Job Introduction
Kickstart Your Career in Trading Standards. Join Lincolnshire County Council as a Level 1 Trading Standards Officer!
Are you looking to take the first step on your career journey or seeking an exciting change in direction? Lincolnshire County Council has a rare and fully funded opportunity to join our Trading Standards team as a Level 1 Trading Standards Officer, undertaking the Level 6 Trading Standards Professional Apprenticeship (Tobacco and Vapes Legislation).
This post is fully funded by the Department of Health and Social Care for a four-year period. During this time, you will gain hands-on experience while working towards a professional qualification. You will be involved in all areas of Trading Standards, with a particular focus on tackling illegal and underage sales of tobacco and vapes, supporting businesses to achieve compliance, and protecting consumers, particularly children from harm.
Our Trading Standards Team has made significant progress over the past year:
Illicit Tobacco & Vapes
- 801,486 cigarettes seized
- 183,360g of hand-rolling tobacco removed
- 13,805 illegal disposable vapes seized
- 67 temporary closure orders granted by courts
Product Safety
- 2,281 unsafe items removed from the market including toys, e-scooters, cosmetics, and sunglasses
Animal Health
- 81 Feed Hygiene inspections completed
- 14 feed samples taken – 6 unsatisfactory
- 120 inspections across poultry, livestock, and markets
Fair Trading
- 8,694 counterfeit items seized
- 4 rogue traders convicted
- 30 letting agents audited – 10 found to be non-compliant
Food Standards
- 161 premises inspected
- 105 food samples taken – 16 unsatisfactory, including allergen risks
Metrology
- 39 inspections carried out (weighbridges, medical and retail weighing equipment)
What We’re Looking For
We’re keen to hear from individuals who are:
- Persistent, determined, and thorough
- Calm under pressure and excellent communicators
- Professional, personable, and highly self-aware
- Attentive to detail and capable of juggling priorities
- Passionate about consumer protection and upholding standards
- You’ll ideally have GCSE grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
No previous Trading Standards experience is required, but you must be committed to undertaking the Level 6 Trading Standards Professional Apprenticeship and building a career within this vital service.
What We Offer:
A 4-year fixed term, full time contract with flexible office-based hours (with occasional unsociable working), coupled with:
- A fully funded 4-year training programme
- On-the-job experience across all areas of Trading Standards
- Supportive and experienced team environment
- Opportunity to make a real difference in your community
- Please note: A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential.
The successful applicant will be required to undergo Police vetting to Level 3.
If this sounds like the kind of opportunity you'd enjoy, please read the full Job Description before applying. For an informal chat about the role, contact Emma Milligan on 07766 072488.
Key Dates:
Closing Date for Applications: 26 May 2025
Interview Date: 11th June 2025 (to be held in Lincoln)
Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.
All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.
On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward.
We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.
Lincolnshire County 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.
A Smarter Working Employer
We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary. Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.
Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.
