HR GO Recruitment are currently assisting with the search of Port Health Officers and Senior Port Health Officers in the Ashford and surrounding area. The officers will be required to undertake specific duties to protect the health of the public at the local port, this is an ongoing temporary post.

Main Duties:

• Perform physical, documentary and identity checks to ensure that only 'safe-to-eat' products enter the food chain

• Provide on hand advice and guidance to stakeholders, such as customers and import agencies

• To carry out relevant database and administrative tasks and using Information Management Systems such as PHILIS, IPAFFS and FSA.

• To participate in the Council's Emergency Planning operations, this includes undertaking any necessary training in this department

• Constantly maintain your knowledge of legislation to be able to carry out your duties to the best of your ability

• To assist in responding to emergencies in your department which may involve duties outside of your job description

• Able to support other sections of the council with food authority, this also extends to wider public health and at time secondments to other departments on a temporary basis.

• The successful applicants will also be required to handle and be exposed to product allergens such as Fish, Peanuts, Tree nuts etc.

The Candidate:

• Suitable qualifications to undertake Import Controls at Border Control Posts (BCP), such as MSc or BSc in Environmental Health accompanied with a certificate of registration with Environmental Health Board (EHRB)

• Working knowledge of BCP is essential

• A specialist port qualification or higher education certificate in Management is desirable but not essential

• Extensive experience in food control work, enforcement of the controls and databases are essential

• Able to demonstrate relevant knowledge of food control and it's relevance to wider public health functions

• Prioritise a varying workload and working to time constraints

• Able to show commitment to personal and work oriented goals

• Full UK Driving licence and own transport is necessary due to the nature and hours of this role

Additional necessary requirement for this role:

• The position involves working shifts covering 24hrs a day / 365 days a year.

• Able to work remotely at home or from the Ashford Civic Centre / Ashford BCP

• The candidate must be comfortable working in temperature-controlled environments or at height

• Willing and able to work in other council locations across the regions

• No allergens to fish, peanuts or tree nuts, as these will be prevalent throughout the role

The successful applicants will be required to work on a shift rota, including early, days and nights. The role is supported with a shift allowance. Experience gained within the Police Force, Prison Service or Security Industry is highly desirable.