Summer Plant Health Inspector

Overview:
An opportunity has arisen within our Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) branch to fill a number of temporary inspector roles in the Grampian area for a period of approximately 4 weeks during July 2024 and also in subsequent years (6 weeks total including training).

A Division of the Scottish Governments Directorate for Agriculture and Rural Economy (ARE), SASA provides advice and scientific services to ARE and the rest of the Scottish Government in relation to crops and the environment.

Working as a member of a team of inspectors, you will be involved in the inspection of field crops of seed potatoes entered into the Scottish Seed Potato Classification Scheme. The work will involve visiting farms and assisting in the inspection of these crops. In carrying out inspections you must be proficient in the identification of potato varieties, rogues, pests and diseases and be familiar with the inspection tolerances for each classification grade. No previous experience is necessary as you will receive full training as outlined above. Findings must be recorded accurately and inspection reports completed in a neat and legible fashion.

No formal qualifications are required for the role and full, comprehensive training will be provided. However, an agricultural or biological science background would be advantageous. Applicants should also be aware that the post involves working outside in all but the most severe weather conditions and as travel is involved access to transport would be an advantage.

If successful, you will be required to attend, and pass, a practical two week training course near Gogarbank, Edinburgh which you will be paid for. The course will start on 17 June 2024, with the exam taking place on 26 June 2024. The course is fully paid at the advertised rate and all accommodation and Travel and Subsistence costs will also be covered.

**This is a Fixed Term Appointment for 6 weeks.**

**Responsibilities**:

- Support senior inspectors travelling between farms to inspect seed potato crops for a number of different growers.
- Identify faults in the crops and record results of inspection in accordance with best practice
- Liaise with growers regarding the standard of their crops

**Competencies**:
Communications and Engagement

Self Awareness

Team Work

Customer Service

Essential Criteria & Qualifications:
**Essential Criteria**:
1. Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with both colleagues and growers and be able to communicate information in a clear, accurate and concise manner.

2. Strong planning and organisational skills including the ability to use initiative to meet targets whilst working with mínimal supervision.

3. The ability to use own initiative and judgement to make decisions, understanding the impact others and knowing when to seek the support of senior supervisors.

4. A successful track record of working effectively as part of a team and building good working relationships with others.

**Location**:SEERAD INVERURIE (Thainstone), Inverurie, AB51 5YA

**Interview and Assessment**:Dates to be confirmed

**Time in post**:
Initial training period of 8 days (fully paid), including exam. This period does not include weekends. If successful you will remain for a further 2 days training (fully paid).

**HOW TO APPLY & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**:
**How to apply**:
**Additional information**:
For further information, please download and review the “Person Specification” which you will find below.

Person_Specification_Band_A

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