At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure food safety and public health at the busy Port of Southampton.
- Company: Join a vibrant team dedicated to safeguarding health in one of the UK's busiest ports.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and excellent pension contributions.
- Other info: Enjoy training opportunities and a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: EHORB certification and knowledge of Environmental Health legislation preferred.
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 UK’s 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
Port Health Advisor in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Join the Port Health team at the bustling Port of Southampton, where you will play a crucial role in safeguarding public and animal health. We offer a supportive work culture with excellent benefits, including a generous local government pension, flexible working options, and ample opportunities for professional development. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and a vibrant team environment, this is an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Port Health Advisor in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the Port Health field, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. 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 interviews by researching the Port Health team and understanding their role in safeguarding public health. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission and share examples of your past experiences that demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for public health! During interviews, express your enthusiasm for the role and the impact it has on the community. Let them know why you want to be part of their vibrant team and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Port Health Advisor in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in Port Health services. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves advising agents and importers, it’s crucial to demonstrate your developed communication skills. Use examples in your application that showcase how you’ve effectively communicated in previous roles.
Highlight Your Team Spirit:We’re looking for someone who can work well both independently and as part of a team. Share experiences where you’ve collaborated successfully with others or taken the lead on projects to show us you’re a team player.
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 this exciting opportunity in our vibrant Port Health team.
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 consignments and vessels entering the UK. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand the critical responsibilities it entails.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Port Health Advisor, you'll need to communicate effectively with agents and importers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information in the past. This could be through reports, presentations, or even informal discussions—anything that highlights your ability to convey important messages clearly.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role requires both teamwork and independent work. Think of instances where you've collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, as well as times when you've taken the initiative on your own. Be ready to discuss how you balance these two aspects in your work.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some scenario-based questions during your interview. They might ask how you'd handle a specific situation involving food safety or vessel inspections. Practise thinking on your feet and consider how you would apply your knowledge in real-world situations to ensure public health is safeguarded.
