Do you want to be part of a team preventing the introduction of notifiable diseases and invasive species into the UK?
Do you want a role safeguarding standards of animal health and welfare?
Do you want to apply your communication and problem-solving skills in a role that provides variety and flexibility?
If so, why not join us and make a difference.
APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions.
We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.
For further insight into the work that we do please see video below;
Your role will be to;
* Perform documentary, identity and physical checks to assess compliance and decide if the consignments can enter GB.
* Assess fitness for travel and initiate corrective action.
Please click here to visit APHA’s Veterinary Careers website for further information about the role of Veterinary Inspectors in APHA. In addition, please visit the Government veterinary profession website which provides further information about veterinary delivery and careers in the Civil Service here.
Drop in Sessions
Whilst the advert and accompanying candidate pack provide the essential detail, APHA will be holding a remote drop-in session whilst the advert is live. This session will be an opportunity to find out about the exciting roles on offer and ask questions related to the job and the application process.
The drop-in session for this campaign will be held on:
Saturday 15th February 2025 10am - 11am (Please click here to join the session)
For any additional queries, or for those unable to attend the drop-in session please raise enquiries via hrresourcingsupport@defra.gov.uk
At the Border Control Post in Heathrow, your time will be spent carrying out checks on live animals imported into Great Britain from the European Union and Third Countries. This role involves a wide range of work including, but not limited to, the following:
Completion of veterinary checks on imported animals, which comprise:
* documentary
* identity
* physical and Welfare checks, dependent on species, origin, and size of consignments
* liaison with Border Control Post (BCP) Operators, Importers, Agents, Local Authorities, Policy Teams and others involved in the international trade of live animals
* assessment of a wide variety of species and types of consignments
* consideration of the legal implications of consignments which are not compliant
In addition, you may be expected to become involved in:
* incident and disease outbreak response
* investigating diseases in animals
* undertaking on-site investigations
* examining and inspecting animals to support differential diagnosis of disease
* collecting and submitting appropriate samples for laboratory testing
* collecting, interpreting relevant data and associated administrative documentation
* reporting findings and recommendations
* maintaining competence in this role
* welfare investigation - Statutory surveillance and intervention in animal welfare
* inspection, approval and audit of premises and transport
* compliance and Enforcement
* local stakeholder engagement
Due to the nature of this role there will be regular outdoor working.
Duty and out of hours rotas
You will be required to work shifts and respond to operational needs of the Border Control Posts. Currently there are two shifts rotating to cover 07:30 and 22:00 on weekdays. Due to the nature of flights and live animal handling, staff may be required to work later than 22:00 to check and clear the animals from the Border Control Post. There is also regular weekend work, where attendance is required for one or more members of the team to attend the Border Control Post. There is no shift pattern at weekends.
A shift disturbance allowance of 12.5% is paid on top of the salary, up to £4,929.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .