiting a Environmental Health Technical Assistant to work for a large Public Sector Organisation, initially on a contract for 6 months with the possibility of extension.

Remuneration:
£28,226 to £30,095 plus benefits

Responsibilities:
The post holder will be responsible to the Environmental Health Manager within the Public Health and Housing Section for the provisions of an advisory, inspection and control service in relation to rodent and other infestations. The post holder will be required to assist with sampling and other general duties within the scope of an Environmental Health Department as well as perform other responsibilities specific to the post. The post holder will also be required to deal directly with various statutory and non-statutory organisations and members of the general public in relation to a wide variety of Environmental Health Issues.

  • To investigate complaints and survey premises for infestation of rodents, insects and other pests and provide expert advice in the implementation of suitable control measures and prepare statutory notices as required
  • To assist Environmental Health Officers by carrying out specific duties, such as undertaking drainage investigations and public health complaints, including completion of all necessary administrative tasks. Also to provide support to other teams within Environmental Health Protection and Development where expert advice on pest control is required
  • To carry out and/or advise on infestation treatments on Council properties, and to proactively survey Council owned land and buildings to ensure adequate control of pests
  • To prepare witness statements, and appear as an expert witness on behalf of the Council in connection with the functions of the post
  • To purchase and maintain a stock of equipment and pesticides required to carry out the post effectively. Ensuring the secure storage, use and disposal of all insecticides, rodenticides and sampling equipment
  • To maintain and carry out bacteriological and chemical sampling programmes of food, shellfish, water and swimming pools and report any findings to the Environmental Health Manager. Provide technical advice to pool operators and report to the Environmental Health Manager, where legal action may be required
  • To participate in the training of BSc Environmental Health Degree students and others as required
  • To communicate directly and indirectly (including providing advice and assistance) with members of the public, other Council Officers, Councillors, MLAs, MPs, local and national media (under guidance from the Councils Communications Team), and various statutory and non-statutory bodies, and to deal with potentially confrontational situations that arise as a result, in accordance with Council policy
  • To comply with and promote equality, health and safety in accordance with Council Policies and legal requirements
  • To undertake any other appropriate duties as may be allocated from time to time in accordance with the general nature of the post



The Ideal Person:

  • Must possess a degree or diploma in a relevant field e.g. Environmental Health.

OR

  • Have a minimum of two years' experience of working in a technical pest control role and be willing to undertake further qualifications/training to meet the requirements of the post, if necessary
  • A minimum of 6 months' experience working in a technical pest control related field
  • High level of written and verbal communication skills
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Basic knowledge of relevant legislation & enforcement practices
  • Must be capable to carry out physically demanding duties in challenging environmental conditions
  • Be prepared to work outside normal office hours including early mornings, evenings, late nights, statutory holidays and weekends as required to fulfil the duties of the post
  • A valid driving licence with access to a form of transport that will allow fulfilment of the duties of the post or have access to a suitable form of transport



For further information on this vacancy, or any other Built Environment job in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Chris Haddock for a confidential discussion