Trading Standards Officer

Salary details: £ - £

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join our Standards (Food/Feed/ Weights and Measures) and Animal Health team.

 Our Trading Standards Service plays a vital role in protecting residents, supporting businesses, and tackling unfair, unsafe, and illegal trading practices through advice, education, and enforcement.

You will have a thorough understanding of food standards and/or feed hygiene legislation. A statutory weights and measures qualification and experience with animal health and welfare is desirable but not essential. You will hold a full DCATS certificate (including food and/or feed) or its antecedents and be able to demonstrate competency in accordance with the requirements of the Food and/or Feed Law Codes of Practice.

We may consider applications from candidates who are fully qualified in other Trading Standards legislative areas, as well as part qualified applicants who have successfully completed or are currently undertaking food or feed modules.

 You will be joining a supportive and busy team of professionals, undertaking a varied workload that includes inspections, advice to businesses and consumers, project work, and investigations.

What will I be doing?

• Undertaking inspections, audits, and sampling to ensure compliance with Trading Standards legislation.
• Investigating complaints and gathering evidence to support enforcement action.
• Providing clear, accurate and technical advice to help businesses meet their legal obligations.
• Engaging professionally with businesses, consumers, and partner agencies.
• Maintaining accurate records and using relevant IT and management information systems, including ARCUS.
• Working proactively and reactively under the guidance of senior officers and managers.

 What skills and experience do you need to have?

• DTS or a full DCATS qualification (including food and/or feed) or its antecedents with demonstrated competency in food standards and/or feed legislation, for appointment at Grade 11 (we may also consider fully qualified Trading Standards Officers with DTS or full DCATS qualifications in other legislative areas).
• Part-qualified applicants must have completed or be currently undertaking the food or feed module for appointment at Grade 9.
• A positive attitude with excellent organisational / communication / IT skills and the ability to work with minimal supervision as part of a team are essential.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan workloads, meet deadlines and work independently.
• Ability to analyse, interpret and clearly explain legislation.
• Manual UK driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use.

Support & Benefits:

• Generous Annual Leave Scheme (25 days increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service): Ensuring a healthy work-life balance. (Grade 9)
• Generous Annual Leave Scheme (27 days increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service): Ensuring a healthy work-life balance. (Grade 11) 
• Flexi Time Scheme: Up to two days flexi leave every four weeks (pro rata for part-time employees), subject to service needs.
• Local Government Pension Scheme: Providing financial security.
• Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in-house counselling.
• Employee Wellbeing Support: Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and “Wisdom” app.
• Training and Development: Opportunities for professional qualifications and ongoing training.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Electric/Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme: Encouraging environmentally friendly commuting options.
• Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits and discounts.
• & much more

The role is full time, but we will also consider applications from those seeking to work on a part-time basis. The Trading Standards Team are based at Matlock, but as part of our Modern Ways of Working programme, we are currently working on a hybrid basis. There’ll be an opportunity to discuss future working arrangements at interview.

We're always pleased to hear from talented people so if you're looking to join a dynamic team and have the skills and experience, we're looking for, then we'd like to hear from you.

For an informal chat about the position and to discuss flexible working options, please call;

Michelle Jones, Interim Trading Standards Manager (Standards & Animal Health) - 01629 539865

John Stewart, Trading Standards Manager (Standards & Animal Health) - 01629 539858

 Provisional interview date: Week commencing 6th July 2026

Apply now and take the first step towards a fulfilling career with us! By joining Derbyshire County Council you will have access to a range of amazing rewards and employee benefits, including our generous annual leave scheme, excellent local government pension and fantastic employee discounts. To discover more detail about the rewards and benefits available to you, click here

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Important: Derbyshire County Council holds a sponsorship licence, but this role does not offer visa sponsorship. Please apply only if you already have the right to work in the UK without sponsorship, as applications that do not meet this requirement will be rejected.

We welcome applications from individuals who share our values — being Collaborative, Innovative, Empowered and Accountable. These values describe who we are and what we stand for as a council. They help shape our culture, encourage consistent behaviour and guide how we work together to make a positive difference for both our employees and the residents we serve.