Greenhouse Gas Field Technician

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; Crowmarsh Gifford; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job description

Salary - £30,684 - £32,563

Permanent, Largely, field-based

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

Are you someone who thrives on technical curiosity, relishes new challenges, and is excited about the prospect of introducing ground-breaking engineering solutions to support our environmental science efforts?

The Wallingford based Plant Soils Interaction team is looking to recruit a motivated Greenhouse Gas Field Technician to support our network of greenhouse gas flux monitoring systems here.

This is an exciting prospect for someone who has a passion for engineering and technology, combined with a desire to contribute to the improvement of our natural environment. Within this role you will be fully trained in environmental field instrumentation and data logging systems and directly contribute to our science supporting our state-of-the-art flux towers and environmental sensor networks designed to systematically measure greenhouse gas fluxes and meteorology.

Your work contributes towards developing a better understanding of and mitigation strategies for greenhouse gas emissions under changing land use and climate, supporting the sustainability of UKCEH's science strategy. You will visit a variety of ecosystems, including upland and lowland peatlands, coastal saltmarshes, croplands, lakes, and forests. You’ll receive training and support in working with instrumentation and in conducting safe fieldwork while working with a group of passionate environmental scientists and technicians.

Given the hands-on and technical nature of this role, we are looking for someone with relevant experience in a practical, hands-on capacity, experience in technical, scientific fieldwork, and an interest in environmental science.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Undertake field and laboratory data collection and collation as instructed by the relevant task or project leader, to ensure the timely and consistent production of good quality data.
• Assisting with tasks related to the installation, operation, and maintenance of field instrumentation across a network of eddy covariance sites in the UK, both practically and administratively.
• Assisting with the planning and execution of field measurement and experimental data collection across a range of ecosystems (croplands, peatlands, saltmarshes, bioenergy) using novel techniques.
• Liaising with farmers and other landowners regarding the planning of routine and reactive fieldwork activities.
• Demonstrating compliance with health and safety policies and procedures and keeping concise and accurate notes of field activities.
• Demonstrating a growth mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement.

This is a highly collaborative role and would suit someone who enjoys a variable workload and excels independently, resourceful in their approach and are passionate about innovation and problem-solving to investigate and resolve module-level faults. You'll work closely with a team of experts across diverse fields including scientists, other workshop, and field technicians, alongside our Procurement team and suppliers. As such this role necessitates adaptability and an openness to embracing varying work styles, approaching challenges with patience and an understanding of differing priorities and focuses.

Fieldwork comprises a significant portion of this role; therefore, we seek an individual who relishes the great outdoors and British countryside. This position involves working at various sites across the south of England, including Cambridge, Norwich, and East Anglia. As such, you must possess a full UK manual driving licence. However, owning a car is not necessary, as we provide a fleet of shared vehicles. This type of fieldwork can be physically demanding and may involve hiking, carrying heavy equipment, using ladders, and prolonged exposure to all weather conditions. A willingness to undertake demanding but safe fieldwork is essential for this role.

For the role of Greenhouse Gas Field Technician, we’re looking for somebody who has:

• A degree or equivalent work experience in a relevant subject area (i.e., environmental sciences, meteorology or engineering and technology).
• Proven experience in remote outdoor environments and a desire to undertake fieldwork (sometime lone fieldwork where necessary).
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Must be prepared to work flexibly to meet project goals, including a willingness and ability to regularly spend nights away from home.
• Able to effectively liaise with farmers and other stakeholders and foster these relationships.
• Demonstrate a commitment to your own professional development with clear views on how you might develop your career.
• A full UK manual driving licence, and willingness to travel to remote field sites, or overseas for up to two weeks at a time.

The ideal candidate should also be comfortable working independently, proficient in conducting risk assessments, and able to adhere to lone working procedures. You will be a keen problem solver, demonstrate considerable initiative, and possess an eagerness to learn. For the right person, this role offers a solid foundation for future opportunities within the organisation.

We would be delighted if you also had some knowledge of ecosystems, with specific expertise in peatlands, farming practices, or nature-based solutions. The ideal candidate will have experience working with scientific equipment in the field, demonstrating the ability to conduct precise and effective fieldwork.

This role requires a combination of technical knowledge and practical skills to support our environmental research and conservation initiatives. If you possess enthusiasm and drive this is an outstanding opportunity to be part of a team which values excellence but also a sense of humour; fostering a productive and rewarding workplace environment.

Working for UKCEH is rewarding

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure.
• 10% employer pension contribution.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant).
• Peer reward and recognition scheme.
• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...

Apply today!

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.

At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone—regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance—has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process—please don’t hesitate to reach out. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.

We welcome applications from international candidates; however, at present, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.