1

Yorkshire and the Humber

Leeds

LEEDS NLS Olympia House, Gelderd Road, Leeds, LS12 6DD

Staff Grade 5

Permanent

Full Time

Science

£37,462

An opportunity has arisen for a Grade 5 Technical Specialists in inorganics chemistry (excluding metals) at the Environment Agency’s Leeds laboratory. This is an exciting time to be joining the team as we embark upon a programme of work which will significantly increase our water monitoring requirements. The responsibilities will be multi-faceted; working with customers to identify, develop and evolve methodology; supporting and directing the development of staff to deliver results and improve productivity, advancing our scientific capabilities and promoting the work to wider audiences.
On a day-to-day basis you will provide technical leadership to a team of experienced and inexperienced analysts. Critical to the role will be your ability to achieve results through the decisions you make, solving problems and developing people. At the forefront of maintaining and developing this critical service, you will report to the Technical Manager and work closely with the existing Technical Specialist in Starcross, as well as the Leeds Team Leader and Laboratory Manager, whilst maintaining appropriate specialised knowledge in state-of-the-art equipment, technology, and methodology.

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.

The laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC17025 with 2 chemistry sites in Leeds and Starcross, as well as a national fish lab in Brampton. Monitoring Labs has a work force of around 170 staff and you will be expected to form part of the site management teams where you will collaborate and coordinate with a team of scientists to support the wider organisational aims.

Educated to degree level or equivalent, you will have proven experience of working at a senior scientific level within a laboratory setting. You will need to demonstrate both expertise in a wide range of inorganic techniques, including discrete, segmented analysis and ion chromatography (excluding metals chemistry), as well as managing your own professional development.
Excellent knowledge of laboratory quality system and ISO/IEC 17025, method development and results delivery to an exceptional standard, you will able to demonstrate the proven ability to apply your knowledge and experience to deliver technological and service delivery improvements.
You'll need to demonstrate the key capabilities as defined in the Job Profile which include; communication, achieving results, development of people, programmes & project management, delivery of results through others, planning, problem solving and teamwork.

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: [email protected] or alternatively [email protected]