Job Introduction
We’re seeking someone with excellent communication skills and a keen interest in investigative work to join our Trading Standards team as a Vape and Illicit Tobacco Enforcement Officer on a 2-year fixed term contract.
You’ll join a small but busy team investigating the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes and the sale of these age restricted products to minors from the initial intelligence report to prosecution whilst also being involved in the wider work Trading Standards carry out.
This means a varied day to day role including gathering evidence and intelligence from businesses and the public, recording intelligence, undercover ‘test’ purchasing, seizing illicit tobacco and vapes, drafting witness statements, writing reports on your findings and assisting with preparing case files.
You’ll have a confident manner and be able to deal with potential conflicts, as well as work professionally with businesses and victims and other partner agencies. You will be able to write accurate reports and make recommendations on action to be taken.
This is an interesting and varied role where you will work proactively and reactively under the guidance of Senior Officers to tackle issues relating to Trading Standards work that impact on the quality of life of local residents, businesses and visitors to Milton Keynes. Training will be provided.
Main Responsibility
- Act on intelligence received in relation to illegal tobacco and vapes and other Trading Standards related work including advising businesses, test purchasing, seizing illegal products, and gathering further intelligence.
- Assist with the investigation of criminal offences of the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes and the sale of age restricted products to minors and assist in preparing prosecution case files as necessary.
- Complete administration tasks in relation to the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes and wider Trading Standards related activities.
The Ideal Candidate
- Educated to GCSE level or equivalent with Maths and English Grade C or above.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office software
- Verbal and written communication skills.
- Plan workloads and meet deadlines.
- Work with victims of crime and suspected offenders.
- Ability to compile reports and case files.
- Ability to analyse, interpret and explain legislation.
- Conflict management.
- Manual Driving Licence essential.
- For this role you are required to have a full UK driving Licence and provide evidence of your vehicle insurance with business cover and use of a vehicle. If you are successful, you will be required to supply evidence of your licence prior to starting the role.
- Should you be offered the role, as part of the pre-employment checks a Basic DBS will be actioned for you.
Package Description
In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:
- Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
- Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
- Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
- Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.
We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.
We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.
We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.
If you’d like to know more about how we do things and what matters to us, take a look at our short booklet What makes us Milton Keynes City Council.
