Animal Compliance & Enforcement Officer in Exeter

Animal Compliance & Enforcement Officer in Exeter

Exeter Full-Time 34765 - 34765 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Animal and Plant Health Agency

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead investigations and ensure compliance in animal health and welfare legislation.
  • Company: Join APHA, a diverse and inclusive workplace dedicated to animal welfare.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, professional development, and employee discounts.
  • Other info: Flexible work options and excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in animal health while working with passionate partners.
  • Qualifications: Experience in animal health enforcement and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 34765 - 34765 £ per year.

Are you someone who can lead and manage successfully in a challenging and dynamic environment? Are you someone who thrives on solving complex problems, working with partners, and making a real difference to animal health and welfare? If so, we would love to hear from you! APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions. We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Animal Compliance & Enforcement Officer to join APHA’s Regulatory Affairs, Compliance and Enforcement Team. The post holder provides expert regulatory and investigative support, monitoring non‑compliance and coordinating proportionate enforcement action across a wide range of animal health and welfare legislation. Acting as APHA’s primary liaison with enforcement partners, the role leads and supports investigations—from complex, multi‑agency or cross‑border cases to targeted interventions aimed at restoring compliance. The officer identifies high‑risk and emerging issues, advises policy colleagues on legislative and operational implications, and helps shape tactical responses to regulatory risks. This position provides a central point of expertise, promoting consistent, proportionate enforcement and strengthening collaboration across APHA, local authorities, and national policy makers.

Core Tasks Include:

  • Building strong partnerships with enforcement bodies, stakeholders, and policy teams to ensure coordinated action and shared understanding of outcomes
  • Reviewing and improving compliance processes, guidance, and operational approaches to strengthen APHA’s enforcement capability
  • Supporting APHA staff during investigations by providing operational advice, evidence‑gathering guidance, communication strategies, and assistance with statements and court preparation, including attending court when required
  • Participating in and coordinating investigations through case conferences, site visits, and leading discussions on appropriate enforcement actions
  • Providing investigative support to local authorities on welfare in transport, illegal landing, and bovine TB offences
  • Developing mitigation plans for the highest‑risk areas of non‑compliance
  • Acting as a central operational contact for APHA teams, offering expert advice, raising awareness of non‑compliance issues, and promoting effective information‑sharing with enforcement partners
  • Representing APHA at external meetings with agencies and policy makers, contributing constructively on matters relating to animal health and welfare compliance

Person specification

  • Experience of working in the animal health and welfare enforcement and regulatory control environment
  • Ability to interpret legislation and apply it to practical situations; using sound judgement and analytical capabilities
  • Understanding of animal health and welfare legislation and regulatory controls
  • Ability to communicate and engage with a wide range of people and operating in a multi‑agency environment
  • Report writing and presentation skills to brief senior management on complex issues in a clear and concise manner
  • Strong team working skills combined with effective prioritisation and planning, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision and confidently use a wide range of IT tools.

Licences

  • Full UK Driving Licence

Alongside your salary of £34,765, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £10,071 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

Further Benefits Offered Also Include:

  • A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
  • An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities tailored to your role.
  • Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.
  • Staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme.
  • Making it work for you - With so many flexible options, most people can find a work schedule to suit their circumstances.

Closing Date 11:55pm on Thursday 13th August 2026

Animal Compliance & Enforcement Officer in Exeter employer: Animal and Plant Health Agency

The Animal and Plant Health Agency is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your expertise in veterinary trade can make a significant impact on global biosecurity. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including a competitive salary and pension contributions, and a culture that values leadership and collaboration, this role provides a unique opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to vital international initiatives.

Animal and Plant Health Agency

Contact Details:

Animal and Plant Health Agency Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Animal Compliance & Enforcement Officer in Exeter

Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops

Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.

Get Involved in Agricultural Events

Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!

Volunteer for Relevant Experience

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Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites

Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Animal and Plant Health Agency often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.

Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.

Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.

Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Animal and Plant Health Agency does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Animal and Plant Health Agency

Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies

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Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Animal and Plant Health Agency.

Understand the Sustainable Practices

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Practice Common Industry Scenarios

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