All EA employees are expected to participate in incident response and will receive relevant training and support to identify an appropriate role which suits their own personal circumstances. This may attract an additional payment, and full training will be given. Applies analytical knowledge and experience.
Job Description
The Environment Agency is 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.
If you have experience of analytical chemistry within a laboratory setting and a passion for the natural environment this is an exciting opportunity. We are looking for a motivated person with relevant experience and skills to come and join us as a Senior Assistant Scientist within the Metals/Quality Solutions (QS) team within Growth, Permitting & Monitoring at our Monitoring Laboratory based at Starcross near Exeter.
Responsibilities
* Work within a team to deliver a high‑quality analytical service to defined time, cost and quality targets.
* Co‑ordinate the activities of Assistant Scientists: monitoring and prioritising workload, providing technical support and training for the team.
* Work alongside Scientists to improve existing methods and develop new ones when required.
* Analyse environmental water samples for metal analytes using a range of techniques and instrumentation and work within the QS area preparing quality solutions and calibrating laboratory equipment.
* Identify root causes and rectify technical issues using knowledge and problem‑solving skills.
* Ensure your work meets the standards expected of an ISO17025 accredited laboratory. This includes maintaining documentation, monitoring method performance and carrying out non‑conforming work investigations.
* Use a range of software to communicate, store, analyse and approve data.
* Actively promote health, safety and wellbeing ensuring provision of safe working practices in line with Environment Agency guidance.
The Team
You will be part of the Monitoring Laboratories that provides analytical services to the Environment Agency (EA). You will be based at Starcross Laboratory as a member of the Metals/QS Team of 10 staff.
Experience / Skills Required
Ideally you will be educated to degree level, have relevant scientific qualifications or relevant experience of working within a busy ISO17025 accredited laboratory. You will need good IT skills, and a strong team ethic is essential, as is an ability to work independently.
* Achieves results.
* Works in teams.
Contact and Additional Information
The role is Monday to Friday based on a 37‑hour week. If you have questions prior to applying, please contact Tanya Hunt by email tanya.hunt@environment-agency.gov.uk. A reserve list will apply. We support flexible working hours to help you strike a good balance between your work and personal life. You’ll have access to a Local Government Pension scheme. This is a non‑hybrid role and you’ll be required to work these hours at Starcross Laboratory. Occasional travel may be required for training/courses. Interviews will be held face to face at Starcross Laboratory at the end of April/early May 2026.
Competencies
Achieves Results – Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results. *Tell me about a time you were responsible for delivering a key laboratory outcome to a tight deadline.*
Works in Teams – Works co‑operatively as part of a team to achieve common goals. *Describe a time when you worked effectively as part of a team in the laboratory and the outcome.*
Applies Analytical Knowledge and Experience – Applies acquired knowledge and experience to produce and interpret results from samples analysed in a chemistry laboratory. *Describe a time you had to apply your analytical knowledge to solve a problem in an environmental laboratory setting.*
Additional Policies
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. 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.
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 the applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
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