Environmental Control Officer

Overview

Are you passionate about protecting communities? We are looking for an Environmental Control Officer to join our Environmental Health Service and play a key role in delivering a high-quality, customer-focused environmental protection service across Buckinghamshire.

This is an exciting opportunity to investigate environmental issues, respond to noise and nuisance complaints, assess Section 61 applications under the Control of Pollution Act 1974, and work closely with colleagues, residents, businesses and partner agencies to ensure compliance with environmental legislation. The role offers a varied workload, combining regulatory, advisory and enforcement activities that make a real difference to local communities.

About us

Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally. 

The Environmental Protection Team is part of Buckinghamshire Council's Transport & Regulatory Services within the Communities directorate. We are committed to protecting and enhancing the local environment by tackling noise, nuisance and pollution issues, supporting sustainable development, and providing expert advice to residents, businesses and partner organisations.

Working collaboratively across the council and with external agencies, the team delivers responsive and effective environmental health services that help improve quality of life for Buckinghamshire residents. We are a supportive team that values innovation, professionalism and continuous improvement, encouraging colleagues to develop their expertise while contributing to positive environmental outcomes across the county.

About the role

As an Environmental Control Officer, you will manage a diverse caseload covering environmental protection matters. A significant aspect of the role will involve assessing Section 61 applications associated with planned works on Buckinghamshire's highway network and supporting the Council's Lane Rental Scheme. You will also investigate complaints, undertake enforcement activities and assess licensing and planning consultations.

You will work closely with residents, businesses, elected members and partner agencies to achieve compliance and resolve environmental issues. The role requires sound professional judgement, strong investigative skills and the ability to communicate effectively in challenging situations. You will also contribute to service improvements, maintain accurate records, provide technical advice and support the wider Environmental Health service when required.

Mobile:

A ‘mobile’ role gives you the flexibility to schedule your own diary, so you can meet with colleagues and clients in a variety of locations. You’ll access digital folders and resources on your laptop and be able to use the network wherever you are based. Working from home will be common, as well as meeting your team in the office where necessary.

 

About you

We are looking for a motivated and professional environmental health practitioner with experience in environmental protection and regulatory services. You will have a strong understanding of environmental legislation, particularly relating to noise, statutory nuisance and pollution control, alongside the ability to investigate complaints, gather evidence and take appropriate enforcement action where necessary.

The successful candidate will possess excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills, enabling them to build effective relationships with residents, businesses and partner organisations. You will be confident managing competing priorities, working independently and handling sensitive or complex situations with professionalism and integrity.

You should hold a relevant degree-level qualification or professional qualification, have experience of working within an environmental health or related regulatory environment, and be committed to delivering excellent customer service while supporting Buckinghamshire Council's values of being Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy. A full driving licence is essential for this role.

Other information

For more information about this role, please contact Charlie Robinson, Environmental Protection Team Leader at [email protected] for an informal discussion.

Closing date: Friday 17th July 2026

Interview Date: W/c 27 July 2026

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent convictions and conditional cautions
• All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020 and 2023).

For further information on filtering please refer to Nacro guidance and the guidance published by the Ministry of Justice (see, in particular, the section titled ‘Exceptions Order’).

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

About the Business Unit

Our Communities directorate works across the county to deliver a number of the key customer-facing services that our residents, businesses and visitors rely on every day. 

This directorate includes a wide range of services, including:

• collecting and disposing of waste and recycling
• maintaining our roads and Rights of Way network and parking
• ensuring the delivery of school transport, and supporting sustainable travel including public bus services and School Crossing Patrollers
• managing Country Parks
• leisure facilities, museums, theatres and libraries, as well as developing our Cultural Strategy
• Licensing, Environmental Health and Trading Standards
• Cemeteries and Crematoria

The customer is central to how we develop and deliver all of these services, which help promote our rich and vibrant culture and special environment. 

We are looking for enthusiastic, ambitious and committed individuals to join our team and help us to continue to make Buckinghamshire a great place to live, work and visit. This is an exciting time for us as we bring together the services previously run by five separate councils before Buckinghamshire Council was created. Whilst making major changes to contracts affecting residents across Bucks, we continue to focus on delivering great customer service. You will join us on our journey of continuous improvement - whether that’s through developing strategies and ways of working or delivering services on the ground, every person in Communities is a valued member of the team.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/