JOB SUMMARY

An exciting opportunity 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 23 specialist inspectors and support staff based in Edinburgh and Hamilton. We undertake inspection and surveillance activities at all stages of production and marketing including import, export and inland sites throughout Scotland.
This work is part of a multi layered approach to prevent harmful pests and pathogens entering or becoming established in GB as well as ensuring any plant material leaving Scotland meets the required export standard. As part of this work, we manage outbreaks or interceptions of quarantine pests and pathogens to prevent potential establishment or spread. We also undertake inspections in relation to the Marketing Standards for fresh fruit and vegetables to ensure trader compliance with GB marketing rules and to provide some assurance on quality and origin of produce for the consumer.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

A qualification in Horticulture or Agriculture, or equivalent relevant experience (please specify).
Valid driving licence which enables you to drive in the UK - Please confirm in your CV/Personal Statement that you hold this qualification.

TECHNICAL / PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:

• Communicating science and engineering for government - Communicates 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.

EXPERIENCE

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

A qualification in Horticulture or Agriculture, or equivalent relevant experience (please specify).

TECHNICAL SKILLS

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Communicating science and engineering for government - Communicates 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.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements

Please refer the Job description for details