Permanent Full-Time

At Invercargill City Council, we are committed to fostering a healthy and safe environment for all our residents. Our goal is to deliver exceptional public health and environmental safety services that enhance the well-being of our community. To help us achieve this vision, we are seeking an experienced and dedicated Senior Environmental Health Officer or Environmental Health Officer to join our Environmental Services Team and make a meaningful impact.

In this role, you will provide professional advice, enforcement, and support across various environmental health areas, including food safety, compliance, and resource management. You'll collaborate closely with the Team Leader - Environmental Health, Manager - Environmental Services, and other key stakeholders to ensure high-quality services are delivered in compliance with local and national legislation.

This position is ideal for someone with a strong background in environmental health, who is passionate about making a tangible, positive impact on the community. Whether you are currently in a Senior Environmental Health Officer role or looking to take the next step from your existing Environmental Health Officer position, we'd love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities for this role include:

• Lead and conduct enforcement activities, inspections, investigations, and audits across a broad range of environmental health and food safety matters.
• Provide expert advice to businesses, the public, and internal teams on compliance with health and food legislation, local bylaws, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and submit reports for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring all information is accurate, timely, and actionable.
• Oversee investigations into resource management issues, including noise complaints and environmental impacts, and take appropriate enforcement actions as needed.
• Contribute to the development, review, and implementation of policies, procedures, and plans, with a focus on continuous improvement to ensure ongoing compliance with relevant legislation and council's quality management system
• Proactively engage with the public to increase awareness and understanding of environmental health and food safety matters.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to our Environmental Health team, promoting continuous learning, professional growth, and a culture of excellence.

What we're looking for:

• Bachelor of Applied/Health Science (Environmental Health) or Graduate Diploma in Environmental Health
• Registered Environmental Health Officer (NZ Institute of Environmental Health)
• Recognised Person under the Food Act 2014
• At least 4 years' experience working as an Environmental Health Officer, with strong investigative and report writing skills.
• Strong knowledge of environmental health regulations, particularly in food safety, public health, and environmental management.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with businesses, the public, and stakeholders.
• Sound judgement and the ability to apply legal and technical knowledge in a practical setting.
• A proactive and solutions-focussed approach to problem-solving.
• A valid NZ driver's license and access to reliable transport.

What we offer:

• Flexible working environment
• Career progression and training/development opportunities
• Positive focus of employee health and well-being: Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc
• Kiwisaver and Superannuation Schemes
• Access to sick leave from day one of employment
• Appointment time leave: Up to 2 hours for important appointments eg. Doctor, bank, dentist

Waihōpai Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the heart and hub of Southland. We're known for our lush green spaces, like award-winning Queens Park, our long summer daylight hours and our local legend Burt Munro. Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere. There's outstanding nature reserves, Ōreti Beach & the Waihōpai River to explore plus our lively restaurants complimented by a thriving entertainment and arts scene are hard to beat! The sensible gridded layout featuring wide streets ensures a convenient 10-minute drive to work. Who wouldn't want to call this place home!

For more information please see the full position description or contact the Invercargill City Council on (03) 211 1777. Please don't apply directly via SEEK as we won't receive your application Apply online at www.icc.govt.nz

Applications close 27 June 2025. Please note applications will be processed as they are received and we encourage you to apply early as this advert may be removed at any time.

Successful applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be reviewed, first priority will be given to those applicants who are currently residing in New Zealand.