32356 - Field Scientist

Environment Agency; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A national environmental organisation in the UK is seeking a Field Instrumentation Engineer to commission and maintain a variety of water quality monitoring equipment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in instrumentation, excellent problem-solving abilities, and proven communication skills. This role plays a crucial role in supporting the agency's regulatory responsibilities and enhances real-time monitoring efforts across the region.

Qualifications

• Field and/or instrumentation experience preferred.
• Proven ability in customer relations.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Commission and maintain water quality monitoring equipment.
• Ensure monitoring systems comply with health and safety code.
• Deliver training to others.

Skills

Instrumentation

Relevant field experience

Knowledge of electrical systems for instrumentation

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of water quality instrumentation and data

Education

Scientific/technical background or relevant vocational experience

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! At the Environment Agency we work to create a better place for people and the wildlife. We are an evidence-based organisation, and we monitor the environment to enable us to make informed decisions.

We are looking for a Field Instrumentation Engineer with knowledge/interest in instrumentation and telemetry to undertake the commissioning and maintenance and development of a wide range of water quality monitoring equipment and associated infrastructure. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all our monitoring systems are installed, commissioned, and operated in accordance with the Agency's code of practice for health and safety.

The team – The National Water Quality Instrumentation Service – provides support to all instrument-based water quality monitoring activities undertaken across the Agency. We deliver a vital service that underpins the Environment Agency's regulatory responsibilities, and we are playing a central role in the development and expansion of real‑time water quality monitoring in relation to our responsibilities under the 2021 Environment Act. The team also supports a wide range of citizen science and stakeholder partnerships.

We are seeking an individual preferably with field and/or instrumentation experience. You should have a scientific/technical background, formally qualified or with relevant vocational experience. In addition, you should possess proven ability and/or knowledge of:

Essential experience

• Instrumentation
• Relevant field experience
• Knowledgeable of electrical systems for instrumentation, including cabling, wiring methods, control circuits
• Actively forming and maintaining links with customers
• Demonstrated strong problem‑solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Successful delivery of training to others
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, and forge strong relationships
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must for this role as you'll be liaising with local, National, and external customers.
• Be self‑driven and determined to succeed.
• Knowledge of water quality instrumentation and data
• Full UK Licence.

Desirable experience/skills

• Understanding of the Environment Agency's Water Quality systems, community, and customers.