Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location Building 006, Eastern Docks Dover Kent CT16 1JA About the job Job summary 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, not only because we believe it is the right thing to do, but because it will help us be more innovative and make better decisions. Are you passionate about working with animals and care for their welfare? Are you caring, conscientious and an excellent team worker? Do you enjoy working outside? If so, we would like to hear from you Job description Were seeking five motivated Portal Officer Animal Health Officer (AHO) to join our Technical Delivery Team. In this role, youll play a crucial part in safeguarding animal health and welfare during transport, ensuring public health, and facilitating compliant International Trade. Youll be based primarily in the Ports of Dover and Coquelles (France), with some activities in the Ports of Newhaven, Harwich, and Calais (France). Our team is actively engaged in high-profile work, including tackling the illegal trade in puppies and conducting inspections on commercial cat and dog imports under the Approved Importer Scheme. As a Portal Animal Health Officer, your key responsibilities will include: Conducting import controls on animals as per UK legislation, including documentary, identity, and physical checks. Inspecting animals, records, and vehicles for compliance and taking appropriate regulatory action when necessary. Engaging with importers and transporters to facilitate import checks. Managing follow-up actions when non-compliance is detected to ensure animal welfare and UK biosecurity, including supporting investigations of potential illegal activities. Documenting the assessment, decision, and outcome of inspections in detailed reports. Collaborating closely with commercial carriers and various regulatory bodies such as His Majestys Revenue and Customs, UK Border Force, Port Health and Local Authorities. Assisting in the response to exotic notifiable disease outbreaks, such as Avian Influenza and Bluetongue, which may involve working at various locations and in various outbreak roles. In this exciting role: Youll operate in shifts, accommodating our core hours from 0830 to 2200 on weekdays. Operational needs and live animal import schedules necessitate a degree of flexibility. Weekend duties are a regular part of the job, with activities planned and communicated in advance. The position is largely outdoors, requiring you to spend extended periods at ports in all types of weather. As a regulatory role, expect to engage in report writing and evidence gathering, requiring the use of computers, smart phone applications and notebooks. Regular travel to Coquelles, France for Eurotunnel border controls is integral to the role. Be prepared for occasional delays in return journeys due to cancellations. The role demands on-site work; hybrid home working is not an option. Occasionally, overnight stays may be required for meetings and training. Person specification We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications and skills: Experience working with a variety of animals, including horses, small animals (e.g., cats, dogs, fish, birds), and farmed animals (e.g., cattle, sheep, pigs, poultry). This experience could be gained through education, paid work, or voluntary work. High standards of written and spoken English, with the ability to effectively communicate about animal health topics with a range of stakeholders, including customers, service users, and colleagues. Knowledge of basic Health and Safety principles, and an understanding of safe practices when working with animals. The ability to work independently or as part of a team, take responsibility, and maintain a positive and focused attitude in the face of challenges. Experience working within an auditable system of procedures and processes, with a commitment to maintaining quality and excellent record-keeping. Flexibility in working hours, with the ability to start earlier or later than routine shift times to undertake targeted activities. Knowledge of animal welfare and biosecurity principles. Learning and Development Everyone in APHA is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, our work and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning and development plan tailored to you and your role. In return for your dedication, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training. Inclusion, support and the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA. Security clearance This post is based at a site where the national security of the borders needs to be maintained. For this reason all post holders based at this site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance or above. It is up to each person applying for a post which requires CTC or above clearance to ensure they meet the residency criteria. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK & have at least three years continuous UK residency as this is a requirement for these checks, if you cannot meet this criteria CTC clearance will not be possible as this is part of pre-employment checks before taking up the post. Licences A full UK Driving Licence Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Managing a Quality Service Communicating and Influencing Working Together We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form: Managing a Quality Service Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Knowledge of welfare of animals in transit Adhering to Processes and Quality Standards Benefits Alongside your salary of £28,710, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £8,317 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. Further benefits offered also include: A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30. An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities tailored to your role. Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts. Staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme. Making it work for you - With so many flexible options, most people can find a work schedule to suit their circumstances. These are just a few of our benefits we offer. To find out the full range of what we offer refer to the Information Pack attached for more detail. Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience and Technical skills. Application Process After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Verbal Test. If y ou successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application. Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 11:55 on 09/12/24. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website. In the final part of the application process, you will also be asked to complete a CV, 500-word Personal Statement and one 250-word Behaviour Statement covering the behaviour 'Managing a Quality Service'. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form. Sift Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the Personal statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview. Sift dates to be confirmed. Interview If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on your experience, behaviours, technical skills, and strengths. A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed. For the purposes of the selection process, the Lead Behaviour will be ' Managing a Quality Service' We expect that interviews should take place w/c 8th January. Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview. Reserve List A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made. Near miss Candidates who are judged to be a near miss at interview may be considered for other positions in Defra which may be at a lower grade but have a potential skills match. Salary New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest. Location Please be aware that these roles will be contractually based in a Defra group workplace/office. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location (excluding Northern Ireland), and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time. Please note: The location for this role is: Building 006, Eastern Docks Dover Kent CT16 1JA Please be aware that, due to the nature of this role, you will be required to be on-site for 100% of your working time. Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee. Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD. Visa Sponsorship Statement Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. Reasonable Adjustment If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. Complete the Assistance required section in the Additional requirements page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if youre deaf, a Language Service Professional. Accessibility If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section. Criminal Record Check If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check maybe carried out. In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. NSV For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting Higher Security Clearance Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter. Internal Fraud Database Check Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants details held on the IFD will be refused employment. A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government. Childcare Vouchers Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window). See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Medical Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical. Nationality requirements This job is broadly open to the following groups: UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). Apply and further information This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative. The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window). Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job contact : Name : Rebecca Rushton - Recruitment hub Email : recruitment.sddapha.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : defrarecruitment.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk Further information If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact: Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grscabinetoffice.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/contact-us/ to visit Civil Service Commission. Attachments APHA Information Pack (3) Opens in new window (pdf, 1697kB) Share this page Print Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn GMail