Environmental Health Officer (Private Sector Housing)
Dover District Council
Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do. From building new, affordable homes to exciting regeneration schemes. A career with Dover District Council offers you the opportunity to excel.
As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly, diverse and flexible working environment in which our employees can thrive. We have a team of enthusiastic employees, delivering services they are passionate about.
We are currently expanding ourPrivate Sector Housing Team, offering an exciting opportunity for committed professionals to help shape the future of housing regulation across the district. You will okay a key role in driving up housing standards, protect tenants and deliver proportionate, effective enforcement, including supporting the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.
Opportunity to join a supportive and motivated team during a period of significant change in the private rented sector, where your work will make a meaningful difference to housing standards and residents’ lives.
The Role & Responsibilities
Reporting to the Private Sector Housing Manager, you will support the management of the service and provide day-to-day supervision to Housing Improvement Officers. You will play a key role in ensuring statutory duties are met, enforcement activity is robust and proportionate, and residents live in safe, healthy, and well-managed homes.
Key responsibilities include:
· Supporting performance monitoring and statutory reporting
· Contributing to the development and review of policies and procedures
· Leading and undertaking complex housing investigations, including enforcement under the Housing Act 2004 and HMO licensing
· Undertaking inspections and investigations in line with legislation, including PACE
· Taking formal enforcement action, including notices, cost recovery, and tribunal/court proceedings
· Overseeing and supporting Housing Improvement Officers’ casework and outcomes
· Arranging and managing works in default, including specifications and cost recovery
· Representing the Council at relevant internal and external meetings
· Ensuring accurate case recording and compliance with service standards
The role will require occasional work outside normal office hours.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for an experienced, confident professional with strong technical knowledge of private sector housing enforcement and the ability to manage complex cases and support colleagues.
You will have:
· In-depth understanding of housing legislation, including HHSRS and the Housing Act 2004
· Experience of complex investigations and enforcement action
· Knowledge of PACE and evidential requirements
· The ability to communicate effectively with tenants, landlords, partners, and colleagues
· Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workloads effectively
Qualifications
Applicants for the EHO role must have:
· BSc or MSc Degree in Environmental Health
· Registered with EHRB/CIEH
What We Can Offer
We provide a friendly and supportive working environment where you can excel, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including:
· Benenden Healthcare Membership and Employee Assistance Programme
· Opt-in Local Government Pension Scheme, with the opportunity to make Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
· Generous annual leave provision
· Discount scheme, including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre
· On-site parking
· Cycle2Work scheme
· Generous Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
· Payment of professional membership fees
Due to the nature of this role, the successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check as part of their pre-employment clearances.
Due to the nature of the role you will have the ability to work flexibly and will require a current full driving license effective in the UK and use of a motor vehicle for business use.
What Next?
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Tim Lovell, Private Sector Housing Manager, at Tim.Lovell@dover.gov.uk.
Interviews: Week commencing 18th May 2026