Environmental Health Officer - Queenstown (QLDC)

Lakes District Council is at the very heart of a dynamic community. Our services are essential to the people in our region and include infrastructure development, community recreational facilities and planning, building and other regulatory services.

We’re proud to be QLDC, and in response to the growth the district has experienced over recent years, QLDC has itself experienced substantial growth. We genuinely believe in developing our people and providing them with all the tools and opportunities needed to succeed.

About the role:
As an Environmental Health Officer, you will be responsible for ensuring the health and wellbeing of our community by monitoring compliance and enforcing Environmental Health related legislation.

This role covers a wide range of responsibilities, including registration and verification of food business, Food Safety Officer duties, inspection of premises registered under the Health Act 1956, noise monitoring, providing advice on drinking water and event consents, investigating general health nuisances and a range of other environmental health related functions. This role certainly offers a good balance of both office and field-based work.

Responsibilities of the role:

• Conducting verifications of businesses operating under registered Food Control Plans and National Programmes to assess compliance with the Food Act 2014.
• Providing coaching and guidance to food operators regarding Food Act requirements and registration procedures.
• Reviewing and processing new applications under the Food Act 2014, requesting additional information when necessary.
• To be a recognised Food Safety Officer Warranted under the Food Act 2014. Responsible to undertake the functions of a Food Safety Officer to investigate and respond to food safety and suitability complaints.
• Comply with the CPD reporting requirements to maintain recognition as a verifier under the Food Act 2014 
• Investigating housing complaints, provide public health advice, and support the community as an Environmental Health Officer.
• Assisting in evidence preparation for council and court hearings, ensuring accurate records are maintained for operators registered under relevant acts.
• Providing specialist advice on environmental health matters to various teams and collaborate with external agencies on regulatory enforcement.
• Undertake noise assessments and review Noise reports and resource consents.
• Be conversant and demonstrate the principles of the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Undertake inspections under the Health Act 1956.
• Investigate cases of statutory nuisance and carry out the appropriate action to abate the condition’s relating to the nuisance.
• Provide specialist advice to the Resource Consent Team on key health parameters including drinking water and events.

What we offer:
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing, and professional growth, including:

• Southern Cross Wellbeing One Plan
• Discounted membership to our health and fitness facilities
• Hybrid working practices
• Genuine commitment to your training and career development
• Re-location assistance for those outside of the district

What you'll bring:
You’ll have or be working towards a tertiary qualification in Health Science that is recognised by the New Zealand Environmental Health Officers Qualifications Regulations 1993 and will be a highly motivated, achievement-oriented and innovative professional.

To best succeed in this role, you’ll have:

• 3+ years work experience and/or knowledge in Environmental Health preferred
• A clean New Zealand Driving License is a must
• Recognition with MPI to be a Food Safety Officer and to verify National Programmes and Generic Template Food Control plans
• Completed HACCP training including the MPI refresher course
• Completed Food Safety Academy training
• Demonstrated ability to take on responsibility and use initiative to prioritise and work effectively under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Well-developed communication skills, both written and verbal and excellent communication skills

To apply, please follow the link and apply online with your CV and Cover Letter. Please direct any questions to Jaimi Scott, Senior Environmental Health Officer, on [email protected].

Please note we will review and process applications as they come through; we encourage your early application.