The London Borough of Hillingdon is proud to be home to London Heathrow— the UK’s busiest airport for both passenger and cargo movements. Based at the Cargo Terminal, this role plays a vital part in protecting public and animal health through the enforcement of statutory controls on food and feed imports.
We are currently seeking a Senior Environmental Health Officer to join our dedicated Imported Food Team. This is an exciting opportunity to work at one of the most dynamic border control points in the country. You will collaborate with Official Veterinarians, Environmental Health Officers, Food Safety Officers, and Technical Officers to ensure the highest standards are upheld in food and feed importation.
About the Role
As a Senior Environmental Health Officer, you will act as a subject matter expert on existing and emerging legislation relevant to imported food. Your key responsibilities will include:
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Examining a wide range of food consignments to ensure compliance with import controls.
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Providing expert legislative advice and training to colleagues.
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Developing policies and procedures to promote best practice.
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Exercising professional judgement to determine and implement appropriate courses of action.
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Supporting and advising colleagues within the team.
This role is critical in safeguarding the health of the UK at our borders and requires a high level of technical knowledge and attention to detail.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will need:
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A Certificate of Registration as an Environmental Health Officer issued by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (previously the Environmental Health Registration Board).
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Experience delivering excellent customer service, including providing advice and information to colleagues, service users, local authorities, and government bodies such as the Food Standards Agency.
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A solid background in food law enforcement.
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Knowledge of imported food controls is highly desirable.
We are looking for someone proactive and confident—ready to hit the ground running and contribute to a high-performing team.
Working Hours & Shifts
During your initial 3-month training period, you will work 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
Following training, you will join a shift team and receive a 14% shift allowance. Shift teams follow a rotating 2-week schedule:
Standard Shift Pattern
Week 1
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Mon–Tue: 08:00 – 19:00
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Wed–Fri: OFF
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Sat: 08:00 – 18:30
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Sun: 08:00 – 18:00
Week 2
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Mon–Tue: OFF
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Wed–Fri: 08:00 – 19:00
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Sat–Sun: OFF
Evening Shift (every third or fourth rotation)
Week 1
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Mon–Tue: 11:30 – 22:30
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Wed–Fri: OFF
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Sat: 12:00 – 22:30
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Sun: 12:30 – 22:30
Week 2
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Mon–Tue: OFF
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Wed–Fri: 11:30 – 22:30
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Sat–Sun: OFF