Scientist - 23827

1
South West
Exeter
NLS Starcross Lab Exeter, EX6 8FD
Staff Grade 4
Permanent
Full Time, Part Time
Science
£28,785
The Starcross Laboratory provides analysis of environmental samples to support the Environment Agency’s regulatory responsibilities using a wide range of analytical techniques.

As a Scientist in the Starcross Metals Team you will be responsible for the day to day running of the section. Excellent organisational skills and sound decision making will be needed so that key analytical targets are achieved and that the team always understand and follow Health and Safety requirements and laboratory policies and procedures.

You will provide technical leadership to a team of skilled analysts. Using your extensive knowledge of techniques used in the analysis of metal analytes you will need to; improve and develop methodology, assess instrument and method performance, and carry out in-depth quality investigations of non-conforming work. You will also be required to interpret data, answer queries and provide technical advice to our internal and external customers, all to ensure compliance to our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

A key part of the role is supporting the Team Leader in the development of the team. By training, providing feedback, coaching, and mentoring of team members you will need to ensure understanding, competence of analytical techniques and that associated skills are enhanced
Based at Starcross the team of 13 staff analyse environmental water samples for Metal analytes using a range of different techniques and instrumentation.
Working together with Microbiology, Organic and Inorganic teams the laboratory analyse and provide results for freshwater, saline and effluent samples for the Environment Agency.
The laboratory is UKAS accredited to EN ISO/IEC 17025.
Ideally you will be educated to degree level or equivalent and have proven experience of working in a Chemistry laboratory accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. You will be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) instrumentation and quality procedures.
You must enjoy working in a busy team environment, often under pressure to achieve results.
You will need to demonstrate the key capabilities; Applies analytical knowledge, develops people, delivers results through others, takes decisions & solves problems, communicates effectively and customer focus.
The role is based on a 37 hour week working Monday to Friday. Part time applicants will be considered.
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 and other employee benefits.
Our Starcross laboratory is well served by public transport links and free staff parking is available on site.
For further details please contact Jane Semorad: jane.semorad@environment-agency.gov.uk

21/08/2022, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Applies Analytical Knowledge and Experience
Please give details of your experience in Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) and other analytical techniques and associated quality procedures.

*Please Note: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You might find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response. The EA capability dictionary can be accessed externally via search engines.
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.

Please tell us about a technical problem you have experienced and what decisions you took to solve it?

*Please Note: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You might find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response. The EA capability dictionary can be accessed externally via search engines.
Develops People
Able to demonstrate experience in developing and coaching individuals using a variety of methods, including direct instruction, coaching and feedback.

Tell us how you have shared your knowledge and skills to develop other members of a team.

*Please Note: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You might find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response. The EA capability dictionary can be accessed externally via search engines.
Delivers Results Through Others
Harnesses the team to deliver results on time, to required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.


Describe how in your current or a previous role, you have achieved positive outcomes through others.

*Please Note: Your answer will be used for interview selection – please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You might find it helpful to research the STAR approach when formulating your response. The EA capability dictionary can be accessed externally via search engines.
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.