Plants & Produce - Border Control Inspector South East Imports Region

  • Animal & Plant Health Agency
  • Dec 06, 2021
Full time Retail

Job Description

Reference number
169839
Salary
£24,918 - £26,584
Grade
Executive Officer
Contract type
Fixed Term
Loan
Secondment
Length of employment
Up to 103 weeks fixed term appointment with the possibility of permanency
Type of role
Operational Delivery
Other
Working pattern
Shift Working
Number of posts
30
Location
Sevington Border Control Post
About the job
Summary
Import controls exist to prevent harmful plant pests from entering GB from third countries. The simplest way to achieve this is to exclude harmful organisms (HOs) that are not established in GB but that have the potential to do so. This is achieved by prohibiting certain Quarantine Pests, these are listed in The Plant Health Regulations. In addition, carry out both Documentary and ID checks on import applications and accompanying certification. Inspections on fresh produce for human consumption will also be conducted in addition to the Plant Health controls.

You will be working as part of a shift pattern delivering physical inspections of plants, planting material & produce in the Border Control Point in Sevington, Ashford as your primary location. You may be asked to cover inspections in other ports in the South East Region and Inland Control Points as necessary.

You will be taking part in a shift pattern. Shift patterns will be agreed with you but determined by business need. You will be entitled to claim shift allowance plus mileage, if you need to use your car, travel and subsistence will be paid to cover. Branded clothing and (personal protective equipment (PPE) will be supplied.
Job description
Reporting to your shift team leader (line manager) and a HEO Plant Health & Seeds inspector as technical expert, plan and undertake a programme of tasks, working independently and /or as part of a team. Statutory inspection of fresh Horticultural produce, imported plants, planting material and plant produce to ensure compliance with import regulations. Extensive training and support will be given in inspection and identification methods.

Responsibilities
Able to take part in a shift rota to cover 24 / 7 operations for 365 days a year

Able to work safely adhering to all APHA and BCP safety policies

Receive Enforcement and Witness Statement training to enable you to act as an expert witness and develop your professional skills.

Ensure administrative functions are delivered accurately and in accordance with established timescales and delivery/performance measures, following correct processes, procedures and instructions.

In addition to physical inspection procedures, ensure that documents accompanying imported material are satisfactory and in accord with phytosanitary measures and the standards required for the marketing of fresh horticultural produce.

Be aware of resource constraints and potential issues to delivery, take a proactive approach to resolve and offer solutions, making senior managers aware as appropriate.

Provide support and guidance to others (internally and externally) on procedures and policies.

Manage customer expectation in line with policies, targets and legislation.

Escalate to both Team Leader and Technical Lead when interceptions / non-compliance found.

Be prepared to undertake difficult conversations with customers, stakeholders and/or delivery partners.

Liaise closely with various regulatory bodies such as Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, UK Border Force, Port Health, Animal Health authorities & Border Control Point operations management.

Work with BCP Traffic Marshals to prevent unnecessary delays to inspections and the transit of goods.

To assist in other tasks or duties they have experience in or have been trained on which when undertaken can further their personal development as per agreement in Performance Management Record with a time limit to enhance prospects of career progression.

Essential Criteria

The Border Control Inspector will;

Have a full driving license and independent access to their own transport

Be committed to training and continued development in service delivery

Be able to communicate clearly complex issues to customers both internally & Externally

Be able to work collaboratively in a high-pressure time sensitive environment with delivery partners

Be fully IT literate to examine on line applications, delivery plans and record findings via a paperless system

Have good planning and organisational skills.

Positively respond to change

Ability to meet targets and re-prioritise work

An understanding of the Horticultural Industry , Biosecurity, Pest & Diseases would be an advantage
Licences
Candidates must have a valid driving license (manual or automatic)and independent use of a car to travel between sites.
Qualifications
Educated to GCSE Level or equivalent with passes at grade C or above in English Maths and a science
Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Delivering at Pace
Communicating and Influencing
Making Effective Decisions
Benefits
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension