Salary - £38,939 - £41,321
Permanent
Field and Office based
Location: Our Wallingford headquarters is preferred, though we are open to considering Edinburgh or Lancaster.
Closing date for applications, Sun 10 May 2026. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.
With our network of environmental sensors and monitoring systems continuing to grow,we’relooking for someone who genuinely enjoys hands-on technical work outdoors. Ifyou’rehappiest out in the field-whatever the weather-this role places you right at the heart of the UK’s hydrological landscape.You’llspend timescopingoutnewsitesforUKCEH,aswell asvisitingexistingoneswhereyou’llinstall equipment,troubleshootissues andmaintaininstallations to ensure everything continues to run smoothly.No two weeks will look the same- one day you might be knee-deep in a river valley; the next, heading out across remote uplands to reach sites few people ever see.
This is a highly collaborative role whereyou’llwork closely with members of the public - including landowners - as well as awide range ofinternalteams andstakeholders. Building andmaintainingstrong, long-term relationships will becentral to your success asyou’llplay an important part in connecting teams.You’llcontinue to deepen your technicalexpertisewithin a defined research area, contributing innovative ideas and high‑quality outputs - whether that’s data, equipment, software, or field‑based sampling and analysis.This may also involve supporting or developing research facilities and capabilities.You’lltake ownership of your work,operatingindependently whereappropriateand leading specific tasks when needed, always with a focus on delivering reliable, well‑considered results.
This is a role for someone whoenjoys seeing work through to completion andtakes pride in delivering work that makes a difference.You’llbring curiosity, initiative, and a thoughtful approach to problem-solving, contributing to high-quality scientific and technical outputs and supporting the development ofnew ideasand funding opportunities.You’lltackle technical challenges with confidence, support the development ofnew ideasand funding opportunities, and help ensure that projects, services, and facilities run smoothly.
Your main responsibilities will include:
1. Taking initiative to tackle technical challenges, using creativity and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions andnew ideas
2. Leading or managing discrete tasks within projects, ensuring work is delivered to a high standard, on time, and with clear outcomes
3. Leading the design and testing of monitoring infrastructure to ensure the delivery of well-functioning sites and high-quality datasets
4. Developing andmaintainingthe monitoring network that underpins reliable data collection and enables wider research
5. Producing high-quality outputs, including datasets, peer-reviewed publications, innovative technical or engineering solutions, and internal reports or guidance
6. Contributing to the development of funding proposals, helping to shape ideas, strengthen bids, and support the growth of our research and impact
7. Supporting the effective delivery of projects, contracts, or facilities, working collaboratively as part of a high-performing team
We’relooking for someonewho’sa strong communicator and confidenttaking the lead whenneeded.You’llmanage more complex pieces of work,bringingothers with you, while also supporting, mentoring, and guiding colleagues and collaborators.As you grow in the role,you’llcontinue to develop your leadership skills, taking responsibility for coordinating people and resources and helping others succeed through training, supervision, and guidance.You’llbe someone who enjoys stayingconnected to your professional community, contributing to networks and sharing knowledge, and who takes pride in continually developing both your own skills and those around you.
For the role ofLead Field Technician,we’relooking for somebody who has:
8. A relevant technical qualification (BTEC Level 3–7 or equivalent, or a degree) supported by substantial experience in a related field
9. Strong technical aptitude paired with a responsible, positive, and proactive approach to work
10. A proventrack recordof technical problem‑solving and, ideally, innovation in real‑world settings
11. The ability to translate scientific needs into practical technical requirements, offering specialist guidance and advice to others
12. Up‑to‑date knowledge in your area of expertise, with the ability to apply it effectively, efficiently, and with an eye for improvement
13. Experience communicating technical activities and outcomes to a range of audiences.
14. A solid understanding of Safety,Healthand Environmental management relevant to fieldwork and technical operations
You’llbe joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institutethat’scommitted to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.
Travel & Accommodation:
As the project develops,you’llwork both independently and alongside a supportive wider team. Much of your fieldwork will involve lone working across the Thames Valley, Wales, and Scotland, so confidence, initiative, and sound decision-making are essential. Travel is a regular and planned part of the role, typically involving a week away every couple of months, occasional day trips, and a full fieldwork weekroughly everythree months. When you are away,we’lltake care of thelogistics- with comfortable accommodation and access to fleet vehicles so you can focus on the job itself.
Ifyou’remotivated by fresh air, varied landscapes, and the satisfaction of keeping vital environmental systems running smoothly, this is a rare opportunity to turn that passion into real-world impact.
Apply Today – Supporting Statement Questions
If this role excites you and fits with your career goals,we’dlove to hear from you. Pleasesubmityour CV along with responses to the questions below. Your answers should highlight the qualifications, skills, and experience most relevant to this role.
Provide up to 150 words per question, using specific examples todemonstrateyour personal contribution and impact. Please do notsubmita separate cover letter.
1– Tellus about your involvement in the design, installation, or testing of technical or monitoring equipment. What was your role, and how did you ensure a high-quality outcome?
2– Describea technical challenge you faced during fieldwork or hands-on delivery. How did you resolve it, and what did you learn?
3– Givean example of working with different stakeholders to deliver a piece of work. How did you communicate and build effective relationships to achieve a successful outcome?
Working for UKCEH is rewarding
We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-orientedperks, such as:
15. 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
16. 10% employer pension contribution
17. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
18. Peer reward and recognition scheme
19. Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
20. Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
21. 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At UKCEH, we are committed to creating an inclusive andequitableworkplace where everyonehas the opportunity tothrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and circumstances. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and people with disabilities, andwe’rehappy to provide adjustments or support at any stage of the recruitment process - just let us know. Ifyou’reexcited about this role but your experiencedoesn’talign perfectly with every requirement,we’dlove to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.
Please note:Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for thisroleand this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, pleaseindicatethis in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.