At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UK plant health initiatives and respond to major pest outbreaks.
- Company: Join a key government role in protecting our plants, trees, and bees.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and impactful work.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant influence and collaboration across various stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in plant and bee health on a national scale.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualifications in plant sciences and strong leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
- Job summary
- Head of the UK the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) and International leadership of UK plant health at the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and European Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO).
- Head of Profession for the UK Plant Health Service
- Deputy Director for policy on plants, trees, bees and plant varieties and seeds.
- Lead the assessment of new and emerging risks to plant, tree and bee health and co-ordinate and lead the government’s central response to major incursions and outbreaks
- Lead and commission a research, evidence and analysis portfolio
- External lead and spokesperson on plant, tree and honeybee issues and a wider advisory role to UK government and other stakeholder organisations.
- Lead policy, science and analysts c. 73 people and a delegated budget of c. £27m
- Ownership and improvement of a publicly available Plant Health Portal
- Ownership and improvement of a publicly available plant health risk register to achieve better risk prioritisation and management
- Prioritising items identified by the monthly Plant Health Risk Group (PHRG) for presentation and discussion at the Monthly Biosecurity Meeting with Ministers, alerting Ministers to high profile pests for action
- Chair consultation meetings with stakeholders: Tree Health Policy Group and Plant Health Advisory Forum
- Chair UK NPPO group with Devised Governments and UK Coordination Group with Crown Dependencies
- International leadership as Head of UK NPPO with EU, EPPO and IPPC
- Develop, maintain and test the plant health Contingency plans to ensure a rapid and effective response to pest outbreaks by
- Leading emergency response to new or changing pest threats; evidence of new pest outbreak response. Oversee development of pest specific contingency plans via the PHRG
- Lead spokesperson for plant and bee health matters for media interviews
- Implementing the Plant Biosecurity Strategy and SRO for Plant Health Programme Boards
- Policy customer oversight of APHA and Fera delivery of plant health inspection, surveillance and diagnostic activities
- Implementation of the tree health resilience strategy as part of 25 year environment plan
- Leadership of the Plant Variety and Seeds function through facilitating the breeding of varieties for UK conditions and maintaining the quality of marketed reproductive material, including improved disease resistance and reduced pesticides, and boost UK productivity.
- Leadership of honey bee health policy and SRO for the Healthy Bees Plan as part of the National Pollinator strategy.
- Written and verbal communication at events, conferences, webinars
- Other corporate roles
- Defra lead scientist for plants; lead for plant and tree initiatives across Government and with external stakeholders
- SRO for Fera SSCS contract
- Member of APHA Steering Board
- Member of Forest Research Board
- Member of the BBSRC the Food and Animal & Plant Health Programme Board
Person specification
- A relevant qualification in a plant related discipline such as, plant pathology, entomology, mycology or a related discipline with clear evidence of professional expertise
- Policy Leadership.
Experience of policy leadership and sound judgment in a political environment.
You will demonstrate clear ability to assimilate a wide range of information, analyse complex problems, identify how best to reconcile the conflicting priorities of different stakeholders and make propositions to ministers.
- Leading People.
Outstanding people leadership skills, with a track record of leading, motivating and developing large, high performing teams and building a diverse and inclusive culture, while leading people through change and re-prioritisation.
- Negotiating and Influencing.
Strong proven experience of successfully working collaboratively with and influencing a broad range of Board-level and more senior stakeholders internally and externally, and ideally, in international negotiations and wider representative roles.
- Excellent communication skills at all levels with demonstrable experience of communicating clearly and succinctly in all forms (written and oral) to a broad range of stakeholders, adapting the style for the appropriate audience, ensuring that complex issues are set out in a simple and accessible way that is influential and authoritative.
- Incident Response.
The ability to work at a strategic level in a high-stakes incident or crisis and the flexibility and personal resilience to adapt to rapidly changing and high-risk circumstances.
- Be a member of/join the Register of Plant Health Professionals
- Media trained or experienced in speaking to the media
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
UK Chief Plant Health Officer and Deputy Director Plant and Bee Health, Plant Varieties and Seeds in London employer: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is an exceptional employer that prioritises the health of our environment and agricultural sectors. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will find ample opportunities for growth and collaboration in a supportive work culture that values innovation and public service. Located at the heart of policy-making, this role offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact on plant health both nationally and internationally.
Contact Details:
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Chief Plant Health Officer and Deputy Director Plant and Bee Health, Plant Varieties and Seeds in London
✨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
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace UK Chief Plant Health Officer and Deputy Director Plant and Bee Health, Plant Varieties and Seeds in London
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 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
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 Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
