Job Description

Salary - £31,942 - £33,898
Permanent
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

An excitingnewopportunity has arisen for an experienced Engineering Workshop Technician to joinourcollaborative,research-focused engineering team basedat our Head Office in Wallingford.You’llbe part of our largerWater and Climate Science teamhere atUKCEH,andplay a key role in helping usdevelop,maintain, and supportthe facilitiesandequipment that underpin our science.

As a technical specialist,you’llprovide technical input to help generate data and other outputs (hardware, things, software, samplecollectionand analyses etc.); you may also be maintainingand developing research facilities and capabilities.Withinthis role,you’llbedirectlycontributing to work that is transforming the UK’s resilience to floods and droughts - extreme events that already cost billions and are intensifying with climate change. Through initiatives such as the Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI; https://fdri.org.uk/),we’redelivering advanced monitoring and data insights to better understand and manage these risks - and your work will play a key part in making this possible.

Ifyou’relooking for an exciting new challenge, this role will offer you variety and hands-on experience - where no two days are the same. From supporting field surveys and observational networks, to working in the workshop, building prototypes, and delivering reliable technical solutions, your work will directly underpin high-quality environmental research.You’llbe part of a busy and passionate team, where your practical skills, attention to detail, and proactive approach willbe appreciated andmake a real impact. Whethermaintainingequipment, improving processes, or resolving technical challenges,you’llplay a vital role in ensuring our operations run safely, efficiently, and effectively.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Work diligently to meet expected standards, applying quality control and assurance processes, especially in safety-critical outputs (e.g. electrical safety and chemical hazards).

• Support analytical services (e.g. chemical analysis), field surveys, sampling, and observational networks, providing technical input to both laboratory and field-based work.

• Deliver outputs efficiently and effectively, contributing to facilities, networks, analyses, designs, methods, reports, datasets, and publications.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across UKCEH to deliver a high-quality service and support team and organisationalobjectives

• Contributeto the development of new methods, equipment (hardware and software), or approaches, including prototyping designs whereappropriate

• Follow procedures and instructions to ensure safe andappropriate working, whileidentifyingopportunities for improvement and contributing to updating or developing processes.

• Maintainaccuraterecords and documentation of your work and wider team activities.

• Communicate clearly to manage expectations and provideaccurateinformation and explanations.

• Apply relevant operating practices to support your own development and contribute to teamobjectives

We’relooking for someone who can work both independently and collaboratively, applying sound judgement and recognising when to seek guidance.You’llbring a proactive, solutions-focused mindset, using initiative and creativity to resolve technical challenges andidentifyopportunities for improvement. Well organised and adaptable, you will manage your time effectively while continuing to develop new skills to support a diverse and evolving range of activities.

You’llbe a clear and confident communicator, able to build strong working relationships with colleagues at all levels and contribute to sharing the value of UKCEH’s work both internally and externally. With a commitment to continuous improvement, you will bring fresh ideas and play an active role in enhancing team processes, efficiency, and capability—helping us deliver high-quality, impactful outcomes.

For the role of Engineering Workshop Technician,we’relooking for someone who:

• Holds a relevant technical qualification (BTEC Level 3-7) or brings equivalent hands-on experience

• Demonstrates strong technical aptitude and is comfortable working in a busy environment, witha high levelof attention to detail

• alongside a responsible, positive, can-do attitude.

• Has a curious, problem-solving mindset and the confidence to use initiative.

• Enjoys working in an agile setting, adapting to new techniques and approaches, including one-off or bespoke projects.

• Brings an open-minded approach, with the ability to think creatively and beyond standard solutions.

• Understands the importance of key stakeholders and funders, and how their work supports these relationships.

You’llbe joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institutethat’scommitted to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. 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.

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-orientedperks, 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 – Supporting Statement Questions

If this role excites you and aligns with your career goals, we would be pleased to hear from you. Pleasesubmityour CV along with responses to the supporting questions below. Your answers should clearlydemonstratethe qualifications, skills, and experience most relevant to the role.

Please provide responses of up to 150 words per question, using specific examples to highlight your personal contribution and impact. We do notrequirea separate cover letter.

• Describe a time whereyou'vesolved an engineering problem, from conception to installation / deployment.

• Describe your experience operating manual milling machines and lathes. What types of components/parts have you produced?

• What materials have you worked with milling and turning, and how did you adapt your machining approach for each?

Our Commitment to Inclusion

At UKCEH, we are committed to creating an inclusive andequitableworkplace where everyonehas the opportunity tothrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and circumstances. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and people with disabilities, andwe’rehappy to provide adjustments or support at any stage of the recruitment process - just let us know. Ifyou’reexcited about this role but your experiencedoesn’talign perfectly with every requirement,we’dlove to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.

Please note:Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this roleand this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, pleaseindicatethis in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.