Temporary Technical Support Officer (Port Health) required for a large public sector client based in Belfast.

Rate of Pay: £14.38 per hour

Location: Port Health Unit, 5 Corry Place, Belfast

Hours: 37 hours per week

Duration: 1 month pending review

Main duties/Responsibilities:

• To protect public and animal health by applying checks in accordance with UK, NI and EU legislation
• To be responsible for dealing with general Port Health emails and taking relevant actions which can involve a wide range of responses including calling containers for examination, making decisions on whether to release a container from hold or to refer to an Environmental Health Officer (EHO)
• To be responsible for handling telephone calls from agents, importers, shipping lines and other agencies and dealing with all enquiries
• Under the supervision of the EHOs, code manifests for all vessels arriving at PoB and apply documentary holds on containers for identity checks, physical examination and sampling checks, fish identity checks and to identify containers that require further clarification
• To carry out manifest and ID checks on low-risk products and the preliminary ID checks on high-risk products and advise on any irregularities
• To perform documentary and seal checks on consignments at the ferry terminal ensuring the quick release of driver accompanied trailers that do not require routing to the inspection facility for a physical or enhanced ID check
• To assist other officers with physical checks and support them in the sampling of high risk foodstuffs
• To perform seal checks on products subject to official controls or containers which are to be gas checked by the port prior to presentation. Once checks are complete, update databases and pass on relevant documentation to EHO or other professional officer, and report any discrepancies
• To ensure that goods are directed into the correct facility prior to destruction/re-dispatch. Manage the destruction of unsatisfactory consignments ensuring that goods are destroyed at the correct waste facility
• To carry out administrative requirements including filing, financial administration, record management and the operation of Information Management Systems commensurate with the activity of the post holder
• To utilise all available technology to complete assigned tasks and ensure the accuracy of information recorded
• To comply with statutory food controls in releasing consignments of Non Animal Origin
• To undertake documentary checks on organic produce, in accordance with the legislative requirements, under the direction of the EHO
• To send importers declarations to agents for goods which are declared as composite products or suspected to contain POAO content, process declarations once submitted to ensure correct completion and that support documents are in order. Refer satisfactory documentation to the EHO or other professional officer, and request further information
• To routinely board vessels to examine ships paperwork to check compliance with ship sanitation controls laid down by WHO guidelines. Carry out and/or assist with Public Health related projects on vessels and at the port
• To accompany an EHO to conduct a ship sanitation inspection as requested by the vessel or ships agent, provide assistance to check ships paperwork and carry out the physical inspection of the vessel as directed by the EHO. When requested take water samples for submission for legionella/microbiological testing
• As part of the water sampling programme, take samples from hydrants and offices within port areas for drinking water quality and legionella within existing guidelines. Assist the EHO with the collection of water samples on board vessels, testing for legionella or as part of an SSCEC inspection. Undertake sample collections during a routing boarding, as requested by the ship's agent.
• To be responsible for the storage and dispatch of statutory samples, ensuring they are packaged correctly for safe transport under required conditions and are dispatched to the correct laboratory. Responsible for maintaining sample dispatch records and disposal of samples no longer required by Port Health
• To provide advice and guidance to customers, agents and importers on specific import requirements, regulations, policies and procedures
• To maintain knowledge of relevant legislative requirements in order to request further information/documentation
• To undertake the assessment of health and safety risks and ensure compliance with safe working practices within the examination facilities and on the quayside, particularly when boarding vessels
• To be responsible for ensuring the timely calibration of temperature monitoring equipment
• To maintain stock levels in the examination facilities to ensure that appropriate resources are available for inspection

Essential criteria:

• Possess a full, current UK driving licence which enables postholder to drive in Northern Ireland
• Hold a third level qualification in a relevant subject such as food science, food technology or equivalent

If you are interested and available for this position, please upload your CV to the link.

Please note that these roles may be filled quickly but your CV will be kept on file for future similar roles

BELSL