It’s an exciting time to be joining Dover District Council as we expand our Dover Port Health Authority (DPHA) service now the UK has left the European Union.
The work of the DPHA is vital to the smooth running of the border at Dover, and to the protection of food safety and public health in the UK.
We ensure the smooth flow of safe food through Europe’s busiest ferry port - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - and onto the shelves of shops and supermarkets across the country.
And you could play a key role in shaping this expanded operation!
We’re recruiting for a wide range of roles, from port health and technical officers, to operational managers, team leaders, and administrative and business support staff.
With scope for flexible work patterns, including both full-time and part-time positions, we also offer a wide range of attractive public sector benefits and shift allowances.
We are looking for Senior Port Health Officers who will work closely with the Team Leader to protect the public and animal health at the border by providing Official Fish Inspector presence regarding imported Products of Animal Origin, and to enforce statutory requirements for imports of Non Animal Origin food.
You will monitor health conditions on board vessels at Dover port, to prevent the spread of disease and issue statutory ship sanitation certificates under Public Ships Health Regulations.
Using your previous experience from a similar environment you will be responsible for drafting and issuing enforcement notices, warning letters and gathering evidence for potential legal proceedings.
As a Senior Port Health Officer you lead on certain areas of work including keeping up to date with legislative changes and developing and reviewing procedures. Additionally you will instruct, oversee, train and monitor technical and support staff in the execution of all relevant Dover Port Health Authority duties, notably import controls including sampling to ensure that regulatory action is consistent and appropriate.
You will have excellent communication skills and will work with several outside organisations to assist and advise authorities in surveillance and mandatory sampling initiatives of food.
This shift based role is office based, however, in the current pandemic environment you may be required to work from home initially.Previous appropriate experience of working and training in physical inspection or other products of animal origin alongside a veterinarian or experience of working within a similar facility would be desirable.
Essential Requirements
A requirement for this role is that candidates will have Official Fish Inspector (OFI) certification and training completed. Suitable candidates not holding this qualification will be required to obtain it within one year of appointment.
DBS Due to the nature of the role, this post requires an enhanced DBS check.