Introduction
Are you looking for a career that combines science, investigation, problem solving and public service? Would you like to earn a salary while studying for a professional degree and building a rewarding career?
Herefordshire Council is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated apprentice to join our Environmental Health Regulatory Services team. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain a fully funded Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) accredited BSc (Hons) Environmental Health Practitioner Degree through University Central Weston, while working in a professional regulatory work environment.
Environmental Health Practitioners play a vital role in protecting public health, improving living and working conditions, supporting local businesses, and helping communities thrive. Through a combination of education, advice, investigation and enforcement, we tackle issues ranging from nuisance and pollution to housing conditions, food safety and wider public health concerns.
As an apprentice, you will benefit from a structured four-year programme that combines university study with workplace hands-on learning, giving you the skills, knowledge and experience required to become a qualified Environmental Health Practitioner. Working across Herefordshire’s market towns, rural communities and Hereford City, you'll gain valuable experience while helping to make a real difference to the lives of Herefordshire’s residents, businesses and visitors.
The Role
This is a unique "earn while you learn" opportunity, combining practical work experience with a fully funded (CIEH) accredited BSc (Hons) Environmental Health Practitioner Degree through University Central Weston. The working week will be split between study and work - One day a week (20%) University study day – optional online or in person delivered courses with occasional requirement to attend in-person for practical studies. For the remaining four days (80%) the successful applicant will be assigned to a work role predominantly in the Environmental Health Community Protection team to deliver a wide range of services including; public health, noise nuisance, anti-social behaviour, environmental and nuisance protection, investigations and consultations, with additional opportunities to work in the other specialism areas; housing standards, food safety, health and safety at work, environmental protection teams.
Within the supportive and experienced team, you will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to progress towards becoming a qualified and professionally registered Environmental Health Practitioner. The fixed term role forms part of a career-graded pathway that supports progression from Apprentice to Graduate level.
What will you be doing?
As an Apprentice Environmental Health Practitioner, no two days will be the same. While complete your Environmental Health Practitioner Degree studies you will work alongside experienced officers in the workplace learning, applying academic knowledge to real- world environmental health challenges. As a member of the team you will assist in; responding to complaints and enquiries working towards managing your own initial enquiry and investigation caseload; support officers on inspections and investigations; liaise with members of the public, colleagues, Councillors and external agencies; assist with proactive compliance work and projects; assist officers by taking evidence such as samples and photos; maintain accurate records and use council systems to support investigations and decision making; support officers to evidence and enforce compliance with the various standards and regulations that protect public health, and safety.
About You
We're looking for someone with enthusiasm, curiosity, dedication and a genuine interest in protecting public health and making a positive difference within local communities.
You will:
- Be self-motivated to learn and develop new skills.
- Have excellent communication skills and enjoy working with a wide range of people.
- Be organised and able to manage competing priorities in both the workplace and course.
- Have good IT and written skills.
- Enjoy problem solving and investigating issues.
- Be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity and a commitment to public service.
- Be able to travel throughout Herefordshire and, where necessary, work outside normal office hours.
- Be eligible for the apprenticeship. You will need: Grade 4/C or above in GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent Level 2 qualifications). Have equivalent of 80 UCAS points (typically equivalent to grades CDD at A-Level or a Level 3 qualification), including at least one science or technology-related subject. (See job description)
- Eligibility to undertake an apprenticeship programme.
We Offer
A competitive salary, holiday entitlement, and access to our contributory pension and staff benefits scheme, which includes:
- Salary range of £25,989 - £32,061 – Four-year fixed-term education and career development role, with training, mentoring and support.
- Full-time paid employment - split into 20% allocated study and 80% appointed work role.
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress
- Annual Leave: 31 days’ annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays. You can also purchase an additional 10 days per annum during the request period
- Flexible working: including the potential for job-sharing, part-time hours and agile working.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 access to support and counselling
- Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements)
- Pick your perks – our benefits include access to a range of retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits. This includes savings, cash back and discounts.
Why Choose Us?
We're proud and excited to unveil our new recruitment video, a celebration of Herefordshire's people, places, and purpose. Set in the heart of England and filled with pride, compassion and possibility, the video brings to life what it means to work somewhere you truly belong.
At Herefordshire Council, every role matters and every person makes a real difference for our communities. We’re a team where people feel valued, supported and empowered to grow together.
Herefordshire is big hearted, welcoming and friendly. We have strong and independent communities and idyllic countryside, situated in the South West Midlands and bordering Wales. The county sits between Worcestershire and the Malvern Hills to the east, and Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons) in Wales to the west.
Historically Herefordshire has been the gateway to the Marches. We embrace partnership working. We are a member of the Marches Forward Partnership, which is a cross border collaboration between Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, Powys and Shropshire who are collectively working to secure funding to invest in the region.
The council priorities over the next four years are set out in the Council Plan, with four main areas;
People: We will enable residents to realise their potential, to be healthy and to be part of great communities who support each other. We want all children to have the best start in life.
Place: We will protect and enhance our environment and ensure that Herefordshire is a great place to live. We will support the right housing in the right place, we will support access to green spaces and we will do everything we can to recover the health of our rivers.
Growth: We will create the conditions to deliver sustainable growth across the county; attracting inward investment, building business confidence, creating jobs, enabling housing development along with providing the right infrastructure.
Transformation: We will be an efficient council that embraces best practice, delivers innovation through technology and demonstrates value for money.
Don’t meet all parts of the job description?
Herefordshire Council is committed to strengthening a diverse and inclusive work environment which reflects the communities of Herefordshire. If you are looking at the next stage of your career and have a broad base of fieldwork experience, we can provide supportive and welcoming opportunities to help you develop your professional, management & supervisory skills.
Reasonable Adjustments
Our recruitment process runs in partnership with Hoople Resourcing. If you require any reasonable adjustments or alternative methods for the online application process, please contact the resourcing team by email: [email protected].
Creating an inclusive workplace
We encourage our employees to feel empowered and to use their voices to help embrace diversity, promote inclusivity and shape our organisation. We have eight employee network groups, collectives of colleagues who often share identities, life experiences or cultures and offer support and community. They also play an important role in strengthening the voices of employees at Herefordshire Council. Embedded in the Council's values is a commitment to listen to people's views and needs.
For more information on our Employee Network Groups please view our dedicated recruitment website: www.spiritofherefordshire.com.
Commitments, Covenants and Statutory Obligations
The following candidates will be interviewed if they meet the essential criteria for the post they are applying for:
- Those who indicate that they have a disability. This is part of our commitment to the “Disability Confident” scheme.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are an Armed Forces Veteran or Reservist. This is part of our pledge to support the Armed Forces Covenant.
- Those who indicate in their application that they are a Herefordshire care leaver. This is part of our commitment to supporting young people leaving our care.
We take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults seriously and expect all of our staff, visitors and volunteers to share in this commitment.
How to apply
To apply for a position, please upload an up-to-date CV and complete the application form demonstrating your experience, skills and abilities for the role.
For more information or to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Elisabeth Laughland, Regulatory Service Manager (01432 261676) or email [email protected] .
For more information on degree course see website - Environmental Health Practitioner BSc (Hons) (Degree Apprenticeship) - University Centre Weston
Environmental health career information see Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) webpage - What is Environmental Health? Roles, impact and careers explained
Be sure to include reference to the job description and person specification or role profile! If you are successfully shortlisted, Hoople Resourcing will contact you via email to arrange your interview and/or assessment. They will confirm the date, time and location of your interview, so please keep an eye on your email inbox - check your spam/ junk folder too. Good luck, we’re looking forward to meeting you!