We are currently recruiting for an Assistant Scientific Officer - Fermanagh.
Start date: ASAP
Location: Lisburn, Enniskillen, Fermanagh or Omagh
Duration: 6 months to be reviewed thereafter
Hours of work: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
Rate of pay: £12.59 per hour
The post holder will be a member of the Freshwater Consents Monitoring Team within the Water Water Management Unit, Northern Ireland Environment Agency. The post will support the Division’s target of achieving good water quality as required under the European Water Framework Directive.
This role will focus on NIEA’s water quality monitoring programme to support classification and regulation of
activities that have the potential to impact on water quality predominantly in the Fermanagh/Tyrone area but may be expected to travel all over NI.
MAIN DUTIES:
? Conducting water quality sampling as part of EMFG’s freshwater and marine waters monitoring programme;
? Conducting effluent sampling and associated inspections at industrial sites, waste water treatment works, landfill sites and other locations as part of EMFG’s freshwater and marine waters monitoring programme;
? In field sample analysis with calibrated equipment and reagent chemicals;
? Maintenance and cleaning of individually allocated sampling equipment to meet UKAS accreditation standards;
? Planning, scheduling and organising routine sampling lists and to coordinate with other water sampling officers to ensure water monitoring schedules are met.
? To liaise directly between NIEA Regulation Team and discharge consent holders regarding Sample Station access, location and general sample station issues.
? Conducting fieldwork as a lone worker which may include working over arduous terrain, within industrial sites and along watercourses.
? To provide informed input into related risk assessments to include drafting Sample Station Assessment Plans.
? Participation in internal (in-house quality) and external audit schemes to ensure upkeep of UKAS ISO 17025
accreditation scheme.
? Regular audits of NIEA vehicles and pollution trailers to ensure adequate stocks and up to date stock sheets. To
include direct liaison with EMFG Fleet Management Team and the Departments contracted vehicle service providers for maintenance and MOT, accurate monthly recording of mileage and associated fuel costs.
? Assisting NIEA and water quality staff in determining the source of a confirmed pollution and acting where required to minimise the environmental impact, to include Fish Kill sampling and rota’d out of hours on call working.
? Assisting NIEA and water quality staff in enforcement duties associated with water pollution incidents including
collection of statutory samples, note taking during interviews and preparation of witness statements.
? To provide evidence in court for prosecution cases where required.
? Assisting NIEA and Water quality staff in proactive pollution prevention programmes at industrial sites and other
premises;
? Actively contributing to a Health and Safety culture by reviewing and maintaining awareness of the business
area’s risk assessments to ensure personal adherence to safe working practices and compliance with prevailing
policies and standards;
? Undertake internal and external training required to develop and enhance skills and knowledge.
? Obtaining cost effective quotes and ordering equipment following the approved procurement procedures.
? Familiarisation with the strategies and goals of the wider Department and ensuring they keep up to date with
developments related to water quality and mitigation measures.
Essential Criteria:
- GCE/GCSE O levels grades A-C in English Language, Mathematics and Double Award Science or 2 science subjects to include chemistry, biology, physics, geography
- Hold a full Category B driving licence valid for NI and be capable of driving a manual vehicle.
- Candidates for these posts must have a reasonable level of fitness due to the physical elements of the post such as walking over rough terrain, lifting manhole covers and gaining access to remote rivers and lakes
- Must complete an Access NI
Desirable Criteria:
Experience working as a lone worker, driving responsibilities, sampling or laboratory analysis in any paid, voluntary or educational area, particularly from an environmental perspective may be beneficial.