Salary - £37,405 - £39,694
Permanent
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.
Are you a hands-on, outdoorsy person who loves tinkering and has a passion for science or engineering? We're looking for a Field Instrument Technician who thrives in the field - come rain or shine - to join our team installing and maintaining environmental monitoring towers and equipment across sites in Wales, as well our sites across the South East including Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.
Within this role, you’ll become a technical specialist and contribute to the development and maintenance of hardware, equipment, software, and research tools; helping to deliver high-quality research. We’re looking for a team-oriented person who is able to confidently communicate and clarify information, provide clear explanations and manage expectations.
This role is approximately 60% field-based and 40% workshop-based, ideal for someone who enjoys being on the move and getting stuck in. You’ll be travelling regularly, with some site visits requiring overnight stays - typically 2–3 days at a time, and one full week away each month, with hotel accommodation provided and access to fleet vehicles. We’re looking for a passionate, flexible and adaptable Technician who is keen to learn and develop new skills for different types of work and enjoys helping your team to achieve their work objectives.
Your main responsibilities will include:
1. Provide technical input to support the generation of scientific data and outputs.
2. Assist with the collection, processing, and analysis of environmental samples.
3. Maintain and develop research facilities, infrastructure, and technical capabilities.
4. Follow procedures and methods to produce or maintain analytical services (e.g. chemical analysis), field surveys, sampling and observational networks.
5. Provide technical support of field and laboratory work. You may be contributing to innovative developments for new methods and new equipment (hardware and software) e.g. prototyping a new design or method.
6. Follow procedures and instructions effectively, to ensure your activities are conducted safely and appropriately - raising issues and suggestions for improvement, updating and/or writing procedures.
7. Working diligently to meet expected standards, and apply quality control and quality assurance procedures, especially in safety critical outputs (e.g. electrical safety and chemical hazards).
8. Work efficiently and effectively to deliver sustained outputs expected of the role (development of facilities or networks, products, analyses, designs, methods etc.) and contribute to reports, datasets and publications where required.
9. Maintain accurate records and documentation of your work and broader team’s work.
10. Proactively contribute suggestions or ideas to improve your team’s working practices, to help the team improve its delivery efficiency, quality or capabilities.
This is a varied role offering the opportunity to work in a flexible and dynamic environment. It’s ideal for someone who enjoys a diverse range of tasks, including outdoor work. We’re seeking a team-oriented individual who shows initiative and creativity in resolving technical issues, problem-solving, and developing their own ideas to improve processes and outcomes.
For the role of Research Chemist, we’re looking for somebody who has:
11. A technical qualification at BTEC Level 3 – 7 (with relevant technical experience such as working with field instruments: sensors, wiring, programming etc.)
12. Is enjoys fieldwork and is comfortable working outdoors in all weathers and enjoys a physical role
13. A willingness to travel to field sites, and is comfortable working away from home when required
14. Some knowledge of greenhouse gas flux tower management would be highly desirable
15. A responsible, positive and can-do attitude with a desire to help colleagues and team member
16. A full UK driving licence (access to fleet vehicles)
If you’re practical, curious, and like knowing your work supports important environmental science, this could be the perfect fit.
You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed 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.
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-oriented perks, such as:
17. 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
18. 10% employer pension contribution
19. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
20. Peer reward and recognition scheme
21. Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
22. Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
23. 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...
Apply today!
If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.
At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone—regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance—has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process—please don’t hesitate to reach out. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love 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 this role. However, this position may qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. Additionally, if you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.