Are you interested in becoming a Government Veterinarian and playing a key role to ensure food safety, protect public health and support the Scotland's regulatory standards?
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is the public sector food body for Scotland, with a broad remit covering all aspects of the food chain that impact public health. Our primary goal is to protect consumers from food safety risks and promote healthy eating. As Scotland’s leading authority on food safety, standards, and healthy eating, we use data and evidence to provide assurance and advice that builds consumer confidence and improves public health.
These posts are based in Dingwall, Perth and Paisley (all in Scotland). They will sit within the Operational Delivery Division of FSS. The (Trainee) Official Veterinarian (TOV/OV) serves as the technical lead for field teams in all aspects related to verification of the Food Business Operator’s (FBO) compliance with all relevant legislation as stated in the FSS Scottish Manual for Official Controls (SMOC).
The TOV/OV delivers Official Controls related to products of animal origin (POAO) in FSS approved premises such as red and white meat slaughterhouses, cutting plants and game handling establishments, ensuring that meat produced from healthy animals is safe for human consumption.
The Trainee OV will be provided with all support and training required, including RCVS-mandated VetGDP if applicable, via a 1:1 mentoring model. Once signed off for deployment, the OV will continue to have immediate access to both operational and technical-related support, joining highly experienced, skilled and welcoming vet-led teams.
Responsibilities
Conduct ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections of animals and make decisions regarding their fitness for slaughter, with a focus on identifying any welfare issues and reporting them to the relevant authorities.
Collect and communicate inspection results, and assess food chain information, live animals, and meat to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Verify the FBO’s HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points)-based food safety management systems to ensure they meet required standards.
Implement risk-based, fair, and proportionate enforcement actions, including gathering best evidence, when controls indicate FBO non-compliance with relevant legal requirements or third country specifications.
Provide technical leadership to plant inspection teams, offering advice, coaching, and support while ensuring compliance with technical standards.
Build and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
Support the implementation of FSS health and safety policies at the plant level to ensure a safe working environment.
Qualifications
Veterinary Degree and Membership or Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Note: Temporary Registration with RCVS is allowed, with minimum level 6 IELTS and up to a max of 18 months to achieve full MRCVS.
Success Profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Technical / Professional Skills:
A good understanding of Veterinary Public health.
A good understanding of livestock pathology and conditions which may impact consumers.
Behaviours:
Working together – Level 3
Communicating and Influencing – Level 3
Leadership – Level 3
Managing a quality service – Level 3