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- Tasks: Ensure food safety and public health at the Port of Southampton.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at one of the UK's busiest ports.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, flexible working, and excellent pension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health while enjoying diverse experiences.
- Qualifications: EHORB certification and knowledge of Environmental Health legislation required.
- Other info: Opportunities for training, development, and community volunteering.
The predicted salary is between 41771 - 43141 £ per year.
The Port Health team provide a vital role in safeguarding public and animal health in the Port of Southampton and the UK. As one of the UKs busiest container ports and home to the largest cruise ship operators, this is an exciting place to work. The team pride themselves in offering a high level of service to our customers and following post-Brexit changes to Official Regulations, we are investing in a larger team.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to join a busy vibrant team and provide vital support to the Port Health Service and its statutory functions. This role includes working a late shift every 5 weeks that includes working a 1-9pm shift (Monday - Friday) and Saturday 8-4pm. This attracts a 10% shift pay and time off in lieu for weekend working. You will be responsible for ensuring food consignments from around the world are safe to enter the UK and that all vessels entering the port of Southampton do not pose a public health risk. This will include:
- Applying Port Health controls on imported food and feed
- Preparing reports, collecting evidence and compiling legal notices
- Undertaking surveys and inspections of vessels e.g. cruise ships, oil tankers, container ships etc.
- Identification and sampling of foodstuffs
- Provide advice and guidance to agents and importers on imported food controls
- Updating and utilising database and information management systems
About you
We are looking for a motivated, hardworking Environmental/Port Health Officer to join our growing team. Whilst we welcome applications from experienced & newly qualified officers, experience of Port Health services, procedures and food control work would be advantageous. You will need to have:
- Environmental Health Officer Registration Board (EHORB) certification
- Good working knowledge of Environmental Health and Port Health legislation including experience of formal enforcement action
- Developed communication skills and a high level of customer care
- The ability to work both within a team and independently and to organise and prioritise workloads
What we can offer you:
Salary: The salary band for this role is £41,771 - £43,141. The starting salary is £41,771 with annual progression through the salary bands. Here at SCC we have a range of different benefits, a few examples can be found below.
- Excellent local government pension with 16.8% employer contribution
- Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)
- Generous holiday 25–31 days, based on role and service
- Flexible working options (role-dependent)
- Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
- Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
- Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
- Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
- Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
- Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
- Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
- Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer
If you feel you have the necessary background, experience, and skills to undertake this role we would like to hear from you.
Contact details for informal discussion: For further information and details regarding the post please contact Jo Hackwood, Port Health Manager jo.hackwood@southampton.gov.uk Tel 02380 226631
Interview Information: Please note that interviews are scheduled for early April
Recruitment contact details: Email: recruitment@southampton.gov.uk Tel: 023 8083 4033
For more information about SCC please visit Southampton City Council
Port Health Officer employer: Southampton City Council
Contact Detail:
Southampton City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Port Health Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Port Health team and what they do! Research their recent projects and challenges, so you can chat about them during your interview. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Port Health Officer, you'll need to explain complex regulations clearly. Try role-playing with a friend or family member to get comfortable discussing food safety and health regulations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your customer care skills! The Port Health team prides itself on service, so share examples of how you've gone above and beyond for customers in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our vibrant team at Southampton.
We think you need these skills to ace Port Health Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Port Health Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in environmental health and any specific knowledge of port health legislation. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your communication skills and customer care experience. This role involves advising agents and importers, so we need to know you can handle that with ease. Let us see your best examples!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Environmental Health and Port Health legislation. Familiarise yourself with the specific regulations that apply to food safety and public health at ports, as this will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves advising agents and importers, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past, as strong communication skills are key for this position.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role requires both teamwork and independent work. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with others or taken the lead on a project. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the vibrant team dynamic at the Port Health Service.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, the challenges they face, and the future direction of the Port Health Service. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.