Job description
Do you want an exciting opportunity that has arisen in the Horticulture and Marketing Officer to contribute to plant health, trade standards, and consumer protection across Scotland?
An 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 22 specialist inspectors and support staff based in Edinburgh and Hamilton. We carry out inspections across all stages of production and marketing, including imports, exports, and inland sites throughout Scotland. Our work involves engaging with a broad range of stakeholders across the horticultural sector, such as growers, packers, traders, distributors, retailers, public bodies, trade organisations, and members of the public.
This work is part of a multi-layered approach to preventing harmful pests and pathogens from entering or becoming established in Great Britain and ensuring that plant material exported from Scotland meets required standards. We also manage outbreaks or interceptions of quarantine pests to prevent their establishment or spread. In addition, we carry out inspections under the Marketing Standards for fresh fruit and vegetables to ensure trader compliance with GB rules and to provide consumers with assurance on product quality and origin.
It is important to note that you will be expected to drive to various locations throughout Scotland. This will include early morning, evening and weekend working with occasional overnight stays when required. A willingness to undertake these visits is therefore a prerequisite for the role.
As a considerable amount of driving is required to carry out the duties of the role, a valid driving licence which enables you to drive in the UK is mandatory.
Responsibilities
* 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.
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