Environmental Protection Officer (Air Quality & PPC) Operational Manager (People)

Transcription

1 Job Description Service Community Job Title Environmental Protection Officer (Air Quality & PPC) Post No OP023 Salary Grade Grade G Hours 37 Responsible to Operational Manager (People) Responsible for None Purpose of Post: Lead in the regulation of Environmental Permitting in relation to industrial premises under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act Lead in the Review and Assessment of Local Air Quality in accordance with the provisions of Part IV of the Environment Act 1995, the National Air Quality Strategy and guidance issued by DEFRA. Contribute to the implementation of the Council's strategy for the inspection of the district for the detection and control of contaminated land as required under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act Assist in the implementation of the Council's strategy for the inspection of the district for the detection and control of contaminated land as required under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act Investigate complaints against residential properties, industrial and commercial premises not subject to environmental permitting using the statutory nuisance powers set out in Part Ill of the Environmental Protection Act Enforce the provisions of the Clean Air Act 1993 in relation to the control of smoke, grit and dust from industrial processes.

2 Main Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Permitted Processes Ensure that prescribed processes required under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999, as amended, are not operated in the district without the benefit of a valid permit and to take appropriate action in accordance with national guidelines, environmental health procedures, departmental policies and the Council's scheme of delegation. Liaise with local industry to ensure that operators of new or existing prescribed processes submit detailed applications for new, substantial and non-substantial changes and transferred permits as necessary. Ensure that permits for prescribed processes are kept up to date in line with guidance issued by the Secretary of State by issuing Variation Notices in appropriate circumstances. Carry out inspections at the premises of prescribed processes, review emission test reports and other returns from operators. Work with operators to ensure continued compliance with the requirements of permits issued by the Council. In circumstances where operators fail to achieve Best Available Technique in relation to their prescribed processes, ensure that they are made aware of the potential consequences and where appropriate initiate enforcement action in accordance with the Council's enforcement policy. Where emergency or urgent action is found to be required, take appropriate action in accordance with environmental health procedures, departmental policies and the Council's scheme of delegation. Ensure that all application and variation charges and annual subsistence charges in relation to prescribed processes are invoiced for collection and to chase outstanding amounts according to Environmental Health and national guidelines. Develop and maintain close links with the Environment Agency, DEFRA and other local authorities in relation to the environmental permitting regime. 2. Air Quality Ensure the development and production of air quality reports in accordance with the provisions of Part IV of the Environment Act 1995, the National Air Quality Strategy and guidance issued by DEFRA and to the maintenance of the Council's air quality monitoring network to ensure that real time analysers are kept serviceable and in current calibration and the diffusion tube monitoring programme is coordinated and up to date. Help collate and analyse air quality data for comparison with national objectives and to prepare reports on local air quality in line with DEFRA deadlines. Assist the Operational Manager (People) in the development of additional monitoring and reporting strategies in line with local requirements to ensure that the authority can establish an accurate, quality assured picture of the overall standard of local air quality and the necessary techniques for dealing with pollution sources. Assist in the mathematical modelling of local air quality for predicting the environmental impact of new major roads and industrial developments or for proposed residential developments close to existing roads or industrial developments. 3. Contaminated Land Assist in the implementation of the Council's strategy for the inspection of the district to detect and control contaminated land as required by Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and establish Appropriate Persons to bear responsibility for remediation. To ensure that the prescribed information required by the Act is placed on the public register.

3 Recognise other appropriate means of dealing with land contamination such as using the Environmental Damage Regulations, the Pollution Prevention and Control regime, the Planning regime, the Housing Act, community regeneration schemes or voluntary remediation. Additional Duties and Responsibilities: 1. To carry out programmed inspections of premises to evaluate compliance with environmental health and housing legislation and take appropriate action in accordance with environmental health procedures, departmental policies and the Council's scheme of delegation. 2. To inspect the District both systematically and at intervals agreed with the Operational Manager (People) to keep informed of conditions which require detailed investigation and control. In circumstances where emergency or urgent action is found to be required, take appropriate action in accordance with environmental health procedures, departmental policies and the Council's scheme of delegation. 3. Respond to complaints and service requests, evaluate and resolve by the most satisfactory course of action through advice, discussion, persuasion, mediation, enforcement and/or prosecution having due regard to legislative requirements, case law and in accordance with departmental practice and procedures and the Council's scheme of delegation Where necessary prepare prosecution case files and present evidence in court and act as an expert witness. 4. To maintain clear, factual, up to date records in all aspects of work, including preparation of letters, documents, returns and reports. Ensure that all paper and computerised work records are promptly and accurately maintained and report any discrepancies. To prepare or contribute to written reports, attend meetings of councillors, give evidence at court and public meetings or enquiries. 5. To maintain, and calibrate as necessary, all allocated equipment under your control, ensuring that it is used in accordance with the manufacturers or departmental instructions. Ensure that all servicing and maintenance requirements are up to date and recorded. Report any defects, malfunctions or deficiencies. 6. Keep up to date with applicable legislation, codes of practice and technical and administrative developments in housing, public health, environmental protection and general environmental and public health issues and of any relevant national, regional and local policies in this area. 7. To carry out advisory and promotional duties, deliver training, presentations, lectures and demonstrations; and assist in professional training and the training of students in environmental health related subjects. 8. To give professional and specialist advice or support and to undertake any necessary investigations in relation to the effective operation of the Service functions or wider Council functions. 9. Respond to circumstances where emergency or urgent action is found to be required (including outside normal office hours) and to take appropriate action in accordance with environmental health procedures, departmental policies and the Council's scheme of delegation. Officers may be required to work out of normal office hours by prior arrangement. In exceptional circumstances this may be at short notice when personal circumstances will be taken into consideration. Provide support and assistance to

4 other officers in the division and carry out follow up visits and joint visits as and when required 10. At the request of the Head of Community or other member of the Council s Senior Management Team to act as a local authority liaison officer for the purposes of the Council s response to emergency planning. 11. To undertake any other duties commensurate with the post as required and to ensure that reasonable care is taken for the health, safety and welfare of the post holder and others in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Council. Officers may be required to work out of normal office hours by prior arrangement. In exceptional circumstances this may be at short notice when personal circumstances will be taken into consideration. The responsibilities outlined cannot totally encompass or define all tasks that may be required of the post holder. The outline of responsibilities given may, therefore, vary from time to time without materially changing either the character or level of responsibility or grade; and the post holder may reasonably expect to be deployed according to their knowledge, skills and abilities rather than necessarily their role/position in the Service. This supports the service and also provides opportunities for staff to extend their professional boundaries and expertise.

5 Person Specification Essential Criteria Desirable Criteria Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Technical/Work-based Skills Detailed knowledge of current relevant legislation and best practice and the ability to exercise sound professional judgement in its interpretation and implementation Experience of the investigation of complex complaints, conditions and standards and decision making on the appropriate action to be taken by the Council in consideration of the legislation, case law, departmental procedures, policies and relevant codes of practice. Experience of working with external agencies and communities To be a team worker but with the ability to use initiative with minimal supervision and to manage, prioritise and organise workload General Skills/Attributes Experience of the Civica APP system, specifically for Environmental Health activities Ability to set high standards in customer care and service delivery, to suggest and develop service improvements and to ensure that such standards are being achieved Competent in use of information management systems Excellent written and oral communication skills including: o In depth report writing o Presentation skills o Negotiation skills o Effective Delegation Ability to interact with customers, partners and members with tact, sensitivity and confidentiality Excellent organisations skills, including time management and prioritisation Understanding of national, regional, and county policies and strategic frameworks.

6 Experience A minimum of 2 years post qualification experience of Environmental Health Practice, with specific regard to environmental protection, environmental permitting, air quality Recent experience of enforcing environmental protection or public health legislation within a local authority setting Qualifications Relevant Degree or Diploma IOA Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Monitoring EMAQ+/MJAC Essentials of PPC, or willingness to obtain this qualification EMAQ+ Essentials of LAQM, or willingness to obtain this qualification Full UK driving licence Post graduate qualification in a relevant discipline. IOA Diploma in Acoustics EMAQ+ Essentials of Contaminated Land, or willingness to obtain this qualification Possession of a technical or professional qualification directly related to environmental health (e.g. IAQM Certificate in Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control) Working within Professional Boundaries Accepts responsibility and accountability for own work Recognises the limits of own authority within the role Seeks and uses professional support appropriately Commercial Awareness Identifies opportunities to make the organisation more competitive, efficient and profitable Shows an understanding of the markets the organisation wishes to target (both customer expectations and commercial factors of service provision) Influencing Presents their case persuasively upwards, downwards and externally Demonstrates confidence in their position Is credible and confident when presenting and communicating Makes use of personal and professional networks to gain support, learn from others and increase their opportunities to influence Adapts approach to engage others by appealing to those things that enthuse them

7 Influences by highlighting and promoting the mutual gains to be made by following suggested courses of action Is aware of own emotions and manages them for maximum influence during negotiations Balances the need for immediate wins with the requirement for long-term successful relationships Demonstrates awareness of how things shape events within business: is politically astute Customer focus Innovation Develops and maintains productive relationships with internal and external customers Explores the customer s situation with them to develop a fuller understanding of the underlying need Delivers what they have agreed with the customer Takes action to exceed customer expectations Advocates customer satisfaction as a key value for themselves and the council Deals effectively with dissatisfied customers Challenges the status quo: suggests new approaches to old problems Promotes and demonstrates continual improvement Generates new ideas and creative solutions Applies existing methods in new ways or new situations Encourages a safe environment that will facilitate creativity in others and where people are willing to challenge Seeks new ideas. Finds ways to turn their own or others ideas into action Shares innovative practice with others Decision Making Makes and communicates clear decisions Makes effective decisions under time

8 pressure Balances risks and benefits of various options and decisions Makes unpopular decisions where necessary Takes responsibility for the outcomes and impact of their decisions and those they delegate Incorporates a range of views when making their decisions Considers all relevant data when making decisions Delegates decision making appropriately Considers diversity issues when making decisions Planning and organising Flexibility Explains and clarifies the objectives Establishes clear actions and timeframes with deadlines and milestones Ensures the effective and efficient use of time and resources Creates contingency plans to enable them to deal with factors that might interfere significantly with their plan Identifies what is required before each task can be begun or completed Monitors progress against the plan and acts accordingly Allocates work based on an understanding of own and others strengths and weaknesses Is prepared to adapt their approach to overcome obstacles Responds constructively to a change in agenda or priorities Revisits their decisions when presented with new information Is prepared to adjust their interpersonal style to respond to the needs or preferences of others and the situation Re-prioritises appropriately when faced with a change in requirements Contacts The post holder will have frequent contact with members of the public, local businesses, community groups, statutory bodies and consultants. The post holder will also be expected

9 to maintain and develop existing internal links with other Divisions and to develop further links as individual needs or corporate requirements dictate. Internal (30 %) Activity Managers, Heads of Service, Directors, other Officers. External (70 %) other District Council s, County Council, Regional Government, FSA, HSE, HSC, Cambridgeshire PCT, HPA, NHS, Police, Fire Service, Parish councils, press and media, local businesses, members of the public, professional consultants, suppliers and contractors, community groups, voluntary agencies, Statutory Organisations I confirm that this Job Profile and Person Specification are a true and accurate reflection of all the responsibilities relating to the post. Job Holder SIGNED... NAME... DATE... Line Manager/Head of Service SIGNED NAME. Chris Stopford, Head of Community DATE... July 2016