Agricultural Inspector

Job overview
In any country, but particularly in a country which to a very great extent depends on agriculture for feeding itself and for generating exports, an agricultural inspector plays an important role.

What do people do in this job?
There are three main fields in which the agricultural inspector can specialise:

Plant and quality control technicians:
These work for a government department of agriculture. They are involved in quality control, plant health services, plant and seed control and analysis services.

Quality control involves, among other things, control of the quality and marking requirements of certain agricultural products, such as fresh produce and plant material specifically for propagation purposes.

Plant health services involves the control of plant diseases and harmful insects, as well as export and import control.

Meat inspector:
Meat inspectors must ensure that animals slaughtered at abattoirs, are healthy and that the meat is fit for human consumption.

They must also ensure that the animals are killed and butchered in a decent and hygienic manner.

They inspect the abattoir for general neatness and hygiene.

Animal health technician:
Animal health technicians work under the supervision of government veterinary surgeons.

They are responsible for the prevention and control of animal diseases. They collect samples, make surveys, conduct investigations and perform laboratory procedures regarding stock diseases.

They are also responsible for making inspections to ensure that agricultural laws regarding animal health and relevant fields are complied with.

Animal health technicians give information and guidance to farmers regarding the control of animal diseases.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Agricultural inspectors must be able to adapt to different working conditions.

They must have good communication skills to help them in their dealings with farmers and other members of the community.

What qualifications are needed?
Agricultural inspectors are normally people with practical experience of farming an/or school leaving qualifications in agriculture or science.