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We’re looking for an enthusiastic, motivated individual to join us as an Assistant Scientist in the Metals analysis/QS (Quality Solutions) team at our Monitoring Laboratory based in Starcross. Working with other Assistant Scientists, you will be supporting the section in the day to day running of the laboratory so that key analytical targets are achieved and ensure compliance to our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
You will carry out routine sample analysis to defined time, cost and quality targets. You will be required to use a variety of techniques to analyse environmental samples for Metals analytes and also work within the Quality Solutions section, providing analytical control solutions and an equipment calibration service for the site. Excellent team working skills, good attention to detail and a willingness to learn and develop are essential for the role. You will need to be able to demonstrate that you are able to prioritise and plan your work. You will be required to comply with Health and Safety, laboratory and Environment Agency policies and procedures. You will work independently and co-operatively within the team to achieve common goals.
Finally, responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident.
The team
You will be part of the Monitoring Laboratories that provides analytical services to the Environment Agency (EA). You will be based at Starcross as a member of the Metals/QS Team of 12 staff, performing the analysis of environmental water samples for Metal analytes using a range of techniques and instrumentation. The team also support Quality Solutions; a service providing analytical control standards to the site, together with pH field solutions for the EA.
Experience & skills required
Ideally you will be educated to degree level, relevant scientific qualifications or have experience working within a laboratory, though full training will be given. Previous experience working within an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory would be advantageous but not essential. You will need to demonstrate the key capabilities as defined in the Job Profile which include:
- Achieves Results
- Works in Teams.
- Communicates Effectively
- Manage your Health and Safety.
As an organisation we strive to reflect the communities we serve. We support flexible working hours and practices to help you strike a good balance between your work and personal life. You’ll have access to a Local Government Pension scheme.
Additional information
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service.
For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls.
