Plant Health & Seeds Inspector

Government Recruitment Service; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A government recruitment agency is seeking a Higher Executive Officer to manage inspections of horticultural produce and ensure compliance with regulations. You will lead investigations and enforcement actions while engaging with stakeholders to promote awareness. Candidates will need to work flexible hours and have access to independent transportation. Experience in management and compliance is essential, along with the ability to collect evidence during investigations.

Benefits

Business mileage reimbursement

Flexible work hours

Qualifications

• Experience in line and functional management.
• Knowledge of statutory inspections and marketing standards.
• Ability to collect and collate criminal evidence.

Responsibilities

• Manage designated geographical area; ensure targets are met.
• Inspect imported horticultural produce for compliance.
• Lead investigations against traders for statutory breaches.
• Certify exports and issue necessary certifications.

Skills

Management and leadership

Compliance enforcement

Investigations and evidence collection

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

As a Higher Executive Officer (HEO) you will be reporting to a Senior Executive Officer (SEO), you will plan and undertake a programme of tasks, working independently and/or as part of a team.

The range of duties will be dependent on the working region, training, competence and statutory requirements, but may include:

Core Responsibilities

• Manage a designated geographical area: plan, prioritise, delegate, and ensure targets and quality standards are met.
• Line and functional management of EO inspectors for competent delivery of work.
• Act as local incident commander during pest/disease outbreaks.

Statutory Inspections & Compliance

• Inspect imported horticultural produce, plants, and planting material for compliance with import regulations.
• Enforce marketing standards and grading rules for fresh horticultural produce in England and Wales.
• Conduct statutory inspections for Single Market plant health requirements.
• Inspect crops for plant health certification/classification schemes.
• Perform duties under the Plant Varieties and Seeds Act 1964, including crop inspections, seed sampling, and enforcement checks.

Investigations & Enforcement

• Lead investigations and enforcement actions against traders; prepare court‑ready case files for CPS.
• Collect and collate criminal evidence for breaches of statutory requirements.
• Conduct scientific licence audits and follow‑up actions.

Export Certification

• Certify exports of horticultural produce and plants, issue conformity and phytosanitary certificates, and advise exporters.

Surveys & Sampling

• Carry out crop surveys and soil sampling to prevent spread of pests/diseases.
• Collect samples for olive oil standards, market pricing data, and pesticide residue testing.

Intelligence & Stakeholder Engagement

• Collate and communicate intelligence on plant health issues to Technical Advice Panels (TAP).
• Engage stakeholders to raise awareness of plant health controls and marketing requirements.
• Deliver specialised work on behalf of TAPs.

Plant Health offers a 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week level of service to the trade for import & export certification & biosecurity checks.

Depending on location you may be required to work in a shift pattern. This pattern can be early morning or a late evening shift and can span over weekends and public holidays. Candidates should expect to work flexibly to meet the varied work patterns defined by business need. You may be required to work at other locations, so candidates must be prepared to occasionally work and stay away from home.

Candidates will need independent access to a car to visit clients / collect samples / carry equipment. Some client locations and working hours preclude the use of public transport. Business mileage will be reimbursed.