Quarantine Inspector

Tasks & duties

Quarantine inspectors may do some or all of the following:

• deal with requests from importers and exporters about cargo they wish to bring into or take out of the country
• follow Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) import health standard procedures when dealing with import requests
• advise importers on where they have to take imported goods to be inspected
• board and inspect aircraft and sea vessels entering the country
• check that the aircraft is insect-free and has appropriate certificates
• inspect cargo and look for any prohibited goods
• send cargo that needs to be decontaminated or treated to MAF-approved decontamination areas
• interview visitors about their luggage and imports
• inspect the luggage of airport passengers manually, using x-ray machines and sniffer dogs
• identify passengers who are a high risk for bringing in prohibited goods
• ensure entry requirements are met by inspecting import documentation and/or the cargo itself

Depending on the area they work, quarantine inspectors may also ban or impose quarantine restrictions on goods or animals suspected of disease, and inspect imported cars.

Specialisations

Quarantine Assistant

Quarantine assistants work in international airports providing assistance to quarantine officers.

Quarantine Canine Operation Officers

Quarantine canine operation officers work with sniffer dogs to inspect passengers, baggage, mail and cargo.

Skills & knowledge

Quarantine inspectors need to have:

• knowledge of pests, diseases and prohibited materials
• an understanding of the role of agriculture and horticulture in New Zealand
• knowledge of Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) quarantine regulations and standards
• knowledge of inspection methods for inspecting different cargo
• an understanding of safety regulations and procedures
• excellent communication and people skills
• decision-making skills
• computer skills

Entry requirements

To become a quarantine inspector it is preferred that you have a degree in horticulture, agriculture, forestry or biological sciences. You also need to have a driver's licence and relevant work experience, and pass an eye test and complete security and police checks.

Secondary education

Useful subjects include English, biology, horticulture and agricultural studies.

Training on the job

All new quarantine inspectors go through an induction training programme. There is also an option to complete a Certificate or Diploma in Biosecurity (Quarantine), which consists of work-based unit standards. You also need to show competence with quarantine processes and procedures every year to gain accreditation to work.

Useful experience

Useful experience for quarantine inspectors includes work in the horticultural, agricultural or forestry industries. For quarantine canine operations officers, experince with animal handling or veterinary nursing is also useful.

Related courses

Security Services

For more information, please refer to Career Services.