Port Health Team Leader

Dover District Council; Dover; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council authority in Dover is seeking an experienced Team Leader to manage public health operations at the Port of Dover. The role involves oversight of a team for biosecurity checks, requiring a BSc or MSc in Environmental Health or Veterinary Medicine. Candidates must possess strong management and technical skills, and adaptability to a shift-based working pattern. Benefits include generous allowances and healthcare membership.

Benefits

Shift allowance

Generous car allowance

Benenden Healthcare Membership

Local government pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Discount scheme for leisure activities

On-site parking

Cycle2Work scheme

Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme

Qualifications

• Demonstrable level of technical knowledge in port health.
• Extensive experience of managing people.
• In-depth knowledge of current legislative requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage a multidisciplinary team for biosecurity and food control checks.
• Undertake vehicle searches for non-compliant goods.
• Provide technical advice and guidance to the team.

Skills

Technical knowledge in port health

Strong communication skills

People management

IT skills

Education

Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Master of Science (MSc) in Environmental Health

Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Master of Science (MSc) in Veterinary Medicine

Tools

IPAFFS

PHILIS

Job description

Overview

Two positions available

Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents at the heart of everything we do, from building new, affordable homes to exciting regeneration schemes. A career with Dover District Council offers you the opportunity to excel.

As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly and diverse working environment in which our employees can thrive. We have a team of enthusiastic employees, delivering services they are passionate about.

Dover Port Health Authority (DPHA) is the statutory Port Health Authority for the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel Frontier, responsible for safeguarding this critical border from (amongst other things) the introduction of potentially catastrophic diseases.

Our work at the frontline is of national significance and has gained international recognition and praise for the removal to date of over 260 tonnes of illegal products of animal origin destined for our shelves. You will play a key role in this essential and evolving work.

The Role

We are looking for dynamic, enthusiastic and experienced Team Leaders with port health, environmental health or portal veterinary experience to join our supportive and proactive team.

Leading on the day-to-day operations, you will be responsible for managing a multidisciplinary team of port health colleagues to ensure the effective and efficient delivery and implementation of biosecurity and imported food control checks at both Dover and Coquelles.

You will require a demonstrable level of technical knowledge in port health, food safety, public health, health and safety, and extensive experience of managing people. An in-depth knowledge of current legislative requirements will be essential as you will provide technical advice and guidance to the team and lead on enforcement action decisions. Strong communication and people management skills are essential.

You will undertake vehicle searches to identify and remove non-compliant goods in variable and challenging environments and will need to physically fit to undertake this role.

We work a shift-based pattern which includes evenings, weekends and bank holidays. You will be required to participate in special exercises which may occur during nights, evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. This role requires you to work at the Port of Dover, Coquelles and Dover District Council offices.

Who We Are Looking For

The successful candidate must have:

• A Batchelor of Science (BSc) or Master of Science (MSc) degree in Environmental Health, or a suitable qualification as detailed in the Food Law Code of Practice (England) approved by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health with the relevant certificate of registration or:
• A BSc or MSc degree in Veterinary Medicine and be a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Along with strong IT skills, experience of IPAFFS and PHILIS would be an advantage.

Due to the nature of the role, you will have the ability to work flexibly and will require a current full driving licence effective in the UK and use of a motor vehicle for business use.

What Can We Offer?

We can provide a friendly and supportive environment for you to excel in. We also offer several employee benefits, subject to eligibility criteria, including:

• Shift allowance
• Generous car allowance
• Benenden Healthcare Membership and access to Employee Assistance Program
• An Opt-in Local government pension scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension
• A generous annual leave provision
• A discount scheme including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre
• On-site parking
• Cycle2Work scheme (eligibility criteria applies)
• Generous Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme (eligibility criteria applies)

Due to the nature of this role, the successful applicant will be required to undertake Enhanced DBS and Counter Terrorist checks as part of their pre-employment clearances.

The quality of your application will be considered as part of the recruitment process.

What Next?

If you would like a further discussion about the post, then please contact the Port Health Team via email at [e-mail]

Closing date: Monday 29th September 2025

For an alternative format, or to apply using a different method, please contact us.