Border Control Service Delivery Manager
Animal & Plant Health Agency
Plant & Bee Health
Ashford
Pride in the work

About us

If there is one characteristic that marks us out at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), it is pride. We are proud to use our professionalism and expertise to safeguard animal and plant health across the UK for the benefit of the environment, the economy and the millions of people who live here.

Join us and you will be part of a diverse team of over 2,000 skilled and committed professionals who share this inspiring goal. Together, we protect endangered wildlife, conduct research into bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases and vaccines, facilitate the international trade in animals, identify and control endemic and exotic diseases, and manage a programme of bee inspections, diagnostics, research, training, and so much more.

The role

In this role, you’ll coordinate and manage a team of inspectors carrying out physical inspections of plants, planting material and produce at our Border Control Point (BCP). The role of your team is to make sure harmful organisms (HOs) don’t enter Great Britain from other countries.

Working as part of a shift pattern, your team will prohibit certain quarantine pests in line with Plant Health regulations, and carry out documentary and ID checks on import applications. On top of plant health controls, your team will also conduct certification inspections on fresh produce for human consumption.

About you

We’re looking for someone with good planning and organisational skills. You’ll need to be able to work on your own initiative and prioritise resources and workload to meet deadlines. In addition, you’ll need:

• educated to GCSE level with grade C/4 in English, maths and a science
• a minimum HND or equivalent in Agriculture or Horticulture – or a working knowledge of plants to the same level
• committed to training and continued development
• able to analyse evidence and make sound business decisions in line with the development of the Agency and Departmental strategies
• willing to take part in a shift rota to cover 24/7 operations, 365 days a year
• able to communicate complex issues clearly to colleagues at all levels
• fully IT literate
• adherent to all APHA and BCP safety policies

Benefits

Join us and you’ll receive full training in Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) procedures, allowing you to act as an expert witness and to further develop your professional skills.

Apply now

If you’re successful at interview, we’ll need you to undertake security checks which include identity, employment, nationality and immigration status, criminal records and any other essential pre-employment checks.

You’ll also need to comply with health protocols, undergo a pre-employment medical assessment, and wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as required.

Please note: to work in this role, you’ll need to be physically able to access inspection bays, vehicles and to take samples.