Horticulture and Marketing Officer in Edinburgh

Do you want an exciting opportunity that has arisen in the Horticulture and Marketing Unit (HMU) within the Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate to play a key role in protecting the Scottish horticultural sector and wider environment from harmful pests and pathogens as well as supporting trade and protecting consumers? As a Horticulture and Marketing Officer, you will visit a wide range of stakeholders connected to the horticultural sector. This will include inspections and audits as well as providing advice and guidance to these stakeholders.

HMU is a branch within SASA and consists of 22 specialist inspectors and support staff based in Edinburgh and Hamilton. We carry out inspections across all stages of production and marketing, including imports, exports, and inland sites throughout Scotland. Our work involves engaging with a broad range of stakeholders across the horticultural sector, such as growers, packers, traders, distributors, retailers, public bodies, trade organisations, and members of the public.

This work is part of a multi-layered approach to preventing harmful pests and pathogens from entering or becoming established in Great Britain and ensuring that plant material exported from Scotland meets required standards. We also manage outbreaks or interceptions of quarantine pests to prevent their establishment or spread. In addition, we carry out inspections under the Marketing Standards for fresh fruit and vegetables to ensure trader compliance with GB rules and to provide consumers with assurance on product quality and origin.

It is important to note that you will be expected to drive to various locations throughout Scotland. This will include early morning, evening and weekend working with occasional overnight stays when required. A willingness to undertake these visits is therefore a prerequisite for the role. As a considerable amount of driving is required to carry out the duties of the role, a valid driving licence which enables you to drive in the UK is mandatory.

• Inspect plants and plant products at points of import in relation to plant health controls and the marketing rules for fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Inspect and certify plants and plant products for export in accordance to the requirements of the destination country.
• Undertake plant health monitoring and surveillance activities for specific plant pests and pathogens.
• Undertake conformity checks with the marketing standards for a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables through all stages of the distribution chain to the final point of retail sale.
• Where non-compliance is identified, investigate and organise suitable controls which are in line with legislation and operational procedures. Liaise with the trade, and other governmental bodies and organisations where appropriate.
• Provide guidance in relation to horticulture, plant health and the marketing standards in support of inspection activities.

• A qualification in Horticulture or Agriculture, or equivalent experience in this discipline.
• Driving licence which allows you to drive in the UK.

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. The Success Profile will include the Professional / Technical skills, Experience and Behaviours.

• Communicating science and engineering for government - Communicates horticultural or equivalent advice and evidence in a clear, unbiased and understandable manner to non-specialists by considering audience needs and background.
• Building and applying knowledge - Understands the relevance of, and complies with, statutory and/or non-statutory requirements relating to legislation, voluntary codes of practice/conduct guidance, and quality assurance processes in relation to the horticulture sector or its equivalent.

Have experience of working in the UK horticulture or agriculture sector in a professional capacity, and the ability to demonstrate an understanding of horticultural industry in Scotland. This may include plant production and processing, food safety, product development, or inspection of horticultural businesses or equivalent.

• Making Effective Decisions - Level 2
• Working Together - Level 2
• Delivering at Pace - Level 2

Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified, applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and job simulation exercise. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 13th July however this may be subject to change. These will be held in person at SASA, Roddinglaw Road, Edinburgh, EH12 9FJ.

In the event of a high volume of applications, candidates will have their applications initially assessed against the Experience criteria above. Candidates who pass this initial sift will have their applications fully assessed against all criteria. At interview/assessment if there is a tied score, performance in the criteria will be applied to determine merit order.

In the event of a tied interview/assessment score, merit order will be determined by score in the "Making Effective Decision" behaviour criteria above.

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, observing the Civil Service Code and working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits.

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location.

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.