Job Description

Salary – £30,684 – £32,563
Hybrid working (50/50)
Permanent
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

UKCEH is looking for an experienced Greenhouse Gas Field Technician, to join our 600-strong team, contributing to scientific discovery and generating the data, insights and solutions that researchers, businesses and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges.

Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

As a valued member of our team, you’ll get:

• 27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years, plus 3 days for our Christmas closure
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying requirements)
• 24 hour, 365-day access to support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues plus access to our trained Welfare Officers
• Flexible working opportunities

And much more…

Are you passionate about environmental science and eager to contribute to land-based solutions for the climate and ecological crises?

We’re looking for a Greenhouse Gas Field Technician to join our highly collaborative Greenhouse Gas Flux Observations team based at Wallingford, Oxfordshire. Within this role you’ll work with state-of-the-art flux towers and environmental sensor networks to conduct detailed surveys of greenhouse gas emissions and water balance across a variety of ecosystems (from upland and lowland peatlands, to saltmarshes, croplands, lakes, and forests). You will support the collection, management, analysis, and publication of our research data, contributing to field data collection across UK monitoring sites and coordinating activities independently and as part of a team of technicians and scientists.

You will proactively suggest solutions to research, development, monitoring, or experimental problems, aiding in the delivery of science. Your contributions will help shape proposals, supporting the sustainability of UKCEH’s science strategy. You will significantly enhance field and laboratory methodologies or technologies, ensuring the timely and consistent production of high-quality data. Your responsibilities will include producing accurate and comprehensive reports as requested by Project Leaders.

You will also communicate your findings, presenting at internal and external meetings or conferences, and participating in organisation-wide forums or schemes. By developing and presenting your own ideas within project or Group meetings, you will contribute to the efficient delivery of scientific outcomes and impact.

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

Fieldwork comprises 50% 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 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.

The ideal candidate should 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.

Given the hands-on and technical nature of this role, we are looking for someone with relevant experience in a practical, hands-on capacity, such as carpentry, joinery, or electrical work, and a genuine interest in environmental work. Following your training, you will be capable of producing accurate and concise field notes.

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, or engineering and technology)
• Proven experience in remote outdoor environments and a willingness to undertake lone fieldwork where necessary and safe
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Must be prepared to work flexibly to meet project goals, including a willingness and ability to spend a few nights a month working away from home
• Able to identify key stakeholders for our science and demonstrate an understanding of their needs to start developing key partnerships
• 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

If you possess the enthusiasm and drive we seek, this is an outstanding opportunity to team which values excellence but also a sense of humour; fostering a productive and rewarding workplace environment.

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.

How to Apply

Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 20,000 - 40,000.

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