Border Control Inspectors - Harwich

Harwich - Essex

£34,000pa + car or car allowance

Shift working - including Nights

12 month Fixed Term Contract

We are looking to recruit Border Control Inspectors who will deliver physical inspections of plants, planting material & produce in the Border Control Points and inspection centres. These roles are for a 12 month fixed term period.

Import controls exist to prevent harmful plant pests from entering GB from third countries. The simplest way to achieve this is to exclude harmful organisms (HOs) that are not established in GB but that have the potential to do so. This is achieved by prohibiting certain Quarantine Pests, these are listed in The Plant Health Regulations.

You will be involved in the statutory inspection of, imported plants, planting material and plant produce to ensure compliance with import regulations, training and support will be given in inspection and identification methods.

Working on a shift rota the role will carry out both Documentary and ID checks on import applications and accompanying certification. Inspections on fresh produce in relation to marketing standards will also be conducted in addition to the Plant Health controls.

Reporting to a Shift Team Leader (line manager) and a HEO Plant Health & Seeds inspector, you will plan and undertake a programme of tasks, working independently and/or as part of a team.

Supported by your line manager / shift leader, your main duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Physical inspection of plants, planting material and produce, looking for quarantine plant pests and diseases. This work is performed at Border Control points (BCPs) (such as air and seaports) and will involve travel around and between sites, including supporting other regions. You will need your own transport for this.

• Complete administrative duties accurately and in accordance with standard operating procedures, agency guidelines and within established timescales.

• Manage customer expectations, in line with policies, targets and legislation. Be prepared to undertake difficult conversations with customers, stakeholders and/or delivery partners.

• Liaise closely with various regulatory bodies such as His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, UK Border Agency, Port Health, Animal Health authorities & Border Control Point operations management.

• Working with external stakeholders, agents and importers, including work with BCP Traffic Marshals to prevent unnecessary delays to inspections and the transit of goods.

The Border Control Inspector will:

• Be aware of resource constraints and potential issues to delivery, take a proactive approach to resolve and offer solutions, making senior managers aware as appropriate.
• Provide support and guidance to others (internally and externally) on procedures and policies.
• Escalate to both Team Leader and Technical Lead when interceptions / non-compliance found
• Liaise closely with various regulatory bodies such as Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, UK Border Agency, Port Health, Animal Health authorities & Border Control Point operations management.
• Work with BCP Traffic Marshals to prevent unnecessary delays to inspections and the transit of goods
• To assist in other tasks or duties they have experience in or have been trained on which when undertaken can further their personal development as per agreement in Performance Management Record.
• During outbreaks of notifiable disease, participate as directed to contribute to the control and the eradication of disease including taking part in rosters for detached duty to other parts of Great Britain
• You will be expected to occasionally stay away from home on overnight stays to attend meetings and training. There will be occasional travel to other APHA locations. Out of hours and detached duty work may be required in the event of an outbreak or incident.

• Be educated to at least GCSE or equivalent in English, Maths and a science.
• Be fully IT literate to examine online applications, delivery plans and record findings via a paperless system. You will be comfortable using MS Word, Outlook, Teams and Exccel
• Good communication, planning and organisational skills.
• Be able to communicate complex issues clearly to customers, both internally and externally in English.
• Ability to meet targets and re-prioritise work.
• Have a full, valid UK driving licence (evidence to be provided).
• Work collaboratively in a high-pressure, time sensitive environment with delivery partners.
• Have an interest in Horticulture, Agriculture or the environment.
• Be able to take part in a shift rota to cover 24/7 operations for 365 days a year - including nights
• Work safely adhering to all APHA and BCP safety policies
• The successful candidate will require security clearance before commencing the role

Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants should be based in the UK with the right to work. (In compliance with applicable law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work and to complete employment eligibility verification).