About the job

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to work within the SASA Division as part of the Horticulture and Marketing Unit.  This team works on high value outcomes across the horticultural sector, frequently engaging with stakeholders to provide technical advice, and undertake checks and inspections to ensure compliance with GB rules in relation to plant health and the marketing of horticultural produce.

As a Division of the Scottish Government Directorate for Agriculture and Rural Economy, SASA supports Scotland’s arable and horticultural sectors, by developing policy and providing scientific advice, research, surveillance and inspection services. Our staff conduct a wide range of functions in offices, laboratories, glasshouses, farm buildings and farmland as well as at third party inspection sites.

The Horticulture and Marketing Unit (HMU) is a branch within SASA and consists of 23 specialist inspectors and support staff based in Edinburgh and Hamilton.  Our work is governed by legislation covering plant health and rules relating to the marketing of fresh fruit and vegetables. 

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 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.

As a Horticulture and Marketing Officer, you will visit a wide range of stakeholders connected to the horticultural sector including growers, packers, traders, distributors, retailers, public or trade related organisations, and the general public.  This will include inspections, audits and advisory visits. 

It is important to note that you will be expected to drive to various locations throughout Scotland to undertake and may, on occasion, be required to stay overnight.  A willingness to undertake these visits is therefore a prerequisite for the role.

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.

Person specification

1. A practical understanding of the horticultural sector and/or the trade in plants, plant products and fresh produce.
2. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build supportive and collaborative relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
3. A proven ability to be a team player who works well with others but can carry out individual tasks as required with minimal supervision.
4. Strong planning and organisational skills including the ability to use initiative and judgement to prioritise competing demands when working under pressure.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £32,140, Scottish Government contributes £8,677 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Sift and Interview dates TBC
Please apply using the link provided

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

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) (opens in a new window)
• 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 (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.