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Job description

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) DAERA has responsibility for food, farming, environment, fisheries, forestry, sustainability policy and the development of the rural sector in NI. The department is structured into six groups including one Executive Agency (the NI Environment Agency) and is also accountable for one Public Corporation (Forest Service) and all groups and agencies work together to support the delivery of DAERA’s strategic objectives. Our purpose is ‘Sustainability at the heart of a living, working, active landscape valued by everyone’ and, thereby, improving the lives of the people living in NI. You can read more about the work of the department in its most recent annual report and accounts via this link: DAERA Resource Accounts 2021-22 (daera-ni.gov.uk).

Responsibilities

• The main purpose of the VSAHG, Group 4 role in portal branch is managing a team consisting of a Portal Group 2 Inspector, Portal Group 1 Inspectors and Industrial staff.
• They perform a key role in the smooth running of the portal inspection team, working closely with the Official Veterinarian on duty to prioritize and manage the work of the team.
• They assist in the achievement of VSAHGs animal health and welfare and public health objectives and thereby serve and protect the Industry and its trading potential.
• This is done, through the Group 4s management of technical teams and their individual efforts as highly specialised technical advisors with in-depth knowledge of VSAHG,
• its stakeholders, the agri-food industry and the vagaries of enforcement of VSAHGs diverse range of programmes which embrace:
• Public health; Animal health and welfare; Enzootic disease control; Epizootic disease control; Zoonotic disease control; and Facilitation of trade.
• The Group 4 provides a unique contribution to the: Control and eradication of enzootic disease; Prevention and eradication of epizootic disease as required; Promotion and maintenance of acceptable animal welfare standards;
• Promote the control of zoonotic disease; and Support public health standards.
• The main duties and responsibilities can include: Supporting the delivery of VSAHG programmes by providing technical support and advice across a number of work areas and with staff up to Grade 5 level.
• Senior technical officer within their office. Responsible for solving complex technical issues. Responsible for the guidance, direction and management of Inspector Group 2 staff.
• Responsible for progressing investigations into suspected illegal activity, including complex and confrontational cases. Playing a key role in any epizootic disease outbreak at point of entry
• Developing policy through project based programmes and in some cases will be the Subject Matter Expert. Responsible for the provision of advice and guidance to stakeholders on a range of issues.
• Completing inspections of documentation, products of animal origin, livestock and other animals. Taking the lead in enforcement. Support and assist in surveillance sampling. Assist other programmes within DAERA as directed by senior management.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Applicants must, by the closing date for applications have: 1. At least 2 GCSEs /GCE O levels or equivalent, at Grade C or above in Maths and English
• You must provide the following details for each qualification: Qualification type (e.g. GCSE, O Level'); subject(s); result/grade and date awarded.
• AND 2. (i) At least a Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Agriculture OR (ii) A Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture OR (iii) A Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture OR
• (iv) Equivalent Examples of equivalent qualifications can be found in the Candidate Information Booklet. Please provide Type of Qualification (including result/grade); Main Subjects and Date Awarded in the box below.
• AND 3. At least 3 years' relevant post qualification work experience in the agriculture industry.
• Please demonstrate how you meet the above eligibility criterion in the box below. Applicants must provide specific details of their roles and responsibilities and show how their experience equates to 3 years,
• i.e. you must provide specific dates (month and year) including date from and date to.
• AND 4. A full, current driving licence enabling the licence holder to drive in Northern Ireland and access to a form of transport which will permit them to meet the requirements of the post in full.

Further Information

NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date 29th March 2024 at 12pm. Please note the Equal Opportunities monitoring section of the application form is mandatory in order to submit an application. For guidance on completing the Monitoring Form and to read the NICS Equal Opportunities Policy Statement please refer to the DoF website www.financeni. gov.uk. Applications from women, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number IRC300469)