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- Tasks: Ensure Scotland's food safety by inspecting animal welfare and hygiene standards.
- Company: Join Food Standards Scotland, a key player in public health and food safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, additional pay supplement, and a four-day working week.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in food safety while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree and Official Veterinarian qualification required.
- Other info: Field-based role with opportunities for career growth and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Want to be at the forefront of safeguarding Scotland’s food standards? The Official Veterinarian (OV) role is one of the key front-line operational roles within the FSS. The core work for the OV is the delivery of Official Controls related to Products of Animal Origin (POAO) in FSS approved premises within Scotland (Red and White meat slaughterhouses, Cutting Plants and Game handling establishments (GHE’s)). The FSS OV is the technical lead for field teams in all aspects related to verification of the Food Business Operator’s (FBO) compliance with all relevant legislation as stated in the FSS Scottish Manual for Official Controls (SMOC). It is expected, depending on the requirement of the business, that OVs will also obtain the qualifications required to certify exports of POAO. This post attracts an additional pay supplement of £4,250 per annum. Subject to regular review (approximately every 3 years).
Responsibilities
- Inspection tasks
- Conducting Ante Mortem Inspection (AMI) of animals for slaughter and making decisions based on the fitness of animals.
- Assessment of Food Chain Information (FCI)
- Verification of animal welfare compliance
- Conducting Post Mortem Inspection (PMI)
- Verification of compliance with Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) and Animal By-product (ABP) requirements
- Health Marking
- Verification of slaughter hygiene standards
- Verification of FBO compliance with microbiological criteria
- Verification of FBO traceability systems
- Verification of food safety management systems & HACCP based procedures
- Pre-operational sanitation verification of production areas
- Collection and communication of Inspection results
- Assessment of and decision making in relation to FCI, live animals, animal welfare and meat
- Gather evidence to support targeted enforcement for FSS and other enforcement agencies as required
- Follow risk based procedures to take fair and proportionate enforcement actions to ensure compliance, educating and advising FBO’s to create action plans to achieve compliance
- Responsible for all timely enforcement and its escalation
- Completing and collation of paperwork and electronic enforcement systems
- Delivery and recording of informal enforcement activity
- Drafting, service and recording of formal enforcement
- Knowledge of how to identify potential food fraud opportunities relevant to the meat industry
- Verification of compliance with Third Country requirements (as/when needed)
- Carry out veterinarian activities in line with specific Third Country requirements when requested
- Have or obtain all relevant export qualifications
- Knowledge and understanding of general and third country specific export requirements
- Knowledge and understanding of the principals of certification
- Where relevant, knowledge and understanding of animal health and notifiable disease elements
- Cascade technical information as required in regards to export certification to colleagues
- Manage the induction and practical training of new COs, FCCOs and CSOs
- Responsible for the technical leadership and performance of the plant inspection team, by providing appropriate advice, coaching, support and ensuring technical compliance
- Assessment of on-going technical, competencies of AO’s
- Cascade technical information as required
- Participation on the practical training at the plant of trainee OA’s or OV’s
- Establish and maintain productive working relationships with FBO’s and other stakeholders (Local authorities, etc.)
- Raise any changes to the FBO business patterns in relation to the Business Agreements with the Operations manager
- Inform FBO’s of any legislative changes that have an impact of their operation
- Hold regular minuted meetings with the FBO to discuss and review level of compliance and enforcement as appropriate
- Provide support in implementing FSS Health and Safety policy at plant level
- Participate when required to investigate and record incidents involving the plant team
- Participate in plant inductions, ensuring plant inspection teams and visitors are fully aware of FSS Health and Safety policy and procedure
- Maintain confidentiality of internal FSS communications and commercially sensitive information
- Continued familiarisation with the SMOC and other guidance documents as appropriate
Qualifications
- Veterinary degree and RCVS membership (including temporary registration)
- Must hold an Official Veterinarian qualification.
Success Profile
- Technical/Professional Skills:
- Good understanding of Veterinary Public Health
- Good understanding of livestock pathology and conditions which may impact consumers
- Demonstrated experienced working as an Official Veterinarian.
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 1000 words which provides evidence of how you meet the technical skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of a presentation followed by a panel interview. Interviews are scheduled for April, however this may be subject to change.
About us
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) was established on 1 April 2015 as the new public sector food body for Scotland. To protect the health and wellbeing of consumers we have three objectives as set under the Food (Scotland) Act 2015:
- To protect the public from risks to health which may arise in connection with the consumption of food
- To improve the extent to which members of the public have diets which are conducive to good health
- To protect the other interests of consumers in relation to food
We have a unique role in Scottish government, working independently of Ministers and industry, to provide advice which is impartial, and based on robust science and data. Our remit covers all aspects of the food chain which can impact on public health – aiming to protect consumers from food safety risks and promote healthy eating. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Our standard hours are 35 hours per week - four day working week with rolling rest day. Candidates must be willing to work occasional weekends when requested in response to business needs. These are field based roles working in primary meat production premises in Bridge of Allan, Coupar Angus and one mobile role that will cover the plants in Area 2 across mid Scotland (from Brechin to Perth). Applicants for the mobile position must hold a valid driving license and own a private vehicle. Applicants for the specific locations of Bridge of Allan and Coupar Angus must hold a valid driving license and own a private car or be able to travel to the specific location of work by other suitable means of transport.
Equality Statement
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. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Apply before (23:59 - 05/04/26). If you have specific questions about this role please contact: Joan Bricall (Veterinary Auditor) at Joan.bricall@fss.scot or on 07765221628.
Official Veterinarian employer: Scottish Government
Contact Detail:
Scottish Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Official Veterinarian
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, industry professionals, and even alumni from your university. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research the Food Standards Scotland (FSS) and brush up on your knowledge of food safety regulations. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to their mission will definitely set you apart.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your past work, whether it’s reports, case studies, or even testimonials from previous employers. This will help demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest job openings there, so keep checking back!
We think you need these skills to ace Official Veterinarian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Official Veterinarian role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially in veterinary public health and compliance with food safety standards.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to provide specific examples of how you meet the technical skills and experience outlined in the Success Profile. Keep it concise and focused, sticking to the 1000-word limit.
Show Your Passion for Food Safety: Let your enthusiasm for safeguarding food standards come through in your application. Mention any relevant experiences or motivations that drive your commitment to public health and animal welfare.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our Careers Website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can find more info about the role and our awesome team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary public health knowledge and livestock pathology. Familiarise yourself with the FSS Scottish Manual for Official Controls (SMOC) and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Official Veterinarian role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work as an Official Veterinarian. Highlight your inspection tasks, decision-making processes, and any enforcement actions you've taken. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and technical skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve built relationships with Food Business Operators (FBOs) and other stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share strategies for effective communication and collaboration, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for the Presentation
If you're invited for further assessment, you'll need to deliver a presentation. Practice presenting your ideas clearly and confidently, focusing on how you would approach the key responsibilities of the OV role. Make sure to engage your audience and anticipate questions they might have.