Agricultural Import Inspector – Belfast Port

Location: Duncrue Point of Entry, Belfast
Pay: Approx. £15.83 per hour + 20% Shift Disturbance Allowance
Approx. rate including allowance: £19.00 per hour
Hours: 37 hours per week | Rotating shifts
Positions: 6
Contract: Temporary assignment – 2 November 2026 to 25 April 2027

JDR Recruitment is recruiting 6 Agricultural Import Inspectors for a Northern Ireland Civil Service assignment with DAERA at Belfast’s Duncrue Point of Entry.

Working alongside veterinary staff, you will support sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls on goods entering Northern Ireland through ports and airports.

The Role

You will:

• Monitor imports and exports of livestock, animal products, poultry, plants and timber.
• Carry out regulatory checks to ensure compliance with import and export requirements.
• Support veterinary staff undertaking SPS official controls.
• Identify and help prevent illegal movements and imports.
• Record inspection findings accurately.
• Issue rectification and detention notices where non-compliance is identified.
• Work as part of a busy operational inspection team.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must have:

• GCSE/GCE O Level English and Mathematics at Grade C or above, or equivalent.
• At least one of the following:
  • Level 3 Diploma in Work-based Agriculture.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture.
  • Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Agriculture.
  • A recognised equivalent agricultural qualification.
• At least 3 months’ relevant post-qualification experience in the agriculture industry gained within the last 2 years.
• A full current driving licence enabling you to drive manual vehicles in Northern Ireland.
• Access to suitable transport.

Shift Pattern

This is a 24/7 rotating shift role and includes regular weekend and night working.

Typical shifts include:

• Early: 6:00am-2:24pm
• Late: 2:00pm-10:24pm
• Night: 10:00pm-6:24am

A 20% Shift Disturbance Allowance is payable immediately.

There is no flexi or hybrid working.

Security Clearance

Successful candidates will be required to complete the relevant pre-employment checks and obtain Basic security clearance.

JDRBelfast