Description Job Description Shape the future of agriculture and animal welfare in Scotland The Scottish Government's Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate (ARE) is seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join their team as Poultry Officers. With opportunities to work full-time or part-time, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring safe food production, preventing disease, and upholding the highest welfare standards across Scotland. Bring your organisational skills and build meaningful connections with diverse stakeholders in this rewarding and impactful role The Scottish Government's ARE Directorate is offering specialist opportunities within the Animal Health and Welfare Division's Poultry Branch. These roles provide a sensible blend of on-site work with livestock (indoor and outdoor) and hybrid office/home-based responsibilities. From assessing livestock welfare and approving housing to conducting quality tests, audits, and sample collection, this position is your chance to make a tangible impact in ensuring the highest standards of welfare and food safety. Step into this varied and rewarding role and be a key player in Scotland's agricultural excellence. These roles come with the responsibility of managing caseloads across Scotland, each officer focusing on their own designated geographical area while also supporting other regions, including Scotland's islands, as needed. A readiness to travel, including overnight stays, is essential. The position includes a comprehensive 8-12 week, full-time training programme in Edinburgh, setting you up for success. Upon completion, the part-time post will transition to 0.5 FTE. Please indicate in your application if you have a preference for a full or part time post. Responsibilities Enforce Scottish legislative standards at egg producers, egg packing centres, wholesalers/importers, chick hatcheries, poultry meat producers, pullet rearers and breeding establishments. Process registration applications and conduct routine inspections at various poultry-related premises. Assess poultry production units (stocked and unstocked) against legislative standards. Analyse, interpret, and act upon evidence in challenging and unpredictable situations. Liaise with local authorities, Animal Health Plant Agency, internal area ofices and SG Animal Health & Welfare colleagues. Provide evidence-based guidance to the industry and gather appropriate market intelligence. Collect regulated samples from businesses, ensuring attention to detail and adherence to detailed guidance. Qualifications Qualifications You must hold a recognised Diploma in Agriculture or Poultry. You should also hold an Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate. If you do not hold this qualification, you will be expected to work towards attaining it if successful. Valid driving licence which enables you to drive in the UK Please confirm in your CV/Personal Statement that you hold these qualifications. Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Professional / Technical Skills: Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the UK poultry industry, including current challenges posed by disease risks, consumer/retailer preferences and bird welfare. Experience Previous practical work experience within the UK agricultural or poultry sector. Behaviours Making effective decisions - Level 2 Communicating and influencing – Level 2 Working together – Level 2 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot How to apply Apply online before midnight 23 April 2025, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 1000 words which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an Interview and Presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 12 May 2025 however this may be subject to change. About Us The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working Pattern Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Equality Statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.