Environmental and Sustainability Officer

Location
Newcastle
Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)
Salary
£39,959 - £48,117 per year
About the Role
The Environmental and Sustainability Officer will assist in managing energy, water, waste, and carbon emissions across the Trust estate and partner sites. This role aims to reduce resource usage and emissions, achieve cost savings, and improve patient experience. It is ideal for someone looking to develop specialised skills in waste and environmental management within a large NHS provider trust. Key responsibilities include providing advice and guidance on environmental management, ensuring compliance with legislation and Trust procedures, supporting the Environmental & Sustainability Manager and team to meet the goals of the 'Delivering a Net Zero NHS' initiative, and contributing to projects focused on energy, water, waste, and carbon reduction with the goal of net zero by 2040. The role also involves interpreting national and European environmental legislation, promoting best practices in sustainable healthcare, and supporting the implementation of waste target setting aligned with the Trust’s Green Plan and NHS strategies. The post contributes to maintaining the Trust’s reputation as a leader in environmental sustainability within the NHS and beyond.
About Us
North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust employs 3,500 staff across 63 locations serving a population of 2.6 million in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, County Durham, and Tees. The Trust delivers advanced paramedic care, clinical assessment services, and specialist response teams such as HART. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, reflected in our workforce and supported by multiple accreditations including ENEI Gold employer, Disability Confident Leader, Dementia Friendly, Mind Blue Light programme, and Race at Work Charter. From 01/04/25, roles requiring a DBS check will have a salary deduction of £49.50 spread over the first two pays.
Experience
- Experience in environmental management or efficiency work and/or environmental sustainability behaviour change campaigns or projects
- Experience managing waste including clinical and hazardous waste
- Experience implementing policies and strategies
About You
- Knowledge of environmental management in large organisations
- Understanding of environmental sustainability issues affecting complex organisations, particularly energy and water efficiency, waste management, and carbon reduction
- Knowledge of sustainable construction/building issues and assessment methods
- Familiarity with relevant legislation related to carbon and waste management
- Excellent analytical skills with ability to manage complex datasets and produce high-quality reports
- Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills
- Persuasive communication skills to engage staff in waste and energy reduction initiatives
Desirable Skills and Knowledge
- Knowledge of NHS-specific guidance on waste and environmental sustainability such as HTM 07-01
- Experience with site-wide, multi-department waste auditing
- Knowledge of minor construction project management
- Understanding of sustainability principles related to procurement and fleet management
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Project
- Experience delivering environmental sustainability training to diverse audiences
- Experience with environmental auditing and/or EMS implementation (e.g. ISO 14001)
Qualifications
- Essential: Degree or equivalent in an environmental subject such as Sustainability, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, or equivalent experience
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
- Desirable: Associate Membership of the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (AIEMA)
- Desirable: Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject
Special Requirements
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) as required by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975

