Apprentice/Trainee Parks Compliance & Enforcement Officer

Are you a detailed, focused, enthusiastic team player who enjoys an interesting, inclusive and varied working environment? Are you interested in protecting our parks, public spaces and local environment?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team! You will have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities, from parks and play-area inspections to supporting environmental enforcement investigations and helping improve the places our communities enjoy.

As part of the role, you will complete the Regulatory Compliance Officer Level 3 apprenticeship (ST0430), typically lasting 24 months, combining structured learning with practical experience in the Parks and Leisure team. You will develop your knowledge of parks compliance, inspections, environmental enforcement and evidence gathering, gradually taking on more responsibility as your skills and confidence grow. You will be supported by experienced colleagues throughout your apprenticeship. Find out more about the apprenticeship: Regulatory Compliance Officer – Level 4 (Skills England)

What will you be doing?

• Join experienced officers on visits to parks, play areas and open spaces, helping to identify hazards, defects and maintenance issues.
• Assist with monitoring grounds maintenance and other Parks contracts, recording inspection findings and following up agreed actions.
• Support enquiries about environmental crime and public-space issues, including littering, fly-tipping, dog fouling and abandoned vehicles.
• Learn how to collect accurate information, photographs and evidence, maintain case records and help prepare investigation files.
• Help explain local rules, encourage responsible behaviour and work with residents, community groups and other council services.
• Use council systems to record inspections, enquiries and actions, and help the team monitor performance and improve its services.
• Take part in structured apprenticeship learning, developing towards more complex casework and enforcement activity only when trained, competent and formally authorised.

About you

You do not need previous enforcement experience. We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Good organisational skills, attention to detail and a fair, calm approach.
• Confidence using everyday IT systems and a willingness to learn new software.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and an ability to work well with others.
• A positive attitude, curiosity and a genuine interest in parks, the environment and supporting local communities.
• A willingness to learn through both outdoor site visits and structured study, working alongside experienced colleagues.

What can we offer you?

• Opportunities for growth and cross- department working, learning new skills and service areas
• 26-29 days annual leave rising to 34 days with 5 years' local government service
• Usage of our e-fleet during business hours for business-related visits
• Employee well-being programme
• Employee events group
• Regular opportunities to socialise with other teams within the council
• Flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time
• Up to 50% working from home for eligible posts
• Free parking in our offices and select council owned car parks during business hours
• Access to wellbeing and occupational health schemes such as the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Local Government pension scheme
• Discounts at council-owned leisure centres
• Opportunity to network with colleagues across councils in Hertfordshire and the East Of England
• Professional environment where your career path really matters and your development is supported by the organisation

How to apply

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the recruiting manager:

Closing date: Friday 27 November 2026 at 11:59pm

Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing Monday 7 December 2026.

We as a council are ambitious. To find out more about our ambitions and what it’s like working at East Herts, hear from our employees on our careers site.

In accordance with council policy, new appointments will normally be made at the first SCP point of the relevant grade. If, at the offer stage, a candidate can provide clear evidence that their skills and/or experience align with a higher point within the grade, appointment at the next SCP point may be considered. Any such decision must be reviewed and approved by the Director for Place and Deputy Chief Executive.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, valuing diversity and maintaining a firm commitment to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. We believe that creating inclusive environments leads to stronger collaboration and better outcomes in our work.

Find out more about our disability confident scheme.