Trainee Environmental Protection Officer
Job Description
Job Title: Trainee Environmental Health Officer - Environmental Protection Team
Salary/Grade: Grade A, £24,414 - £26,133 per annum throughout the 2-year MSc University training
Contract Type: Fixed-Term 2 years
Working Hours: 37 Hours Per Week (3 days at work – 2 days at University while studying)
This trainee post will enable the successful candidate to complete the 2-year Environmental Health MSc qualification, while working within the Environmental Health Area.
The successful candidate will carry out a wide variety of Environmental Protection Team work, working closely with team colleagues throughout the training process. While studying part time you will take an active role investigating allegations of statutory nuisance and EH public health matters. You will shadow experienced officers to assist in completing the council’s statutory obligations in relation to the statutory nuisance, pollution prevention control, air quality and contaminated land regimes. You will learn how to provide expert advice on planning and licensing consultations and competently use pollution control technical / scientific monitoring equipment.
You should be a good communicator with the ability to effectively organise workloads on your own and work as part of a team. You will need comprehensive computer skills.
Essential qualifications:
You must have a good degree pass grade, ideally in a Science-based subject.
All University MSc tuition fees will be paid by the authority, so this is a fantastic opportunity for any person looking for an exciting career in this diverse profession.
As the successful candidate’s experience grows there will be a requirement, at times, to assist in the investigation of nuisance outside of normal working hours, where service demand requires.
DBS Check: Enhanced Level with Adults Barred List check is required for this post.
Benefits of Working with Us
At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Staff discounts and local offers
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
Important Dates
Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 26th January 2026
Closing Date (Internal & External): 8th February 2026
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
Additional Information
If you have any questions about the role or interview process, please contact:
Peter Reynolds - Environment Protection and Digital Evidence Manager
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:
Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
Application Requirements
As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management is required for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application.
If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.
About us
Why Thurrock?
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.
Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.
This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Our location
Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.
We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.
Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.
Staff benefits
We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.
Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.
We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council
Salary range
- £24,414 - £26,133 per year