Post ref: EHS049
£33,699 to £38,220 per annum plus benefits
Full time, permanent (with agreed, scheduled study leave while studying for the MSc Environmental Health Course)
Are you looking for a career that combines science, investigation, problem solving and public service? Would you like to earn a salary while studying for a professional degree and building a rewarding career?
East Cambridgeshire District Council is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated graduate trainee to join our Environmental Health team. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain a fully funded, MSc Environmental Health Degree, through Middlesex University, whilst working in a professional, regulatory work environment.
Environmental Health Practitioners play a vital role in protecting public health, improving living and working conditions, supporting local businesses, and helping communities thrive. Through a combination of education, advice, investigation and enforcement, we tackle issues ranging from housing conditions to nuisance and pollution, through to food safety and wider public health concerns.
As a graduate trainee, you will benefit from a structured programme that combines university study with workplace hands-on learning, giving you the skills, knowledge and experience required to become a qualified Environmental Health Practitioner.
The role
This is a great "earn while you learn" opportunity, combining practical work experience with a fully funded, CIEH accredited, MSc Environmental Health Degree through Middlesex University.
Your working week will be split between academic study, as required by the university, and work roles across our Environmental Health team. This will enable you to experience and help deliver a wide range of services including; public health, inspections, investigations and consultations, environmental protection, housing standards, food safety, and health and safety at work.
Within our supportive and experienced team, you will develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to progress towards becoming a qualified and professionally registered Environmental Health Practitioner. This role will form part of a career-graded pathway that supports progression from Graduate Trainee to Qualified Environmental Health Practitioner level.
What you will be doing
As a Trainee Environmental Health Practitioner, no two days will be the same. While completing your Environmental Health Degree studies, you will work and learn alongside experienced officers in the workplace, whilst applying academic knowledge to real-world environmental health challenges.
As a member of our team you will assist in:-
- responding to complaints and enquiries whilst working towards managing your own initial enquiry and investigation caseload;
- supporting officers on inspections and investigations;
- liaising with members of the public, colleagues, Councillors and external agencies; assisting with proactive compliance work and projects;
- maintaining accurate records and using council systems to support investigations and decision making;
- supporting officers to evidence and enforce compliance with the various standards and regulations that protect public health, and safety.
About you
We're looking for someone with enthusiasm, curiosity, dedication and a genuine interest in protecting public health and making a positive difference within local communities.
You will:
- be eligible for enrolment onto the MSc Environmental Health Degree at Middlesex University. Please note that this will be assessed and confirmed by the University as part of our selection process
- be self-motivated to learn and develop new skills
- have excellent communication skills and enjoy working with a wide range of people
- be organised and able to manage competing priorities in both the workplace and academic training
- have good IT and written skills
- enjoy problem solving and investigating issues
- be able to work both independently and as part of a team
- demonstrate professionalism, integrity and a commitment to public service
- be able to travel throughout our District and, where necessary, work outside normal office hours
Benefits
In return, the council offers a range of benefits including:
- career progression: clear pathways to progress
- flexible working
- training and development
- enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- childcare scheme (in approved cases)
- occupational health programme
- holiday and sickness scheme entitlements
If you are looking to work for an organisation that prioritises environmental sustainability, the council has made a clear commitment to operate in a responsible and sustainable manner and has recently been awarded the silver accreditation of the Investors in the Environment scheme as well as coming 43rd (out of 164) on the latest national council climate scorecard.
For an informal discussion regarding the post please contact: Gareth Brighton, Environmental Health Housing Compliance Officer (07814 736161) or email gareth.brighton@eastcambs.gov.uk or Nick Baker, Waste and Environmental Services Manager (07980 259958) or email nick.baker@eastcambs.gov.uk
Environmental Health career information is available at the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) - What is Environmental Health? Roles, impact and careers explained
Course information from Middlesex University - Environmental Health MSc 2026 | Middlesex University
How to apply
To apply for this position, please upload an up-to-date CV and complete the application form demonstrating your experience, skills and abilities for the role.
Be sure to include reference to the job profile and person specification. Good luck, we’re looking forward to meeting you!
Closing date for completed applications is: Monday 7 September 2026
The selection process will be held: Friday 11 and Monday 14 September 2026
Please note that only candidates selected for interview will be contacted via email by the HR Department with the confirmation of an interview. If you have not been contacted by that date, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion.
The council is an equal opportunities employer and operates a no smoking policy.