Environmental Warden

BSNI are working with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to recruit a Environmental Warden. This role is temporary.

Job title
Environmental Warden – Admin & Clerical
Employment type
Temporary
Number of people required
1
Target start date
28 Sep 2026
Target end date
10 Jan 2027
Duration
16 Weeks

Hours per week
37

Rate
PAYE: £16.90 per hour

Job location
The Island, Lisburn, Lisburn and Castlereagh, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom

Key Purpose of the Role
To provide an efficient, effective, economical and equitable Environmental Warden Service in support of the Council’s statutory responsibilities relating to Dog Control, Animal Welfare, and the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act.

The postholder will undertake a range of educational, promotional and advisory activities designed to improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life of residents across the Council area.

The Environmental Warden will support the Lead Environmental Warden and Environmental Manager in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the service, including investigation, enforcement and customer-focused activities.

Key Responsibilities
Undertake a comprehensive range of educational, promotional, advisory, investigative and enforcement activities associated with the responsibilities of the post, in accordance with departmental work programmes and the direction of the Lead Environmental Warden.
Provide accurate information, advice and assistance to members of the public, elected representatives, statutory organisations and non-statutory bodies.
Participate in local and regional partnerships and initiatives designed to promote and improve health, wellbeing and quality of life within the community.
Carry out dog control duties in accordance with relevant legislation, Council procedures and established working practices. Take all reasonable steps to trace and identify the owners of stray dogs and, where possible, facilitate their safe return.
Ensure that all dogs encountered in the course of duty are treated compassionately and humanely. Where required, assist with the euthanasia of stray or unwanted dogs in accordance with approved procedures and legislative requirements.
Respond to animal welfare complaints, either independently in the absence of the Animal Welfare Officer or by providing appropriate assistance to the Officer. Ensure that all animals are treated with care, compassion and humanity and that relevant legislative and procedural requirements are followed.
Investigate complaints and incidents under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act in accordance with relevant legislation, Council procedures and established working practices.
Receive, collect, record and safeguard all monies due to the Council, ensuring that financial transactions are handled in accordance with Council financial procedures and controls.
Take responsibility for an allocated Council vehicle, ensuring that it is maintained in a clean and appropriate condition. Complete daily vehicle safety checks and promptly report any mechanical or operational faults to the Lead Environmental Warden.
Organise and prioritise daily workloads effectively to ensure that agreed service targets and performance standards are achieved and that a high-quality, responsive and customer-focused service is maintained.
Undertake duties outside normal working hours when required to support the efficient and effective delivery of the Environmental Warden Service.
Respond appropriately and professionally to challenging, hostile or confrontational situations, in accordance with Council policies and procedures, including agreed lone-working arrangements.
Prepare and serve statutory and legal notices, prepare and present prosecution cases, attend Court and other hearings, and undertake related enforcement activities as required by the Lead Environmental Warden and in accordance with the Council’s Enforcement Policy.
Comply fully with all relevant Health and Safety legislation and Council Health and Safety policies, procedures and safe working practices when carrying out the duties and activities associated with the post.
Comply with all Council policies, procedures and statutory requirements, including those relating to safeguarding, health and safety and equality. Maintain high standards of professionalism, organisational effectiveness and personal conduct that reflect the Council’s values and expected behaviours.
Deliver a consistently high standard of customer care across all areas of the service. Promote the Council’s services effectively and communicate with members of the public and other stakeholders in a manner that supports a positive public image and enhances the overall reputation of the Council.
Flexibility and Organisational Change
The postholder should be aware that the responsibilities and functional areas associated with this role may change in response to organisational developments and service requirements.

The Council reserves the right to amend, add to or vary the duties and functional responsibilities of the post where appropriate. The postholder is expected to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in responding to the changing needs and priorities of the organisation.

Person Specification – Environmental Warden
Essential Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

Qualifications
A minimum of five GCSE passes at grades A–C, or an NVQ Level 2 qualification or equivalent.
Relevant Experience
At least one year’s relevant experience working in dog control and/or enforcement, including experience in each of the following areas:

Controlling and handling dogs.
Managing difficult, contentious or challenging situations.
Communicating effectively with individual members of the public.
Alternative Qualification and Experience Route
Applicants who do not possess the qualifications specified above must have:

At least two GCSEs at grades A–C, including English; and
A minimum of three years’ relevant experience covering the areas outlined above.
Knowledge and Skills
Applicants should demonstrate:

The ability to use IT systems, software packages and relevant specialist programmes effectively.
A sound and comprehensive understanding of legislation relevant to the duties of the post.
The ability to organise, prioritise and manage daily workloads effectively.
An understanding of political sensitivities and the ability to remain impartial, professional and objective when dealing with members of the public and other stakeholders.
The ability to communicate effectively and maintain a positive public relations image for the Council.
Driving and Transport Requirement
Applicants must hold a full and current UK driving licence and have access to a car or another suitable means of transport that enables them to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the post.

This requirement may be subject to reasonable adjustment for applicants who meet the definition of disability under the Disability Discrimination Act.

Behavioural Competencies
The following behavioural competencies are considered essential for successful performance in the role. Applicants should refer to the Council’s Competency Framework for Local Government for further guidance. These competencies will be assessed as part of the recruitment and selection process.

1.1 – Setting Direction
Contributes to the development and delivery of strategy by demonstrating innovation, ambition and a proactive approach. Supports the organisation’s direction and objectives through effective decision-making and forward thinking.

Assessment: Interview

2.3 – Communicates with Impact
Communicates