Port Health Officer/Senior Port Health Officer

Ashford Borough Council; Ashford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A Local Authority in Ashford is seeking a Port Health Officer/Senior Port Health Officer to oversee customs checks and ensure food safety standards. This permanent, full-time position offers a salary ranging from £40,914 to £47,373, along with a 14% shift allowance. Ideal candidates will have an environmental health degree or similar qualifications, with strong skills in food control and health safety. The role involves various responsibilities, including conducting official controls and leading a team to safeguard public health.

Benefits

14% Shift allowance

Salary-linked pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Free life insurance

Supportive relocation package

Opportunities for training and development

Qualifications

• Qualifications to undertake import controls at Border Control Posts.
• Evidence of continual professional development.
• Strong skills in food control, health, and safety.

Responsibilities

• Report to the Principal Port Health Officer.
• Conduct Official Controls on imports.
• Direct the work of other technical officers.

Skills

Environmental Health knowledge

Enforcement experience relevant to food control

IT systems competency

Ability to work 24/7 shift pattern

Education

MSc, Degree or Diploma in Environmental Health

Job description

Port Health Officer/Senior Port Health Officer – closing date 25.01.2026

Salary from £40,914 to £47,373 pa depending on skills and experience, plus 14% Shift Allowance

Permanent - Full time – 37 hours per week

Hours of work are based on a 24/7 shift pattern

We Offer

• 14% Shift allowance
• Salary-linked pension scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Generous annual leave
• Free life insurance
• Supportive relocation package
• Opportunities for training and development

About Us

A Border Control facility has been set up in Ashford on the Sevington site, near junction 10A of the M20. This site provides the customs and transit checks required for hauliers imported food checks to ensure that goods comply with the statutory duties to safeguard public health.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Report to the Principal Port Health Officer and undertake a range of statutory duties to safeguard public health.
• Conduct Official Controls to check imports of products of animal origin and high‑risk food not of animal origin to ensure that only safe products enter the food chain.
• Direct the work and activities of the Technical Officer and Technical Assistant.
• Interpret and analyse legislation, statutory guidance, technical updates and good practice.
• Work across environmental health professionals across the organisation to broaden your experience.

Qualifications and Skills

• Suitable qualification(s) to undertake import controls at Border Control Posts as defined by the FSA Food Law Code of Practice and Practice Guidance – normally MSc, Degree or Diploma in Environmental Health plus Certificate of Registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board EHRB (CIEH).
• Evidence of continual professional development.
• Enforcement experience relevant to food control work.
• Strong skills and knowledge relevant to food control, health and safety and public health functions.
• Competency in IT systems including email, word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentation software.
• Willingness and ability to work a shift pattern over 24 hours/7 days per week/365 days per year.

For an informal discussion about this role please contact Marie Connolly or Susan Harvey on 0300 0424557.

We can offer VISA certificates of sponsorship for this role. Please contact [e-mail] for more information.

When completing your application, ensure you clearly demonstrate how you meet each of the essential requirements. Applications that only address desirable criteria, or do not provide sufficient evidence against the essential criteria, will not progress to the next stage.

When applying — Please ensure that you have received confirmation of a submitted application once completed.

To Apply click here.

We welcome applications from the Armed Forces Community.

Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide.

Visit the jobs page of our website www.ashford.gov.uk/jobs.