At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspect seed potato crops and collect soil samples to support Scotland's agricultural success.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government's Agriculture and Rural Delivery Directorate, a leader in plant health.
- Benefits: Earn £129.82 per day with travel expenses covered and gain hands-on experience.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with opportunities for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's seed potato industry while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Valid UK driving licence required; no prior experience needed as full training is provided.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
Scotland is recognised internationally as a world leader in seed potato production, thanks to the exceptionally high health status of crops grown here. Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) plays a vital role in maintaining these standards and is the body responsible for the certification of seed potato crops in Scotland. An opportunity has arisen within SASA for two temporary Plant Health Inspectors to work in the Grampian (Moray, Banffshire, Aberdeenshire) area.
SASA is a division of the Scottish Government’s Agriculture and Rural Delivery Directorate (ARDD) and provides expert scientific advice and services to the Agriculture and Rural Economy (ARE) Directorate and the wider Scottish Government on matters relating to crops and the environment. Working as part of a team of inspectors, you will support Scotland’s seed potato industry by inspecting seed potato consignments and collecting soil samples from fields intended for seed potato production, specifically for the detection of potato cyst nematode. These seasonal roles generally operate between September and May, with work allocated by local area offices in line with customer demand for tuber inspection and soil sampling. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to Scotland’s agricultural success while gaining hands-on experience in plant health and regulatory inspection. Full, comprehensive training will be given to successful candidates in the identification of potato tuber diseases, tuber inspections and soil sampling method.
Daily rate of £129.82 per day (travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed where appropriate).
Responsibilities
- Support area office travelling between farms to inspect seed potato consignments for a number of different growers.
- Identify faults in the crops and record results of inspection in accordance with best practice.
- Support office travelling between farms drawing soil for the purposes of potato cyst nematode detection.
Qualifications
- Valid driving licence which enables you to drive in the UK - Please confirm in your CV/Personal Statement that you hold this qualification.
Success profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Behaviours
- Making effective decisions – Level 2
- Communicating and influencing – Level 2
- Working together – Level 2
- Developing self and others – Level 2
You can find out more about Success Profiles here: Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot
How To Apply
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 (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an in person interview and job simulation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 23 February 2026 however this may be subject to change.
About Us
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, 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. Find out more about what we offer.
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Working pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. For this role, the candidate will be contacted by the local area office to work as and when the need arises according to customer demand for tuber inspection and soil sampling.
Security checks
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). You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.
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 commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further information
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.
Plant Health Inspector - Winter in Inverurie employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
As a division of the Scottish Government, SASA offers a unique opportunity to work in a supportive and inclusive environment dedicated to maintaining Scotland's high agricultural standards. Employees benefit from comprehensive training, flexible working options, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the seed potato industry while enjoying competitive daily rates and reimbursement for travel expenses. With a commitment to employee growth and a diverse workforce, SASA is an excellent employer for those seeking rewarding careers in plant health and regulatory inspection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Health Inspector - Winter in Inverurie
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We think you need these skills to ace Plant Health Inspector - Winter in Inverurie
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 THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨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 THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT 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 THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT.
✨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 THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT.
