Range / Hazard-Operations Technician

Have you ever wanted to work on a dynamic outdoor Range, working on varied tasks with a diverse team, supporting MOD operations or delivering ground-breaking Science and Technology?

This is an exciting opportunity to join the ‘Range, Trials and Operations Group’ in the Chemical, Biological and Radiological Division (CBR), to deliver support to Range Trials and Operational activities on Porton Down Range. We support the MOD Science & Technology programme, collaborating with various MOD Armed Forces, Internal and External customers to deliver high-end Science and Technology and Operational support.

In this role you will:

Work as part of a team to conduct varied operational duties as directed by the Trial Conducting Officer (TCO), Munition Disposal Officer (MDO) and/or Working Supervisor. Wear a variety of personal protective equipment (PPE). Selecting the correct equipment to complete all tasks safely. 

Operate a wide variety of plant machinery, technical equipment and tools in accordance with our standard operating procedures. Assess serviceability of plant and other equipment including the operation of range control radios and IT equipment. 

You are encouraged to look for ways to improve work practices, demonstrating accuracy and thoroughness to ensure all tasks are completed safely and efficiently and rapidly tackle technical issues, anticipating requirements within the remit of the task whilst supporting other members of the team. 

You will proactively participate in a variety of operational activities both on and off site, which may include:

• Support to the security, maintenance and disposal of high hazard materials.
• Maintaining capabilities and daily upkeep of associated facilities and equipment.
• Remediation of contaminated land, buildings or equipment.
• Recovery and transportation of hazard materials.
• Other MoD specific tasks. 

Job Dimensions

• Collaborate with colleagues to provide support for all aspects of both on and off site tasks within the Range Trials & Operations Group.
• Assist in all aspects of the varied Hazardous Ops tasks or conduct trial support duties in accordance with the written safe systems of work.
• Select correct equipment and wear PPE to complete all tasks safely.
• Operate a wide variety of technical equipment, plant machinery and tools in accordance with our standard operating procedures.  Assess serviceability of plant and other equipment. Operate range control radios and IT equipment.
• Look for ways to improve work practices, demonstrating accuracy and thoroughness to ensure all tasks are completed safely and efficiently.
• Rapidly tackle to help resolve technical issues.
• Proactively participate in trial construction and breakdown.
• Anticipate requirements within the remit of the task to support objectives and other team members.

Important Information 

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. For some roles Developed Vetting will also be required, in this case you should have resided in the UK for the past 10 years.

Individuals within DSTL who hold dual nationality and currently hold the required clearance level may apply. If found suitable for the role further security discussions will need to take place before a formal offer can be made.

Safety in addition to any specific safety

• You must appreciate and be responsible for the health and safety of yourself and others;
• You will use safe working practices ensuring that you and your colleagues report any unsafe practices, big or small. You are empowered to stop work where you feel it is unsafe;
• You will, follow safety guidelines, respecting and contributing to a strong Dstl safety culture.

Fitness/ Physical Medical Required

You will be required to undertake a physical medical assessment before this role can be formally offered. This would include a minimum of a urine sample, sight test, hearing test and step test.

We are looking for someone who can:

• The inclination to take ownership for their own work and is able to prioritise tasks under the mentorship of another team member.
• An appreciation of the importance of shared/team goals and provides effective support for achieving them.
• Communication skills – collaborating closely with colleagues across the organisation.
• The ability to follow and perform all duties in-line with formal Health and Safety policies and procedures. 
• The ability to persevere with tasks even when they are tedious or difficult, and follows up problems proactively to ensure they have been addressed.
• A commitment to personal development, undertaking further training and qualifications as required. 

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions

Benefits 

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.

• Flexi Time: You are able to accrue hours which can be taken in addition to your annual leave. Terms and approval will apply.

• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.

• Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.

• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.

• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid

• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.

• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

Job contact :

• Name :Dstl Recruitment
• Email :dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email :dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk