Job Description
Do you want to work for an organisation that values difference and includes everyone? Then the Environment Agency is the organisation for you.
We're fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities and our environment. We’re fully committed to being an inclusive, equal‑opportunities employer, with a diverse workforce.
The Environment Agency’s Monitoring Laboratories, accredited to ISO/IEC17025, include three sites: Brampton, Leeds and Starcross. This role is based at Starcross, specialising in freshwater, saline and effluent analysis, delivering core analytical work in parallel with investigational/project work for the EA and other government and commercial customers.
Responsibilities
* Actively promote health, safety and wellbeing ensuring provision of safe working practices in line with Environment Agency guidance.
* Support the analytical work of less experienced staff.
* Play a key role in the training and development of the team and ensuring that work is carried out to defined quality standards.
* Support senior staff by providing feedback to shape the team’s development.
* Enjoy working as part of a team to deliver organisational goals.
* Be comfortable working in a busy lab environment and delivering at pace.
* Be prepared to be flexible in your work area to reflect changing priorities within the team.
Team
You will be part of the Microbiology and Molecular Biology team, which comprises approximately 24 staff and is responsible for a wide range of analytical methods essential in supporting the Environment Agency’s aims and objectives.
Qualifications / Experience Required
* Have some experience of microbiological and/or molecular techniques and be able to demonstrate your ability to work cooperatively with team members to achieve results.
* Be an effective communicator, able to provide training and constructive feedback.
* Be able to demonstrate the key capabilities as defined in the Job Profile.
* Be able to demonstrate your commitment to continuous professional development, for example by being, working towards, or willing to work towards becoming a Registered Scientist with the Institute of Science and Technology (or similar).
Working Hours and Flexibility
This role is for a 37‑hour week with shift pattern options: Monday to Friday, Tuesday to Saturday, Wednesday to Sunday, or Sunday to Thursday.
Contact
* Sergio Perez: 07920 372 462 or sergio.perezcordero1@environment-agency.gov.uk
* Ferne Kelly: 07464 492 617 or ferne.kelly@environment-agency.gov.uk
Competences
Competence 1: Communicates Effectively
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
Question – Describe an occasion when you needed to adapt your communication style to effectively relay complex information. How did you ensure it was understood?
Competence 2: Works in Teams
Works co‑operatively as part of a team to achieve common goals.
Question – Provide an example of when you worked in a team to deliver a successful piece of work. What were the key elements that ensured it was successful?
Competence 3: 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.
Question – Describe a time when you faced a difficult situation at work that required critical thinking and decision‑making under pressure. What steps/actions did you take to overcome it?
Competence 4: Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods, processes and without, compromising quality or accuracy.
Question – Describe a time when you were part of a team with a workload that changed rapidly, with frequent new projects. How did you help coordinate and implement these changes to ensure they remain aligned with the core operations?
Additional Information
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.
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.
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. For support suppliers who wish to join, 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.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Equal Opportunity Statement
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.
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