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- Tasks: Conduct checks on food imports to ensure public health and safety.
- Company: Join Ashford Borough Council, a leader in environmental health.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safeguarding public health and food safety.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant qualifications in Environmental Health and enforcement experience.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We offer a 14% shift allowance, salary-linked pension scheme and generous holiday entitlement.
About us: A Border Control facility has been set up in Ashford on the Sevington site, near junction 10A of the M20. This site provides the customs and transit checks required for hauliers imported food checks to ensure that goods comply with the statutory duties to safeguard public health. We are recruiting staff to conduct Official Controls and be responsible for carrying out checks on imports of products of animal origin and high-risk food not of animal origin, in order to ensure that only products that are safe to eat enter the food chain and protect against biosecurity threats.
The Role: Reporting to the Principal Port Health Officer, you will be responsible for undertaking a range of statutory duties to safeguard public health. Conducting Official Controls, you will be carrying out checks on imports of products of animal origin and high-risk food not of animal origin to ensure that only products that are safe to eat enter the food chain. In addition, you will direct the work and activities of the Technical Officer and Technical Assistant.
Who are we looking for? It is essential that you have suitable qualification(s) to undertake import controls at Border Control Posts as defined by the FSA Food Law Code of Practice and Practice Guidance (normally MSc, Degree or Diploma in Environmental Health plus Certificate of Registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board EHRB (CIEH)), along with having:
- Evidence of continual professional development
- Enforcement experience relevant to food control work
- Strong skills and knowledge relevant to food control, health and safety, and public health functions
- The ability to interpret and analyse legislation, statutory guidance, technical updates and good practice
- Competency in IT systems including email, word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentation software
- willingness and ability to work a shift pattern over 24 hours/7 days per week/365 days per year
As an employee of Ashford Borough Council, you will have the opportunity to work with other environmental health professionals across the organisation to broaden your experience.
For an informal discussion about this role please contact Marie Connolly on 0300 0424557.
When completing your application, ensure you clearly demonstrate how you meet each of the essential requirements. Applications that only address desirable criteria, or do not provide sufficient evidence against the essential criteria, will not progress to the next stage.
We can offer VISA certificates of sponsorship for this role. Please contact recruitment@ashford.gov.uk for more information. When applying, please ensure that you have received confirmation of a submitted application once completed. For any assistance in completing the application form, please email recruitment@ashford.gov.uk.
Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.
Senior Port Health Officer in Kent employer: Ashford Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Ashford Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Port Health Officer in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Ashford Borough Council and their values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to public health and food safety. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your expertise!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Port Health Officer in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Qualifications: Make sure to highlight your qualifications clearly in your application. We want to see how your MSc, Degree or Diploma in Environmental Health and any relevant certifications make you the perfect fit for the role.
Demonstrate Your Experience: When you're filling out your application, don’t just list your past jobs. Tell us about your enforcement experience and how it relates to food control work. We love seeing real examples of how you've made an impact!
Address the Essentials: Be sure to address each of the essential requirements in the job description. If you skip this step, your application might not make it through the first round. We want to know exactly how you meet our needs!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and processed correctly. Plus, you’ll get a confirmation once you submit, so you know we’ve got it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashford Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the relevant legislation and guidance related to food control and public health. Familiarise yourself with the FSA Food Law Code of Practice, as well as any recent updates or changes in regulations. This will show that you're not just qualified but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your enforcement experience and skills in food control. Think about situations where you had to interpret legislation or handle high-risk food checks. Being able to articulate these experiences will help you stand out.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be directing the work of Technical Officers and Assistants, it's crucial to showcase your leadership and teamwork abilities. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with others in previous roles and how you can contribute to a positive team dynamic.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role and the team. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the challenges the team currently faces or opportunities for professional development.
