Technical Support Officer

Technical Support Officer Belfast

Duration; 3 months

Rate: £16.12 p/h

Hours: 37 hpw

Key Duties

1. To protect public and animal health by applying checks in accordance with UK, NI and EU legislation.
2. To be responsible for dealing with general Port Health emails and taking relevant actions which can involve a wide range of responses including, but not restricted to, calling containers for examination, making decisions on whether to release a container from hold or to refer to an EHO.
3. To be responsible for handling telephone calls from agents, importers, shipping lines and other agencies and dealing with all enquiries where appropriate, referring calls to the EHOs or other agencies as necessary.
4. Under the supervision of the EHOs, code manifests for all vessels arriving at PoB and apply documentary holds on containers (as required) for identity checks, physical examination and sampling checks, fish identity checks and to identify containers that require further clarification.
5. To carry out manifest and ID checks on low-risk products and the preliminary ID checks on high-risk products under the supervision of an EHO and advise as required on any irregularities, and if required, follow up with the agent or importer to obtain further information.
6. 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.
7. To assist the EHO or other officers as required with physical checks and support them in the sampling of high risk foodstuffs.
8. 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 as required.
9. 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.
10. To process transhipment release requests, ensure all information is provided and documentation is in order, and release non-animal origin (NAO)/non-food containers. Schedule, release and check transhipment of products of animal origin (POAO) transhipping containers.
11. To ensure that products intended for transhipment and which require further legislative checks are released only to approved Border Control Posts (BIPs) within the EU and UK.
12. 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
13. To contact other Local Authorities to ensure specific POAO consignments are delivered only to approved establishments for these products.
14. To comply with statutory food controls in releasing consignments of Non Animal Origin.
15. To undertake documentary checks on organic produce, in accordance with the legislative requirements, under the direction of the EHO.
16. 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 as directed.
17. 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 as required.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. To provide advice and guidance to customers, agents and importers on specific import requirements, regulations, policies and procedures.
22. To maintain knowledge of relevant legislative requirements in order to request further information/documentation as required.
23. 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.
24. To be responsible for ensuring the timely calibration of temperature monitoring equipment.
25. To maintain stock levels in the examination facilities to ensure that appropriate resources are available for inspection.
26. To be available to work in other sections within the City Protection service when demand requires.
27. To carry out any reasonable requests as may be made from line management and undertake such other relevant duties as may from time to time be required.
28. To motivate and manage any staff that may be assigned, to the post holder to ensure effective service delivery and to be responsible for reviewing and implementing a proper staff training and development programme.
29. To participate in all induction and in-service training provided by Belfast City Council and in the induction and support of all newly appointed staff and other human resource management policies and procedures, as appropriate, including, absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedure.
30. To participate as directed in the council’s recruitment and selection procedures.
31. To act in accordance with the council and departmental policies and procedures including customer care, equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding and any pertinent legislation.
32. To undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of the council.
33. To undertake such other relevant duties as may from time to time be required.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must, as at the closing date for receipt of application forms:

• possess a full, current driving licence which enables them to drive in Northern Ireland and a have a car available for official business use, or, access to a form of transport which will enable them to meet the requirements of the post in full
• hold a third level qualification in a relevant subject such as food science; food technology; business/retail management; logistics and supply chain management; quality management or equivalent relevant qualification.

Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and a Corporate Member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). Platinum Recruitment NI Ltd adheres to all current employment legislation.

Please note only those candidates shortlisted may be contacted.