Plant Quarantine/Produce Inspector 1 (SOG/ST 4)

Job Purpose

Under the direct supervision of the Certificate/Compliance Manager (SOG/ST 7), the Plant Quarantine/Produce Inspector 1 (SOG/ST 4) safeguards the island’s borders to prevent the introduction and establishment of exotic pests and diseases by the use of appropriate measures to protect the integrity of Jamaica’s Agriculture Sector. 

The incumbent is also responsible to ensure that only the highest quality, pest free agricultural commodities are exported and imported compliant with international standards. 

Key Responsibilities

Management/Administrative 

• Participates in meetings, seminars, workshops, and conferences, as required;
• Prepares reports and programme documents, as required; 
• Maintains customer service principles, standards, and measurements;
• Contributes to and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment, and commitment to the Division’s and Organization’s goals. 

Technical/Professional 

• Inspects and certifies agricultural commodities for export and import; 
• Inspects new and existing packing facilities to ensure compliance with established requirements; 
• Provides orientation for new exporters; 
• Conducts inspections and supervises fumigation; 
• Maintains manual and electronic records of daily inspections; 
• Updates export/import database; 
• Prepares and submits monthly reports; 
• Represents the Plant Quarantine Unit at seminars, workshops, meetings and agricultural shows; 
• Advises potential and existing exporters and importers, as well as the public in general on plant quarantine regulations and procedures;
• Participates in pest surveys, surveillance and other related activities; 
• Collects, examines, records and destroys agricultural contraband; 
• Inspects arriving aircrafts and sea vessels for restricted agricultural commodities and proper containment of international garbage; 
• Visits farms where crops are grown for export to ensure that good agricultural practices are observed; 
• Provides advice on possible actions to minimize pest infestation; 
• Records and supervises the destruction/re-export of non-compliant agricultural/regulated commodities; 
• Checks supermarkets, markets and other outlets for illegal imports. 
• Performs other functions assigned by the Chief Plant Quarantine Officer and the Senior Plant Quarantine Officer. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core 

• Good Oral Communication skills 
• Good Written Communication skills 
• Good Customer and Quality Focus skills 
• Good Interpersonal skills 
• High level of Integrity, Confidentiality and Professionalism 
• Teamwork and Cooperation 
• Good Planning and Organizing skills 

Technical 

• Sound Knowledge of the Plant Quarantine and Produce Inspection Acts and Regulations
• Excellent Knowledge of Plant Quarantine Procedures and Practices 
• Good Knowledge of Internationally Accepted Sanitary and Phytosanitary Procedures
• Proficiency in the use of Relevant Computer Applications 
• Knowledge of Best Practices in Post-Harvest Handling and Storage of Produce
• Basic Knowledge of Entomology, Botany and Plant Pathology 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• College of Agriculture Science and Education Associate Degree in Agriculture or a Jamaica School of Agriculture Diploma in Agriculture or equivalent. 
• Training in Local and International Food Safety Standards. 
• Proficient in Computer Applications. 
• Three (3) years working experience in Plant Quarantine/Produce Inspection.
• Training in Fumigation. 

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

• Exposure to hazardous chemicals such as Methyl Bromide. 
• Boarding aircrafts and marine vessels. 
• Threat to life in enforcing compliance.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.