Case studies: Environmental health officer: Joanne Grimley

Joanne has a BSc (Hons) Environmental Health from the University of Ulster and works as an environmental health officer on the environmental protection team of a local authority in Essex.

I undertook my placement year in a local authority in Essex, and on completion of my degree the authority offered me a job in the environmental protection team. My degree course at the University of Ulster provided me not only with the academic and legislative knowledge necessary to become an environmental health officer (EHO), but also the relevant IT, management and communication skills. During my placement year I further developed these skills and gained practical experience, which resulted in the opportunity to return to the authority as a qualified EHO.

I work in the environmental protection team and a large proportion of my role involves dealing with noise complaints of a domestic, commercial and industrial nature. My role is very reactive and can change in an instant with one phone call or email. I often get phone calls advising that a particular noise nuisance is occurring and will always endeavour to visit the particular premises in order to witness the problem for myself.

I also have an advisory role and often get calls from businesses asking for advice on noise abatement techniques and good practice. This involves working with other departments within the council, particularly planning, licensing and building control.

I also carry out investigations of filthy and verminous properties and, where appropriate, may serve legal notices requiring owners to cleanse their premises. Where, for whatever reason, the owners are unable to do so I become involved in the employment and supervision of contractors and ensuring that the requirements of the notice are met.  

During my three years at this authority I have acquired additional responsibilities and now deal with more complex and sensitive cases. I have been able to continue with my professional development and have completed a neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) management course. I would like to progress to a management level within the authority and continue my work with our professional body, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) . 

Above all I enjoy the variety of my job. I am always hit with something new which requires me to think on my feet. I enjoy being part of a dynamic and supportive team and of course the interaction with members of the public makes my job very interesting. As I live in the borough I work in, I get to see the tangible results of decisions I have made.

Whilst I enjoy the interaction with the public, this can often be very challenging as I sometimes have to tell people things that they don't want to hear. The unsociable hours are also part and parcel of my role and this is particularly challenging in the dark, cold winter months.

I would advise any students wishing to pursue a career in environmental health to obtain as much work experience as they can as the job is not all about food inspections! It is not a career suited to everyone and you need to be sure it is for you as it is taxing both in terms of academic study and the professional requirements.

I would suggest that, in the current economic climate, new graduates consider opportunities in the private sector and complete their EHORB (professional registration) as this is likely to open up more doors to them. 

AGCAS

Sourced by AGCAS editors

Date: 

October 2011

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