Noise & Nuisance Officer

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Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the environmental services team of a top performing, central London borough local authority.

1. JOB PURPOSE:
To ensure that the impact from noise and nuisance on residents and others within the Borough is controlled using appropriate enforcement powers, negotiation and practical knowledge within a 24 hour service operation.

2. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
1. Respond to, investigate and resolve, within published service standards, wherever possible, complaints relating primarily to noise and nuisance, but also complaints relating to other areas within the Environmental Health and Trading Standards remit.

2. To serve and enforce notices under the Environmental protection Act 1990, Control of Pollution Act 1974 and any other legislation that is appropriate to secure the main purpose of the post.

3. To follow up and re-visit where informal and formal action has been taken, checking works in progress, ensuring that the necessary works, etc. have been properly executed in accordance with good practice. To identify those cases where notices have not been complied with and take appropriate enforcement action.

4. Instigate all necessary legal action in line with Council policy, including the preparation and presentation of evidence at Court and Tribunals.

5. To advise and comment on Planning and Licence applications.

6. Respond to correspondence, and maintain up to date records on the Boroughs' computer systems, officer notebooks, records of visits made and action taken to ensure a complete record of cases is maintained in the event of later enquiries, complaints or subsequent legal action.

7. To give advice to the general public and commercial undertakings on Environmental Health matters relating to premises in the borough.

8. Contribute to projects and initiatives in relation to the work of the Noise and Nuisance Team and, where appropriate, the Council or Team as a whole.

9. To keep abreast of appropriate legal and technical developments in noise and nuisance.

10. Meet performance targets for proactive and reactive work.

11. Undertake projects and initiatives to improve the delivery of the service. These projects may reflect the impact of the wider environmental agenda on the operation of the premises visited.

12. To prepare detailed reports relating to case work and wider noise and nuisance issues and attend internal and external meetings and Committees of the Council when required.

13. Assist in maintaining Quality Assurance procedures and other documentation used by the Residential Teams.

14. Participate in the training of businesses, health promotion initiatives and the staff training programme as required.

15. Ensure effective liaison is maintained with other relevant colleagues about matters relating to work within their areas.

16. Become familiar with operational policies, procedures and techniques relevant to the job.

17. Keep abreast of technical and legal developments in all areas of Environmental Health.

18. Work outside of normal office hours as part of the Noise and Nuisance Service's 24 hour/7 days a week shift system.

19. Undertake enforcement at the Notting Hill Carnival as required. Duties include monitoring and taking action under all relevant legislation where appropriate.

20. Cover the work of colleagues in time of leave, sickness or other absenteeism.

21. Carry out such other duties relevant to the post when required.

22. As the Council moves towards further flexible ways of working be prepared to embrace different methods of working for example flexibility about working hours.

Qualifications:
Desirable:
Recognised Degree or Diploma in Environmental Health
A lesser qualification in Environmental Health (i.e. HND, BTEC, etc)
A specific noise qualification (MSc/Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control)
Essential
Valid clean driving licence.
An understanding of environmental legislation and its enforcement.

Knowledge & Experience:
Experience of the construction industry.
Knowledge of the links between health and housing, food, health and safety and noise and nuisance.
Essential to have working knowledge of relevant legislation and powers (i.e. Environmental Protection Act 1990, Control of Pollution Act 1974, Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993).
Capable of keeping detailed, concise and accurate records of all visits and actions and preparing witness statements, writing notices and schedules. Capable of corresponding in simple straightforward language.
Capable of dealing with confrontational situations confidently, calmly, assertively and impartially. Have good listening and negotiation skills. Capable of adapting style and approach to different situations and groups of people.
Experience of investigating noise complaints and taking appropriate follow up action, preferably on a shift work basis.
Experience of using relevant legislation and powers, i.e. service of statutory notices, court proceedings, etc.
Capable of using noise monitoring equipment (e.g. Sound Level Meters, DAT recorders, etc) and sound insulation testing equipment.
Recent suitable and practical experience of enforcement within the Noise and Nuisance field.
Recent experience of investigating complaints, dealing with enquiries and undertaking enforcement action in relating to Noise and Nuisance.
Experience of assessing planning and licence applications.
Knowledge of a wide range of preventative and promotional health, safety and welfare measures in relation to Noise and Nuisance.