Job Review: Animal Health and Welfare Officer (Job Share)

This exciting job share opportunity with the East Riding of Yorkshire Council offers a unique chance to contribute significantly to the region's crucial Animal Health and Welfare service. If you're passionate about safeguarding farm animal health, protecting public health, and supporting the vital rural economy, this role presents a compelling career path.

You'll be at the forefront of regulatory enforcement, conducting inspections at various agricultural sites including farms, livestock markets, collection centres, and abattoirs. Your responsibilities will extend to investigating complaints, providing essential advice to the farming community and residents, and responding to critical situations such as notifiable animal disease outbreaks and the investigation of illegally imported animals. This role truly embodies a "Farm to Fork" approach, ensuring food safety and contributing to a robust food control system.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Meaningful Impact: Directly contribute to animal welfare, public health, and the sustainability of the rural economy.
• Diverse Work Environment: Experience a dynamic role involving field inspections, complaint investigations, and proactive project delivery.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to enhance expertise in regulatory enforcement, animal husbandry, and stakeholder engagement.
• Job Share Flexibility: This job share arrangement can offer a better work-life balance, allowing for focused commitment during working days.
• Agile Working: A blended working approach combining office, home, and on-site duties promotes autonomy and adaptability.
• Professional Growth: The commitment to undertaking professional training and qualifications within the first 12-18 months demonstrates an investment in your career progression.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Experience is Key: While specific qualifications are preferred, significant recent practical experience directly in farm animal health and welfare is highly valued and may lead to consideration.
• Regulatory Mindset: A strong understanding of regulatory principles and the ability to carry out interventions to ensure compliance are essential.
• Resilience and Adaptability: This role demands both physical and emotional resilience. You'll need to be physically fit for outdoor work in all conditions, comfortable handling livestock, and possess the composure to manage potentially confrontational situations and challenging investigations.
• Communication Prowess: Effective communication skills are paramount for engaging with a diverse range of internal and external partners, including farmers, residents, and other stakeholders.
• Time Management and Organisation: The ability to prioritise effectively, manage time under pressure, and maintain meticulous records within an auditable system is crucial.
• Driving and Vehicle Access: A full driving licence and access to a suitable vehicle are non-negotiable for undertaking travel across the East Riding's rural areas.
• Flexibility in Working Hours: While core days are Monday to Friday, be prepared for occasional work on evenings and weekends, as dictated by operational needs. Specific working days will be negotiated but must align with service requirements.

This position is ideal for individuals seeking a challenging yet rewarding career where they can make a tangible difference. If you possess a strong work ethic, a passion for animal welfare, and the drive to excel in a regulatory environment, this opportunity with the East Riding of Yorkshire Council could be your next significant career move.