Non-Native Species Inspector - South West - Devon, Somerset, Dorset ID:4979


Company:	Government Recruitment Service
Salary:	from £30,681 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	South West
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 2 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	26 Oct 2026
Closing date:	8 Nov 2026

Apply for this job

Summary

We are seeking an Inspector to provide dedicated coverage across Devon, Somerset and Dorset.

The GB Non-native Species Inspectorate (NNSI) works at the forefront of biosecurity, helping to prevent, detect and respond to the introduction and spread of invasive non-native species. Our work supports the protection of native wildlife, habitats, agriculture and public interests through inspection, surveillance, enforcement and rapid response activities across Great Britain.

As a Non-native Species Inspector, you will undertake a varied and rewarding role combining fieldwork, investigation, inspection and stakeholder engagement. You will work across a wide range of environments, from ports and commercial premises to lakes, rivers, nature reserves and the wider countryside, helping to reduce the risks posed by invasive species and supporting government biosecurity objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with experience or interest in environmental protection, conservation, ecology, enforcement or wildlife management who want to make a tangible difference in safeguarding Great Britain's natural environment.

The role combines office and home-based working with significant field activity and offers opportunities to develop specialist skills in species identification, biosecurity, legislation, inspection and enforcement.

The Animal Plant Health Agency (APHA) is a government agency that sits within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. APHA works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government. Our diverse teams of over 3,000 skilled and committed professionals come together to provide research, advice, and support to UK Government for safeguarding animal, public and plant health for benefit of the environment and economy.

APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves.

We are looking for motivated, professional and resilient individuals who are passionate about protecting Great Britain's environment from the impacts of invasive non-native species. You will have high standards of integrity, a commitment to biosecurity, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Are you conscientious, adaptable and committed to delivering high-quality outcomes in a challenging and rewarding field-based role?

If the answer is 'yes', we would love to hear from you.

Essential requirements

You must demonstrate the following skills: Good knowledge of invasive and non-native species, including plants, mammals, reptiles, aquatic species, and invertebrates, and the ability to identify key non-native species groups to at least family or genus level. Understanding of biosecurity principles, including prevention, surveillance, rapid response, containment, and eradication approaches. Knowledge of pathways for the introduction and spread of invasive non-native species, both at the border and post-border. The ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a team. A valid full driving licence is required to allow travel to remote sites. Workplace arrangements You will be based at an agreed APHA location; however, the role involves significant travel throughout Great Britain, including regular overnight stays. Ways of working A suitable vehicle will be provided for this work that will be kept at your home address but must strictly only be used for work purposes. Occasional visits to other APHA offices besides your official location will be necessary for training and enrolment, but further attendance is expected to be infrequent/minimal. Please note that journeys to/from your home/official location will be at your own expense and in your own time. Out of hours work may be required. When overtime or out-of-hours work is required, APHA Management reserves the right to change overtime patterns to meet requirements. You may be eligible for overtime payments and where overtime is approved you will receive appropriate payment. There will be no shift pattern or allowance. Overtime will be payable in the event of an incident when out of hours work may be required. When working further afield which necessitates overnight stays, travel and subsistence is payable for the periods spent away from home/office. If successful, you will be offered a permanent contract (on level transfer if appropriate). The successful candidate will need to comply with a number of health protocols and wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as required. The work of the post can be physically demanding. Due to access requirements to biosecure areas, a level of physical fitness is required. Health clearance The post will also require Health clearance. You will be expected to complete a questionnaire on your general health. This will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge. It may also be necessary to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment. Licences A full valid Driving Licence is required. Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: The ability to identify key non-native taxa, including plants and/or animals, to at least family or genus level. Good knowledge of non-native species and biosecurity, particularly prevention, surveillance, rapid response, and eradication. Good knowledge of pathways of introduction for invasive non-native species at both border and post-border stages.

Apply for this job

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.