Senior Assistant Scientist - 12572

1
South West
Exeter
NLS Starcross Lab Exeter, EX6 8FD
Staff Grade 3
Permanent
Full Time
Analytical
£22,792
To organise and supervise the day to day activities of a team of specialised technical staff within the Inorganic Analytical Team at the Environment Agency's Laboratory in Starcross. The Laboratory carries out analytical and investigational work as necessary to provide a high quality, efficient and cost effective analytical service to internal and external customers of the Agency. You will provide technical support to the teams’ Analytical Scientists, contribute to staff development and participate in educational visits by Agency and non Agency staff. Ensure quality control procedures are followed, assist in developing new methods and associated documentation to ensure ISO/IEC17025 accreditation is maintained. Train and coach staff from across the team and wider National Laboratory Service (NLS), as well as the maintenance and development of new and existing tests on site.
Starcross specialise in the analysis of freshwater, saline and effluent samples accredited to ISO/IEC17025. You will be joining a team of 17 as a day to day supervisor. The team have varying backgrounds and knowledge. The team analyses environmental samples for inorganic analysis by a range of different techniques and instrumentation.
Educated to degree level or equivalent, you will have proven experience of working in a Chemistry laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC17025 for chemistry analysis. Experience of working with complex Colour Chemistry via Discrete analysis and Continuous Flow is essential. Proven experience with Physical Chemistry and Ion Chromatography would be advantageous as would analysis of inorganic environmental samples in a high throughput environment. You will demonstrate the key capabilities of communication, customer focus, decision making, delivery of work, planning, problem solving and teamwork. Being a Registered / Charted Member of a Professional Body or working towards becoming a Registered / Chartered Member with a relevant Professional Body would be advantageous.
The role is based on a 37 hour week working Tuesday to Saturday for which an enhancement will be paid. The site is served by regular public transport.
For further details please contact Martin Walters on Tel: +442030250061 or by email: martin.walters@environment-agency.gov.uk
Interviews will be held in the week beginning 28th October and will involve an exercise as part of the interview.

29/09/2019, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Manages Self
Describe how you have full awareness of own strengths, weaknesses, impact and approach.
Effectively organises self and takes personal responsibility for own role in self development
Achieves Results
Able to demonstrate setting and delivering high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets.
Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results. Able to demonstrate where they have worked co-operatively as part of a team to achieve common goals.
Applies Analytical Knowledge and Experience
Applies acquired knowledge and experience to produce and interpret results from samples analysed in the chemistry laboratory. Able to demonstrate where they have embraced the appropriate quality procedures that have lead to improvements in the processes and products of your team.
Develops People
Able to demonstrate experience in developing and coaching individuals using variety of methods, including direct instruction, coaching and feedback skills.
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 . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.