Location
London Borough of Hillingdon, Heathrow Airport. This will be your permanent workplace as hybrid working is not possible for this role. The role requires travel around the airport and may include supporting other regions.

Hours
Full Time, shift pattern covering 24/7 operations, 365 days a year. A shift disturbance allowance of 12.5% is payable.

Salary
£33,350 per annum with an additional pay supplement of up to £3,000 (pro rata) following an annual capability assessment, paid monthly. Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £9,661 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

About the Role
Join the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to help protect Great Britain's bio-security by safeguarding plant health for the benefit of people, the environment, and the economy. As a Plant Health & Seeds Inspector, you will be part of a team delivering physical inspections of plants, planting material, seeds, and fresh produce at Heathrow. Your duties include carrying out documentary and ID checks on import applications and accompanying certification, inspecting fresh produce in relation to marketing standards, and identifying quarantine plant pests and diseases. These import controls are vital to prevent harmful organisms from entering and establishing in Great Britain.

Working under the guidance of your line manager or shift leader, you will complete administrative duties accurately and manage customer expectations in line with policies and legislation. You will liaise with regulatory bodies such as Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, UK Border Agency, Animal Health authorities, and Border Control Point operations management. Collaboration with external stakeholders, agents, importers, and BCP Traffic Marshals is essential to prevent unnecessary delays.

The role involves working in a high-pressure, time-sensitive environment and requires excellent communication and organisational skills. You will receive full training and ongoing career development opportunities, including technical and professional development across various locations and agencies. Training in Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) procedures will also be provided to develop your professional skills.

This is a fixed-term appointment until 31 March 2028, with the possibility of a reserve list for 12 months. The role is full time and based at Heathrow with no option for hybrid working. Business mileage for use of your own vehicle will be reimbursed.

Experience
Knowledge of plants and horticulture to a working level equivalent to a National Diploma (ND) or equivalent qualification in Agriculture, Horticulture, or Biological Science. Final year students with predicted grades and relevant course modules and field experience are also considered.

Fully IT literate with the ability to examine online applications, delivery plans, and record findings via a paperless system. Comfortable using MS Word, Outlook, Teams, and Excel.

Ability to work collaboratively in a high-pressure, time-sensitive environment and manage customer expectations, including difficult conversations.

About You
Passionate about plants and the environment with an eye for detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to convey complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.
Good planning and organisational skills with the ability to meet targets and reprioritise work.
Positive and adaptable to change.
Committed to training and continuous development.
Willing and able to work on a shift rota covering 24/7 operations.
Must be 18 years or older.
Ability to work safely by adhering to all APHA and BCP health and safety policies.
Prepared to undertake Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) training and act as an expert witness.
Full, valid UK driving licence with independent access to own transport is essential as the role requires travel using your own vehicle (business mileage reimbursed).

Qualifications
Minimum of a National Diploma (ND) or equivalent qualification in Agriculture, Horticulture, or Biological Science, or knowledge of plants and horticulture to an equivalent working level.
Final year students may apply with predicted grades and relevant experience.

Behaviours and Technical Skills
Assessment will include behaviours such as Communicating and Influencing, Managing a Quality Service, and a Plant Health Knowledge Test under the Civil Service Success Profiles framework.