Job Description

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

SASA, a Division of the Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate, is responsible for providing a range of services in support of arable agriculture, horticulture, food, the environment and the wider rural economy. The Horticulture and Marketing Unit (HMU), a branch within SASA, consists of 22 specialist inspectors and support staff based in Edinburgh and Hamilton.

The Horticulture and Marketing Unit (HMU), is a high-profile regulatory team delivering statutory plant health and fresh produce marketing controls under national legislation and international obligations. Its work covers import and export controls, pest and disease surveillance, compliance across plant production and movement, and enforcement of fresh produce marketing standards. The team also leads responses to quarantine pest incidents to prevent spread.

Operating in a changing environment shaped by EU–UK SPS developments, the role requires strong engagement with horticultural stakeholders and the public. Reporting to the Operational Delivery Manager, the post includes managing two B1 inspectors and coordinating activity across the East of Scotland and wider branch to meet targets, with working patterns aligned to industry needs, including overnight stays, early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

The work of HMU is governed by legislation covering plant health and rules relating to the marketing of fresh fruit and vegetables. HMU provides technical advice in these areas and undertakes duties relating to:

• Import and export controls for plants and plant products entering or leaving Scotland.
• Monitoring and surveillance activities to guard against outbreaks of specific plant pests and pathogens.
• Ensuring compliance with controls relating to the production and movement of plants and plant products within the UK.
• Enforcement of the marketing standards for fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the marketing chain.
• Managing outbreaks of quarantine or other serious plant pests and pathogens, and taking action to prevent potential spread.

This area of work is facing significant change again as a result of the EU-UK reset in relation to Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) controls. You will work and communicate with a wide array of stakeholders connected to the horticultural sector including growers, packers, traders, distributors, public or trade related organisations, and the general public.

This post reports directly to the Operational Delivery Manager and will have line management responsibility for 2 x B1 inspectors. Work will be co-ordinated across the team covering the East of Scotland region and also across the wider branch to ensure targets are met.

With much of the work undertaken closely related to the horticultural trade and distribution sectors, specific hours of attendance will be based on operating times of businesses and will include overnight stays, early morning, evening and weekend working.

Responsibilities

• Day to day management of inspection activities in the East of Scotland region to ensure targets are met.
• Statutory inspection of plants and plant products in relation to plant health controls at import points, producers and nurseries, wholesale traders and distributors, and at retail outlets.
• Where non-compliance is identified, investigate and organise suitable controls which are in line with legislation and operational procedures.
• Authorisation of businesses to issue plant passports and the management of the scheme.
• Certification of plants and plant products for export in accordance to importing country’s requirements and provide advice to exporters.
• Issue plant health import licences and undertake audits.
• Plan and undertake crop surveys to prevent the spread of harmful plant pests.
• Organise emergency measures to control outbreaks of quarantine and non-indigenous plant pests.
• Provide guidance in relation to horticulture and plant health in support of government policies.
• Implement changes brought in by new or revised legislation, and keeping up to date with industry developments.
• Management and development of two B1 inspectors with the responsibility for the competent delivery of their work.
  

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

With much of the work undertaken closely related to the horticultural trade and distribution sectors, specific hours of attendance will be based on operating times of businesses and will include overnight stays, early morning, evening and weekend working

• A qualification in Horticulture or Agriculture, or equivalent experience in this discipline (please specify).
• Driving licence which allows you to drive in the UK.
• Demonstrable professional knowledge of the UK horticultural sector, including a strong understanding of the Scottish industry.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B2 employees.

Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Vacancy closes at 11:59pm

Selection Process

All applications will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager.

Informal discussions are to be confirmed.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact richard.eden@gov.scot

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.