Job Profile - Dave

What made you apply for the position?

Having worked in a supporting role within the Environmental Protection team for a number of years I was always very keen to progress my career within that same field. Thus, when a vacancy arose potentially allowing such advancement I made an application and was fortunate enough to be successful at interview.

Outline your typical working day:

One of the most attractive aspects of the post is the huge variety of work undertaken, much of it unpredictable. Thus, a typical working day is difficult to pin down.
My time is split between office duties and investigations/inspections out in the District. I might be called on to deal with technical issues such as nuisance complaints, inspection and permitting of polluting industrial processes and environmental monitoring. Equally, I could be carrying out more "managerial" functions providing advice and support to team members, developing procedures or undertaking formal enforcement.
As a result of this diversity of duties the role involves contact with a massive range of organisations and individuals - for example, government departments, Parish Councils, Managing Directors, Environment Agency, members of the public, licensees, Housing Associations, workmen, other Council departments and many others.

What do you like about your job?

On an altruistic level, it is exceptionally satisfying to be able, at the end of the working day, to have truly achieved outcomes that genuinely benefit either individuals or the local community as a whole.

Best thing about your job?

The variety and responsibility. One telephone call can entirely alter the priorities of your day and require you to steer a course through an issue that may be entirely unfamiliar at the outset. That requirement to be responsive and flexible genuinely stretches you.

What specific skills are needed?

At an absolute premium is common sense. Other essential requirements include an organised nature, negotiating skills, a technical background, an ability to present sometimes complex arguments in straightforward terms, tact, diplomacy, assertiveness and a genuine desire to solve problems.

Any qualifications needed?

The profession is overseen by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) that sets out the following requirements:-

• an accredited BSc or MSc in Environmental Health
• successful completion of an Experiential Learning Portfolio (usually undertaken over a 1-year period during a first degree course)
• successful completion of written and verbal professional examinations.