Enforcement Officer

Location: Newtownabbey
Salary: £17.45 per hour, plus 10% flexibility allowance when working a qualifying shift pattern
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, plus one Saturday in every four weeks
Duration: Temporary

Apple Recruitment are currently recruiting for an Enforcement Officer on behalf of our public sector client.

The successful candidate will help enforce environmental and dog control legislation, investigate complaints, promote responsible behaviour and protect the local environment across the Borough. The role involves outdoor patrols, public engagement, investigations and enforcement activity, with a requirement to work independently in a variety of weather conditions.

Key Duties

• Enforce relevant environmental legislation, including provisions relating to dog control.
• Carry out patrols to detect and prevent littering, illegal dumping, dog fouling and other environmental offences.
• Investigate complaints relating to unlicensed dogs, stray dogs, dog attacks, fly-tipping, abandoned vehicles, graffiti and fly-posting.
• Issue fixed penalty notices where appropriate and recommend legal proceedings in line with the relevant enforcement policy.
• Provide advice to dog owners and members of the public on responsible dog ownership and dog control.
• Collect unwanted dogs and undertake dog microchipping as required.
• Carry out visits and inspections relating to smoke-free premises and report non-compliance.
• Assist with animal welfare investigations and inspections of breeding establishments.
• Prepare and serve statutory notices, gather evidence and prepare reports and files for potential prosecution.
• Interview witnesses and suspects in accordance with relevant procedures and attend court to present evidence when required.
• Respond to out-of-hours incidents involving stray dogs, dog attacks, livestock worrying and other urgent dog control matters.
• Handle potentially contaminated waste, including needles, syringes and other dangerous items, in accordance with established procedures and using appropriate equipment.
• Maintain accurate records and update paper and electronic files.
• Work with internal departments, external organisations and community groups to promote environmental awareness and responsible dog ownership.
• Participate in education and engagement activities in schools and the wider community.
• Assist with events, emergency response arrangements and the development of service policies and procedures.
• Drive and take responsibility for a Council vehicle in accordance with fleet management procedures.
• Participate in a rotational on-call service, covering one week in every five weeks.
• Work flexibly and undertake duties outside normal working hours when required.

Essential Criteria

• A minimum of five GCSEs, including English Language at grades A–C, or equivalent. Consideration may be given to candidates without these qualifications who have at least one year of relevant experience.
• A minimum of six months’ relevant experience, including experience preparing reports and dealing with the public.
• Competence in using IT systems, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to attend court and give evidence when required.
• Working knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role.
• A full, current driving licence or, if a disability prevents driving, access to suitable transport to carry out the duties of the post.
• Availability to work flexible shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• A satisfactory Basic Disclosure Check through Access NI.

Desirable Criteria

• A relevant third-level qualification.
• Experience enforcing legislation.
• Experience giving evidence in court.
• Professional experience working with dogs.

How to Apply

If you wish to apply or would like further information, please email your CV to Caroline at caroline.parker@applerecruitment.com.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Apple Recruitment Services is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. Apple Recruitment Services is an Equal Opportunities Employer.