Trainee

The Service covers a wide range of regulated activities essential for supporting a vibrant economy and maintaining public safety. We always work closely with our partners to ensure high standards are achieved in agriculture, animal health & welfare, consumer safety, fair trading, food standards and metrology. As an intelligence led investigative service, we have defined specialist teams that provide innovative solutions to complex regulatory problems., We are seeking a trainee officer to join one of these teams specialising in illegal tobacco and vapes enforcement. The new officer will be assisting and learning from experienced officers undertaking visits to business and consumers and giving advice on complex legislation. As their experience grows they will assist on investigations into breaches of criminal legislation with a focus on tobacco, vapes, and nicotine products. (This position is funded as part of the government's initiative to increase enforcement in the areas of illegal tobacco, vapes, and other nicotine products). Full training, management support and mentorship will be provided. A Trainee is expected to move between teams according to service need and professional development requirements gaining valuable skills and experience as they complete their learning journey.

You will need to be self-motivated, well organised, and be able to work independently or as part of a team, to achieve successful outcomes to complex regulatory problems within strict deadlines. Due to the nature of some of the work we require someone who has the ability to work in confrontational situations. We are looking for people who are above all approachable, flexible and able to learn and adapt quickly to changing circumstances and situations.

You will be able to liaise confidently with members of the public, business leaders, colleagues and partner organisations to achieve defined outcomes. You will need to be able to manage competing priorities and be keen to gain and maintain knowledge and understanding of legal process and Trading Standards legislation.

Knowledge and experience of Trading Standards, regulation and/or enforcement is desirable but not essential.

As one of the largest Trading Standards Services in the UK, our joint service is commissioned by the four local authorities, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset & Torbay. Our service area covers two coastlines, Dartmoor & Exmoor National Parks, the cathedral city of Exeter, historic port of Plymouth, county town of Taunton and the 'English Rivera' in Torbay., We have offices in Plymouth, Torbay, Newton Abbot, Exeter, Barnstaple, and Wellington. As we cover a large geographical area, travel to these locations and also to visit business and members of the public across the service area is to be expected. Depending on team allocation there may also be the need for occasional weekend and evening work.

All candidates must visit our website Jobs and careers - Trading Standards Service where they will find further details on the role, together with case studies from both experienced and trainee officers.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake and complete a level 6 qualification on their journey to becoming a qualified Trading Standards Officer. This will take a number of years. We currently have other trainee officers progressing through the qualification framework. The Joint Service operates a career progression scheme for all Trading Standards Officers, which recognises and rewards individual development, and provides the opportunity to earn £36,581 to £40,444 at grade F and £41,177 to £45,529 at grade G.