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
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
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✨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 Government Recruitment Service 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 Plant Health & Seeds Inspector in Leeds
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 Government Recruitment Service does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨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 Government Recruitment Service 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 Government Recruitment Service.
✨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 Government Recruitment Service.
