Soil Technician
CEH are currently recruiting a Soil Technician to undertake field and laboratory work as part of the Landwise project which is evaluating how natural flood management measures linked to land use and management, such as innovative farming practices, might affect soil and vegetation properties and potentially reduce flood risk. The Soil Technician will be involved in collecting, preparing and analysing soil samples and measuring in-situ soil and vegetation properties. This role would appeal to candidates embarking on a career in science or seeking to strengthen existing knowledge and skills – either way, full training will be provided.
Centre for Ecology & Hydrology – UKRI- NERC CEH
| Location: | Wallingford | |
| Salary: | £18,445 | |
| Hours: | Full Time | |
| Contract Type: | Fixed-Term/Contract | |
| Placed On: | 23rd May 2019 | |
| Closes: | 3rd June 2019 | |
| Job Ref: | IRC249500 | |
Fixed term (6 months)
About Us
The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) is a partner organisation within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). UKRI is a new entity that brings together nine partners to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, and a vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
About the role
We are currently recruiting a Soil Technician to undertake field and laboratory work as part of a project to evaluate how natural flood management measures linked to land use and management, such as how innovative farming practices might affect soil and vegetation properties and potentially reduce flood risk.
You will be involved in collecting, preparing and analysing soil samples and measuring in-situ soil and vegetation properties. This role would appeal to those embarking on a career in science or seeking to strengthen existing knowledge and skills, in each case full training will be provided.
Main duties will include:
- work as part of a small team undertaking routine field work at a variety of sites in the Thames catchment
- liaison with land owners/managers and public during site visits
- navigation to field sites and sampling locations using OS maps and GPS
- measuring soil physical and hydraulic properties in the field and lab
- collection of small soil samples from shallow depth (hand augering/digging)
- documenting samples and site observations
- work independently to process and analyse soil samples efficiently in the laboratory, following established protocols
- accurate recording of lab measurements and data entry into MS Excel spreadsheets
- assist with general data analysis
- maintenance of field and lab equipment, procurement of consumables
- awareness of health and safety, ability to identify potential hazards whilst in field and laboratory environments.
About you
You will be qualified to at least A level (or equivalent) in a science or environmental science discipline or have appropriate work experience.
You will have an interest in the natural environment, ideally soils and/or hydrology.
Good numeracy skills and competence with MS Office software and ideally GIS will be essential.
You will also have a full driving licence, as there will be necessary travel to remote locations.
Experience with field soil survey techniques including; sampling, hand texturing, visual evaluation of soil structure, measurement of soil moisture and hydraulic properties, will be advantageous.
What we offer
In addition, NERC offer a public sector pension scheme, 30 days’ annual leave and 10½ days’ public and privilege holiday per annum. We offer a flexible and supportive working environment and will encourage your continuing professional development as part of our career support. NERC has an equal opportunities policy and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
People with disabilities and those from ethnic minorities are currently under represented and their applications are particularly welcomed. Guaranteed interview scheme for applicants with disabilities.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to include a cover letter outlining their suitability for this role.
Applications are handled by UK Shared Business Services, to apply please visit our job board at http://www.topcareer.jobs/Vacancy/irc249500_9442.aspx. Applicants who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on +44 (0)1793 867000.
The closing date for applications is 3rd June 2019.