Animal and Plant Health Agency

About the Company

Our mission is to safeguard animal and plant health for the benefit of people, the environment and the economy.

Why we do it:
Informed policy making in UK and EU
Enhanced food security
Improved agricultural economy
Healthier people, plants animals and environment
Rapid control of pest and disease outbreaks
Reduced risk from new and emerging threats

What we do:
Engagement with farmers, industry groups and the public
Applied expert advice to decision makers
Threat surveillance
Risk assessment and mitigation
Reference laboratories for animal health
Influencing international policy development
Expert research: playing a part in the wider scientific community
Inspection, certification and enforcement
High quality laboratory services
Rapid emergency response
Interface between industry and government

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) was created on 1 October 2014. Around 2,450 staff work for APHA based at sites across Great Britain.

The agency was formed from four functions of the Food and Environment Research Agency (the Bee Inspectorate, the Plants Health and Seeds Inspectorate, the Plant Variety and Seeds Group and the GM Inspectorate) joining with the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency.

Listed Jobs

Company Name

Animal and Plant Health Agency

Job Title

Administrative Officer (ID4087)

Job Description

**Job Title:** Administrative Officer **Role Summary:** Provide comprehensive administrative support within a Regional Veterinary Investigation Centre, acting as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring efficient office operations, data integrity, and compliance with safety, quality, and outbreak response protocols. **Expectations:** - Deliver accurate and timely administrative services to the Centre and Surveillance & Laboratory Services Department. - Uphold ISO 17025 quality standards and APHA health, safety, and welfare policies. - Adapt to changing operational demands, including outbreak response and additional training as required. **Key Responsibilities:** - Produce purchase orders, manage zoonoses paperwork, book submissions, and prepare reports. - Answer telephone queries, greet visitors, and resolve enquiries or forward unresolved issues. - Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records and input data into APHA systems. - Order stationery, laboratory, and PM‑room consumables; coordinate with procurement. - Own defined administrative procedures, ensuring completion within set timelines. - Receive, open, and log samples, including post handling. - Participate in ISO 17025 audits, assist the Local Quality Manager with audit follow‑up and quality data collation (complaints, non‑conformities, proficiency test results). - Comply with health, safety, and welfare policies; support outbreak response activities when required. **Required Skills:** - Strong organisational and multitasking abilities. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - Proficiency in office software and data entry. - Familiarity with ISO 17025 quality management and audit processes. - Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment. **Required Education & Certifications:** - Minimum of a secondary school diploma or equivalent. - Previous experience in an administrative role within a regulated laboratory or public sector setting preferred. - Knowledge of health and safety regulations in a laboratory environment.

Penrith, United kingdom

On site

01-12-2025

Company Name

Animal and Plant Health Agency

Job Title

Office Assistant (ID4202)

Job Description

**Job title:** Office Assistant (ID4202) **Role Summary:** Provide front‑line administrative and operational support within a scientific quality‑assurance division. Work independently and collaboratively to manage customer enquiries, shipping documentation, sample preparation, record keeping, and reporting for a global laboratory proficiency testing programme. **Expectations:** - Deliver timely, accurate administrative service to both internal science staff and external laboratory customers. - Maintain high standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance (ISO 17025, SOPs). - Operate efficiently in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment, prioritising tasks and troubleshooting issues. **Key Responsibilities:** - Respond to email and telephone enquiries related to contracts, orders and shipping logistics. - Prepare customs proformas, export/import documents and laboratory shipping paperwork. - Assist with labelling, packaging and distribution of proficiency‑testing (PT) samples. - Record and update customer, order and inventory data; produce activity reports and spreadsheets. - Manage purchasing, financial and administrative requests; liaise with the Admin Team Lead, Business Manager and Head of Department. - Uphold health, safety and wellbeing procedures; adhere to ISO and SOP requirements. **Required Skills:** - Proven office administration experience (minimum 1‑2 years). - Strong written and verbal communication skills; customer‑focussed attitude. - Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with spreadsheet analytics. - Attention to detail, data accuracy, and organisational skills. - Ability to work independently and as a team member in a reactive environment. - Knowledge of shipping regulations for biological materials and laboratory logistics is an advantage. **Required Education & Certifications:** - Minimum secondary (high school) education or equivalent. - Relevant university or college diploma preferred but not mandatory. - No specific certifications required; familiarity with ISO 17025 or laboratory quality systems is highly desirable.

Sutton bonington, United kingdom

On site

09-12-2025