Council staff, EPO and EPA

[jedimistress]

Is there a difference between an "Environment Protection Officer" and an "Environment Protection Assistant"? What is the difference if you know that too that would be helpful. Many thanks.

[saxy_jag]

If it's anything like our council, the 'officer' part denotes a higher level post with more responsibilities. This can usually - but not alway - involve budgetary and supervisory responsibilities.

For instance, I am an 'administrative assistant', and my direct supervisor, a couple of salary grades higher, is an 'administrative officer'.

[jedimistress]

Thanks. Can a person describe themself as both or is there a definate distinction? Thanks again.

[saxy_jag]

Not sure why anyone would want to do that, because they are essentially two different jobs. You're employed as an officer or an assistant. I wouldn't call myself an officer because I'm not, although I do sometimes assist with tasks that, technically, are my boss' and vice-versa, but then we're that sort of team.

[teag1rl]

An officers job would require higher qualifications and/or greater experience in that field. It's unlikely an officer would describe themeselves as an assistant and I would say an assistant was blowing a trumpet that wasn't their own by describing themselves as an officer.

[jedimistress]

Well I have somone who cannot make up his mind what he is. I had an interview under caution where he described himself as an Environment Protection Officer, and then on in all future correspondance he is referred to as an assistant. Though his boss said in one statment..."Mr X employed as an EPA was walking and saw jedimistress with a dog off a lead....my officer then proceeded to"....etc.

Then on describes his officers actions....confiused.