At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspect plants and horticultural produce, ensuring compliance with regulations and quality standards.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on plant health and biosecurity.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, mileage reimbursement, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied tasks and potential travel across regions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in protecting plant health and supporting the agricultural industry.
- Qualifications: Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As a Higher Executive Officer (HEO) you will be reporting to a Senior Executive Officer (SEO), you will plan and undertake a programme of tasks, working independently and/or as part of a team. The range of duties will be dependent on the working region, training, competence and statutory requirements, but may include:
- Core Responsibilities
- Manage a designated geographical area: plan, prioritise, delegate, and ensure targets and quality standards are met.
- Line and functional management of EO inspectors for competent delivery of work.
- Act as local incident commander during pest/disease outbreaks.
- Statutory Inspections & Compliance
- Inspect imported horticultural produce, plants, and planting material for compliance with import regulations.
- Enforce marketing standards and grading rules for fresh horticultural produce in England and Wales.
- Conduct statutory inspections for Single Market plant health requirements.
- Inspect crops for plant health certification/classification schemes.
- Perform duties under the Plant Varieties and Seeds Act 1964, including crop inspections, seed sampling, and enforcement checks.
- Investigations & Enforcement
- Lead investigations and enforcement actions against traders; prepare court‑ready case files for CPS.
- Collect and collate criminal evidence for breaches of statutory requirements.
- Conduct scientific licence audits and follow‑up actions.
- Export Certification
- Certify exports of horticultural produce and plants, issue conformity and phytosanitary certificates, and advise exporters.
- Surveys & Sampling
- Carry out crop surveys and soil sampling to prevent spread of pests/diseases.
- Collect samples for olive oil standards, market pricing data, and pesticide residue testing.
- Intelligence & Stakeholder Engagement
- Collate and communicate intelligence on plant health issues to Technical Advice Panels (TAP).
- Engage stakeholders to raise awareness of plant health controls and marketing requirements.
- Deliver specialised work on behalf of TAPs.
Plant Health offers a 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week level of service to the trade for import & export certification & biosecurity checks. Depending on location you may be required to work in a shift pattern. This pattern can be early morning or a late evening shift and can span over weekends and public holidays. Candidates should expect to work flexibly to meet the varied work patterns defined by business need. You may be required to work at other locations, so candidates must be prepared to occasionally work and stay away from home. Candidates will need independent access to a car to visit clients / collect samples / carry equipment. Some client locations and working hours preclude the use of public transport. Business mileage will be reimbursed.
Plant Health & Seeds Inspector in Leeds employer: Government Recruitment Service
As a Plant Health & Seeds Inspector, you will join a dedicated team committed to safeguarding plant health across England and Wales. Our organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that values flexibility and professional growth, offering comprehensive training and development opportunities. With a focus on impactful work and community engagement, we provide a rewarding environment where your contributions directly support agricultural integrity and biosecurity.
Contact Details:
Government Recruitment Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Health & Seeds Inspector in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Plant Health & Seeds Inspector role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions related to plant health and compliance. We recommend practising your answers with a friend or in front of a mirror. The more confident you are, the better your chances of impressing the interview panel!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your previous work or projects that demonstrate your ability to manage inspections and enforce regulations. We love seeing candidates who can back up their claims with real-life experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Plant Health & Seeds Inspector in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Plant Health:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for plant health and agriculture shine through. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in the role and understand the importance of maintaining high standards in this field.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the responsibilities listed in the job description. Whether it’s inspections, compliance, or stakeholder engagement, we want to see how your background fits the bill!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your skills and experiences are easy to understand. This will help us see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key responsibilities of a Plant Health & Seeds Inspector. Familiarise yourself with the relevant regulations, such as the Plant Varieties and Seeds Act 1964, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these duties.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team of EO inspectors, be prepared to share examples of your leadership experience. Think about times when you've successfully delegated tasks or led a project, and how you ensured quality standards were met.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
This job requires a flexible approach to working hours and locations. Be ready to discuss your availability for shifts, including early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. Highlight any previous roles where you adapted to changing schedules or worked away from home.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder engagement is crucial in this role. Prepare to talk about your experience in communicating with various stakeholders, whether it's raising awareness of plant health controls or collaborating with technical panels. Show that you can build relationships and effectively convey important information.
