Job info	Job info details
Job title	Environmental Investigation Officer
Strategic team/Directorate	Adults and Community Services
Service	Community Safety
Business unit	Housing Standards & Environmental Protection
Responsible to (day to day issues)	Senior Environmental Health Officer
Accountable to (line manager)	Housing Standards & Environmental Protection Manager
Salary grade	G
JE ref	JOT12

1. Key purpose of job

• To undertake investigations into a range of environmental issues such as drainage, statutory nuisance, environmental crime, traveller unauthorised encampments and implementing corrective action. 
• To undertake environmental monitoring for the purpose of reducing environmental pollution, e.g., noise, air quality, contaminated land. 
• To assist collaborative working with partners to improve working practices around environmental based issues. 
• To maintain and improve as necessary health, safety and welfare in Torbay, by the enforcement of appropriate legislation and from time to time to assist other Officers within the Division.

2. Anticipated outcomes of post

• The provision of quality services to meet legislative need, the needs of the community and to improve standards in public health, environmental quality and safety. 
• All environmental reports are dealt with in a timely way. 
• That innovative sustainable partnership arrangements exist to ensure the effective delivery of services. 
• To maintain and improve Torbay’s environment by ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and Council policies.

3. List key duties and accountabilities of the post

• As an Employee of Torbay Council all roles are expected to work in a way that ensures vulnerable children and adults are safeguarded and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures. The Designated Senior Lead for Safeguarding is the Chief Executive and Director of Children’s Services. 
• To undertake enforcement action against breaches of legislation and to effectively deal with breaches through a range of enforcement approaches including advice, warnings, service of Notices and Fixed Penalty Notices and/or by prosecutions. 
• To investigate complaints from the public into a range of environmental and statutory nuisance, environmental crime (litter, dog fouling, graffiti etc), traveller issues, insecure properties and implement corrective action as an authorised officer of the Council. 
• Facilitate and or provide ongoing support to victims, witnesses and perpetrators, keeping in regular contact on the progress of the case. 
• To give advice to partner agencies on appropriate interventions. 
• To act as single point of contact when dealing with unauthorised traveller encampments. To ensure that the needs of the Traveller community are met as well as pursuing legal action when appropriate. 
• To respond to incidents of pollution and undertake proactive and reactive sampling/inspection as part of the any monitoring programmes i.e. inspection of authorised processes. 
• To undertake the clearing of blocked drains and private sewers when required. To undertake the investigation of defective drainage, identifying affected properties and to take appropriate action to secure the repair of private sewers and drains. 
• To respond to requests for information associated with contaminated land, air quality, Radon for the purpose of development or acquisition of land or property. 
• To ensure that all evidence and information gathered in the course of investigations are stored and recorded in line with national legislation and legal guidelines. 
• The preparation of case files for prosecution and attending Court to provide evidence where appropriate. 
• To fulfil the Council’s obligations under the National Assistance Act to assist in duties to arrange public burials. 
• To liaise with other service providers from a variety of sectors who impact on the environment and safety to ensure high quality service delivery.
• To ensure the maintenance of stores, plant and equipment used in undertaking the above duties, including the maintenance of environmental monitoring equipment and the safe handling of such equipment. 
• Identify key areas of the Bay where environmental crime and hot spots occur and develop and implement targeted activities to reduce re-offending in consultation with the line manager. 
• To deal with the public both via telephone and face to face during the course of investigations and ensure that the public are kept informed of the progress of their concern/complaint. 
• Liaise with contractors to undertake works in default. 
• To maintain and submit accurate, timely records for the effective performance of duties. 
• To ensure the proper use and care of legal notices and in particular fixed penalty notices and any associated finances received, and ensuring that they are appropriately processed through the Council’s financial and legal systems. 
• To ensure that a customer focussed service is provided that strives to be innovative in its search for continuous improvement. 
• To ensure that Senior Managers are kept aware of all developments requiring their decision and reporting, whenever necessary, as required. 
• To provide the Council’s policy of Customer Care through the provision of a fair, efficient service, clearly explained to our customers and demonstrating a positive attitude in all aspects of work. 
• To ensure that Environmental Protection process documentation and communications (website/social media etc) are periodically reviewed and updated where necessary. 
• To help Torbay Council identify and compete for funding opportunities. 
• To deliver the post requirements in line with service targets, allocated by the manager.

4. Budgetary/Financial Responsibilities of the post

• None. 

5. Supervision/Line Management Responsibilities of the post

• None. 

6. Working environment and conditions of the post

• The role is demand led largely by reactive complaints or environmental sampling requirements and the post-holder will be required to work primarily in the open air, away from the main office base. 
• The post-holder will be required to investigate environmental pollution incidents which may be unpleasant, e.g., raw sewage, blocked drains, very noisy environments, uneven terrain for significant periods, septic tanks, dog fouling, flytipping. 
• The post-holder will be required to enter domestic properties where the occupants are unknown.

7. Physical demands of the post

• Normal physical effort. 

8. Specific resources used by the post

• The post-holder has shared access to a pool/shared van and is expected to use this vehicle for Council duties wherever possible. 
• The post-holder will be responsible for ensuring the repair, maintenance and safe keeping of a variety of allocated resources including hand-held IT equipment, specialist drainage equipment and other onsite environmental equipment such as noise meters. 
• When undertaking national assistance burial work, the post-holder will be responsible for administering the estate of the deceased and making the necessary funeral arrangements, payment of bills, etc. This will include responsibility for any cash found during the search of the deceased’s home and any bank books and other assets of value.

9. Key contacts and relationships

• External - The general public, businesses, residents groups, community groups and voluntary sector. Statutory agencies including Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, Safer Communities Partnership, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Services, the Environment Agency, Torbay Care Trust, Housing Associations, Probation.
• Internal - Community Safety Management Team, Street Wardens, Legal Services, Elected Members, Direct Services and Waste, Registrars.

10. Other duties

• To undertake additional duties as required, commensurate with the level of the job. 
• Due to the nature of the post, it is expected that the post-holder will be flexible as regards working hours/days. Weekend and evening work will be required at times.

Other Information

• All staff must commit to the Workplace Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Practice and Policy. 
• Torbay Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo the checks appropriate to the post applied for. 
• The post holder is expected to work in a way that ensures vulnerable children and adults are safeguarded and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures. And are aware that the Chief Executive and the Director for Children's Services are the Safeguarding Leads for the Council. 
• The post is eligible for both hybrid and permanent home working. 
• As this post meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, all applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a criminal record check (Disclosure) from the Disclosure & Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of ALL cautions, reprimands or final warnings as well as convictions, whether “spent” or “unspent”. Criminal convictions will only be taken into account when they are relevant to the post. 
• The Council operates a Smoke-Free Policy and the post-holder is prohibited from smoking in any of the Council's buildings (including Council owned and Council leased buildings, but excluding designated areas in residential schemes), enclosed spaces within the curtilage of buildings, and Council vehicles. The Council does not permit smoking breaks within work time, however, in services where the flexi-scheme is in operation, employees may take reasonable break times outside of core hours, in accordance with flexi-time arrangements. Employees should follow the flexi-scheme procedure for agreeing time away from their duties in the normal manner with their immediate colleagues and line manager, with break start and finish times being recorded, as with any other break-time arrangement.
• The post-holder is expected to familiarise themselves with and adhere to all relevant Council Policies and Procedures. 
• The post-holder must comply with the Council’s Health and Safety requirements as outlined in the H&S policy appropriate to the role. 
• The post-holder must be committed to the Council’s Core Values for employees – “Torbay Council employees are committed to being forward thinking, people orientated and adaptable - always with integrity”. Evidence will be sought during the probation and appraisal processes. 
• If this post is customer facing, it will require the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• If you are required to access a government system such as HMRC, DWP or The Public services network (PSN) as part of your role with the Council you will be required to complete a basic disclose with your line manager before you can access these systems. Your manager will be required to complete a verification form that confirms your identity, nationality and immigration status, employment history and unspent convictions (third party).
• If you are required to use your own vehicle on Council business or drive a council vehicle you will be asked to provide information on any driving endorsements by accessing www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence and providing a code to your Line Manager in order to share your driving licence information with the Council.

Person Specification

Note for Candidate

All Candidates

The supporting statement on your application form will be used to assess ability to meet the essential requirements of the role, so you should explain how you meet each of the numbered essential requirements within your supporting statement. In a competitive situation, the desirable criteria may be taken into consideration, so you are encouraged to show how you also meet each of the desirable criteria.

Candidates who consider that they have a disability

Reasonable adjustments will be made to the job, job requirements or recruitment process for candidates with a disability.

If you consider yourself to have a disability you should indicate this on your application form, providing any information you would like us to take into account with regard to your disability in order to offer a fair selection interview.

Where ever possible and reasonable we will make adjustments and offer alternatives to help you through the application and selection process.

If you have indicated that you have a disability on your application form you will be guaranteed an interview if you clearly demonstrate in your supporting evidence how you broadly meet the essential requirements of the role.

Job info	Job info details
Job Title	Environmental Investigation Officer
Strategic team/Directorate	Adults and Community Services
Service	Community Safety
Business unit	Housing Standards & Environmental Protection

Skills and effectiveness

Essential skills and effectiveness

• Will effectively use a range of modes of communication including formal and informal reports and presentations taking into account issues of confidentiality. 
• Will communicate with clarity, tact and purpose in all relevant situations. 
• Will deal with difficult situations in a calm and sympathetic manner, especially in dealing with vulnerable individuals in complex situations. 
• Attention to detail and to maintain accurate records to provide accountability and deliverability. 
• Will use appropriate computer packages effectively. 
• Good organizational ability, particularly self-organization, seeing tasks through to a successful conclusion, whilst working to tight deadlines. 
• Will plan programmes of work in advance. 
• Will elicit information both verbally and through written communication to allow a robust assessment of risk. 
• Will demonstrate effective investigatory skills evaluating evidence and seeking and questioning if further information is required. 
• Will work as part of a team as well as on own initiative. 
• Has a customer care focus. 
• Will adhere to multiple policies and procedures. 
• Has a democratic and inclusive style. 
• Pro-activity in seeking opportunities for development of skills and knowledge. 
• Has and uses initiative and commitment with a flexible approach to work. 
• Will develop and record rational and persuasive arguments. 
• Has and uses effective observational skills. 
• Has and uses effective analytical skills to identify trend and identify hot spots of activity to direct resources. 
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Desirable skills and effectiveness

• Able to work across organisational and professional boundaries and achieve results. 
• Ability to research and develop initiatives to deter enviro-crime. 

Knowledge

Essential knowledge

• Working in a multi-agency environment. 
• Be aware of different social behaviours within society. 
• Effective understanding of Environmental legislation including the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act, Environmental Protection Act and ASB legislation. 
• Knowledge of PACE, CPIA and RIPA procedures. 
• Understanding of Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and relevance to the Local Authority. 
• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of Statutory and voluntary agencies and experience of liaising with them. 
• Knowledge of PC based computer systems, including Excel and Word. 
• Knowledge and understanding of case management and the appropriate provision of information to external agencies.

Desirable knowledge

• Knowledge of different interventions that can be undertaken to resolve enviro-crime issues. 
• Knowledge of different interventions that can be undertake by internal and external partners to undertake tailor-made problem solving. 
• Knowledge of legal options available to local authorities when addressing Gypsy and Traveller issues.

Experience and achievements

Essential experience and achievements

• Demonstrable experience of dealing with the public in a role such as dealing with complaints, enforcement and explanation of statutory/internal procedures. 
• Regulatory experience in issuing statutory/fixed penalty notices. 
• Experience of writing statements. 
• Responding to competing and changing priorities. 
• Resolving problems with a high degree of discretion, sensitivity and advocacy. 
• Experience of dealing with a wide range of people in challenging situations. 
• Experience of partnership working. 
• Demonstrate experience of undertaking an investigation from initial complaint to a successful outcome.

Desirable experience and achievements

• Experience of preparing cases for prosecution and undertaking investigations in line with the relevant legal procedures. 
• Experience of working for a public focused organisation. 
• Experience of court proceedings, particularly giving evidence to courts. 
• Experience of undertaking PACE interviews. 
• Experience of producing reports. 

Qualifications/professional memberships

Essential qualifications/professional memberships

• Educated to at least NVQ level 3 or equivalent. 
• ECDL or equivalent IT experience.

Desirable qualifications/professional memberships

• Up to date training in enforcement issues and relevant legislative requirements. 
• A relevant technical qualification in a related subject area such as environmental/public health, air pollution, noise monitoring or pest control. 
• Up to date PACE training and rules of evidence. 

Other requirements

Other requirements of the job role

• Demonstrates a commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. 
• Ability to travel efficiently around the Bay/South West/UK in order to carry out duties. 
• Ability to accommodate unsociable hours. 
• Ability to accommodate shift patterns. 
• Ability to accommodate on-call working. 
• Ability to accommodate occasional/permanent home-working.