Senior Environmental Health Officer (Port Heath)

• Reference: EN263
• Division: Community Services
• Salary: £39,111.00 - £45,470.00 per annum
• Contract type: Permanent
• Posted on: 07 November 2025
• Interview date:09 December 2025
• Extra payment(s): Special responsibility allowance

• Positions: 1
• Category: Environmental
• Grade: H - I
• Working hours: 37 per week
• Closing date: 30 November 2025
• Location: Town Hall, Crawley and Border Control post (Gatwick)
• Location type: Hybrid

About the role

Are you passionate about protecting public health at the UK border? We are seeking a Senior Environmental Health Officer (Port Health) with recent operational experience in port health to join our frontline team. This is a vital role safeguarding food safety, animal health and public health at one of the UK’s busiest ports of entry.

Key responsibilities:

• implement official controls at the border in accordance with UK legislation
• conduct inspections, sampling and documentary checks of imported goods, including products of animal origin and food not of animal origin
• enforce food safety legislation and international health regulations, including mosquito surveillance
• verify certificates of organic products at the point of import
• provide expert advice and guidance on communicable disease control matters at London Gatwick Airport
• lead on port health matters and support the wider team through training and mentoring

About you:

• professionally qualified Environmental Health Officer with a degree or diploma in environmental health
• registered with the Environmental Health Officer’s Registration Board (or equivalent)
• recent operational experience in port health is essential
• experience in food safety and health and safety is highly desirable
• strong working knowledge of UK legislation and a proactive approach to enforcement, education, and public health protection
• confident in providing leadership, guidance and support to colleagues

Why join us?
Crawley is a thriving borough with a dynamic business district and excellent transport links, including its close proximity to Gatwick Airport. Our modern Town Hall opened in 2023 and offers a collaborative and flexible working environment. We embrace agile working, giving staff the flexibility to work from the office, airport (where applicable), home, or on the move.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering better regulatory services and protecting public health at the border. If you’re a talented, dynamic, and flexible professional ready to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible, as we may close this advert before the stated closing date if enough applications are received

Additional information

You will be required to cover Port Health Officer duty functions at Gatwick Airport covering weekday and weekend duties on a rota.

You will need to fulfil the criteria required to achieve an airside security pass at Gatwick Airport which includes the satisfactory clearance of a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

A full clean and current UK driving licence will be a requirement of the role.

Casual car user (mileage can be claimed back via expenses)

For full special conditions of the role please refer to the job description.

Employee benefits

We offer a generous employee benefits package, with a range of discounts, benefits and wellbeing incentives to suit everyone.

Our way of working

Our shared values and behaviours reflect the special nature of our council. We encourage all colleagues to put them into practice, whatever job they do. Take a look to see if we are the perfect match.

Safer recruitment

Crawley Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all under represented groups.

How to apply

Click the Apply button to complete your application online. Please ensure that the reference details you supply are for your current or most recent employer and that any gaps in employment are covered on your application form. Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a fully completed application form.

For an informal conversation or further information regarding the role, email kelvin.north@crawley.gov.uk, Principal Environmental Health Practitioner or call on 01293 438764.

Related documents

• Senior Environmental Health Officer (Port Heath) job description (PDF, 160.8 KB)