Port Health Support Officers, starting salary £28,996 plus 14% shift allowance

Dover District Council has an exciting agenda to deliver first class public services, putting our residents and staff at the heart of everything we do. A career with Dover District Council offers you the opportunity to excel.

As an employer, Dover District Council is proud to provide a supportive, friendly and diverse working environment in which our employees can thrive. We have a team of enthusiastic employees, delivering services they are passionate about.

Lead on the Front Line of UK Biosecurity

Every day, thousands of vehicles, passengers and goods pass through the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel, making them two of the UK's most critical gateways.

At Dover Port Health Authority, we're at the forefront of protecting the UK from biosecurity threats, illegal imports, unsafe food and potentially catastrophic animal diseases. Our work has national significance and supports public health, animal welfare and the UK economy.

In recent years, our teams have removed hundreds of tonnes of illegally imported products of animal origin from the border, helping to protect public health, animal welfare and the UK economy.

Now we're looking for exceptional individuals to join us.

If you're motivated by purpose, thrive on challenge and want to make a genuine difference every day, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

What You'll Be Doing

Our Port Health Support Officersare the engine operators of our service. The role involves conducting vehicle searches to inspect loads to identify, remove and process non-compliant goods.

Working in a team alongside Technical Support Officers, your previous experience of working in a food/port health/enforcement environment and dealing with members of the public in confrontational situations will help you with gathering comprehensive information and evidence which may be used in enforcement activity.

With GCSEs in English and Maths (level 2/GCSE 4-9) you will have knowledge of food hygiene controls, HACCP and other quality control systems such as traceability. Experience of working with a documented food safety system, record keeping and food produce identification would all be an advantage in this role.

Who We Are Looking For

These roles work in a range of challenging environmental conditions within busy port settings. A strong awareness of health and safety is essential, with strict adherence to risk assessments and method statements.

The role requires working in confined spaces e.g. around moving vehicles and in walk-freezers and potential occasional work at heights. The work will often require prolonged periods of standing, frequently outdoors and in all weathers, whilst carrying out inspections. Personal protective equipment, including high visibility clothing, safety boots and sometimes a hard hat and potentially hearing protection, will frequently be required to be worn.

Due to the fast paced and high value nature of this work, this can be extremely emotionally challenging and can often result in sustained pressure from the customer and facility provider to make complex decisions quickly and efficiently. The work is extremely reactive and the legislation and areas for concern frequently changing, adding extra pressure.

You will need to be physical fit to do these roles, and any offer of employment will be subject to occupational health clearance.

We work a flexible shift-based pattern including nights, weekends and bank holidays. Previous experience of shift working will be an advantage. These roles will require you to work at the Port of Dover, Coquelles and Dover District Council offices so flexibility is a necessity.

Along with strong IT skills, experience of IPAFFS and PHILIS would be an advantage.

Due to the nature of the role, you will have the ability to work flexibly and will require a current full driving licence effective in the UK and use of a motor vehicle for business use.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to work within one of the most high-profile Port Health Authorities.

What Can We Offer?

We can provide a friendly and supportive environment for you to excel in. We also offer several employee benefits, subject to eligibility criteria, including:

Shift allowance of 14%

Benenden Healthcare Membership and access to Employee Assistance Program

An Opt-in Local government pension scheme with the opportunity for staff to make advanced, voluntary contributions (AVCs) to top up their pension

A generous annual leave provision

A discount scheme including reduced membership rates at the local leisure centre

On-site parking

Cycle2Work scheme (eligibility criteria applies)

Generous Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme (eligibility criteria)

Due to the nature of this role, the successful applicant will be required to undertake DBS and Counter Terrorist checks as part of their pre-employment clearances.

What Next?

Please read the job description attached to this advert for further details on the role and requirements.

The quality of your application will be considered as part of the recruitment process.

For an alternative format, or to apply using a different method, please contact us.

If you would like a further discussion about the post, then please contact the Port Health team via email at porthealthrecruitment@dover.gov.uk

Assessment centres and face to face interviews will form part of the recruitment process for these roles.

Closing date: Sunday 8thNovember 2026

If you have attended for an assessment centre or interview for this role in the last 3 months, there is no need for you to reapply on this occasion.

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