Summer Plant health Inspector - Borders

Overview:

An opportunity has arisen to fill a number of full time, temporary inspectors in the Borders area for a period of approximately 4 weeks during July 2023 and also in subsequent years.

If successful, you will be required to attend, and pass, a practical two week training course near at Gogarbank, Edinburgh. The course will start on 19 June 2023, with the exam taking place on 28 June 2023. The course is fully paid at the advertised rate and all accommodation and Travel and Subsistence costs will also be covered.

You will be a member of a team of inspectors 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.

Daily rate of £98.90 per day (travel and subsistence expenses will be reimbursed where appropriate). Potential for progression to senior inspector status exists subject to satisfactory performance and experience.
This is a Fixed Term Appointment. 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:

As this role involves travel to multiple locations, a full driving licence is necessary. If you do not hold a driving licence, we would still welcome your application as there may be opportunity to car share.

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 minimal 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: Cotgreen Road, Galashiels, TD1 3SG

Interview and Assessment: Dates to be confirmed

Minimum 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).

This is a Fixed Term Appointment for 4 weeks. There will be no possibility of the role becoming permanent.

HOW TO APPLY & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

How to apply: To apply for this post, you will need to provide the information requested below via the online application process.
You must fully complete and submit an online application via the website before the closing date using evidence based examples to demonstrate your knowledge/skills (300 words). Remember, your answers should be clear, concise and reflect what actions you undertook. You may want to use the STAR(R) approach to respond to each criterion.

Additional information:

For further information, please download and review the “Person Specification” which you will find below.
Person_Specification_Band_A_Updated_9.9.22_PDF
For information regarding this post please contact john.ellicott@sasa.gov.scot

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