Scientist, Environmental Compliance, Research Scientist

Job Description

If you’re an analytical scientist with a passion for the natural environment this is an exciting opportunity for you. We’re looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced scientist to come join us in our Monitoring Laboratory based in Leeds. You’ll be responsible for supervising a small team carrying out metals analysis of environmental samples.

• Work as part of a team, motivate and develop staff to provide a world class service.
• Act as a technical lead within your department, responsible for improving existing methods and developing new ones when required.
• Use your knowledge and problem‑solving skills to identify root causes and to rectify technical issues.
• Provide the delivery of specific technical/scientific activities in line with defined plans whilst ensuring work is consistently delivered to required standards and service levels.
• Promote health, safety and wellbeing ensuring the provision of safe working practices in line with Environment Agency guidance.

You’ll be working within a small team alongside approximately 50 other Analytical staff and 12 Customer Services colleagues. We provide analytical services to the Environment Agency and external customers which includes the analysis of sediments, soils, biota and waters from across England and around the coastline, as well as offering a bespoke Forensic Waste Service. If you’d like to know a bit more about our work please take a look at our websites:

• Work in an analytical laboratory with an in‑depth knowledge of analytical techniques and instrumentation, preferably in the field of environmental analysis.
• Experience of developing methods on ICP‑MS and ISP‑OES.
• Supervision of a technical or scientific team, including the development and training of others.
• Excellent communication skills are essential with the ability to convey complex information.
• Ability to problem solve and work within tight timescales and to strict quality criteria.
• Experience/knowledge of the Environment Agency's chemical and physical analysis programme would be an advantage.
• Experience of working within a quality standard or within a UKAS accredited laboratory is desirable.
• Ideally you will be educated to at least degree level or equivalent in a relevant subject.

You’ll be welcomed into the team and given all the training and support you need to succeed in your new role. 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 as well as a host of other employee benefits. Our Leeds laboratory is well served by public transport links;

we have secure bike pods and free staff parking on site as well as a brand‑new staff canteen. For further information on this role, the employee benefits and work of the Environment Agency, please download the candidate pack. If you have any questions, please contact the hiring manager:
Toni.

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Please tell us about a time where you encountered a problem at work and the decisions you took to solve it.

Please tell us about a time where you have improved efficiency or a process at work without compromising quality.

Please give us an example of a time when you coached a colleague to help them improve their skills or confidence.

Please give us an example of how you have built relationships within your team and other teams at work.

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.