Scientist - 35659
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Number of jobs available
1
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Region
Yorkshire and the Humber
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City/Town
Leeds
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Building/Site
DEFRA GRP EA OLYMPIA HOUSE LABORATORY, LS12 6DD
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Grade
Staff Grade 4
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Post Type
Permanent
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Role Type
Science
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Working Pattern
Full Time
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Salary Minimum
£34,320
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Closing Date:
01/08/2026, 23:55 hours

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Job description attachment 1

TSS04 Technical & Scientific Services, Grade 4

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Candidate pack
Candidate Pack - 35659.docx – 6577KB Opens in a new window
Converted File Candidate Pack - 35659.docx.pdf – 2180KB Opens in a new window
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Security checks level
Basic Check
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Job description

If you’re an analytical scientist with a passion for the natural environment this is an exciting opportunity for you. We’re looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced scientist to come join us in our Monitoring Laboratory based in Leeds. You’ll be responsible for supervising an expanding team carrying out asbestos analysis and support the Agency with its response to the increase in illegal waste sites.

We really do value a diverse workforce. We want to be an organisation that represents modern Britain and all the communities we serve. We want everybody to feel included, fairly treated and duly recognised for the contribution they make.

Your main duties will include: -

Supervise a small team, motivate and develop staff to provide a world class service.
Act as the technical lead for asbestos analysis in the laboratory.
Monitoring and improving the flow of asbestos samples through the laboratory.
Use your knowledge and problem-solving skills to make sound decisions that will improve the capacity and quality of the team and its work.
Promote health, safety and wellbeing ensuring the provision of safe working practices in line with Environment Agency guidance.
Clearly communicate with customers, other team members and management around asbestos issues at the laboratory.
Continually develop your knowledge of asbestos legislation and classification of wastes containing asbestos.
Provide laboratory analysis of samples collected in the field to provide high quality data for the Environment Agency.
Provide evidence and statements to support Environment Agency waste enforcement work.
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The team

You’ll be working within a small team alongside approximately 80 other Analytical staff and 10 Customer Services colleagues. We provide analytical services to the Environment Agency and external customers which includes the analysis of environmental samples from across England and around the coastline and provide a bespoke Forensic Waste Service. If you’d like to know a bit more about our work please take a look at our website.

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency/about

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Experience/skills required

Through experience to date you will ideally be able to demonstrate the following:

Working in an analytical laboratory to UKAS standard, with an in-depth knowledge of analytical techniques in the field of environmental asbestos analysis.
Supervision of a small team of asbestos analysts, including the development and training of other asbestos analysts.
Excellent communication skills are essential with the ability to convey complex information.
Ability to problem solve and work within tight timescales and to strict quality criteria.
Experience/knowledge of working with asbestos legislation - HSG248 and Lab30.
At least 5 years’ experience of working in a high through-put asbestos laboratory and the ability to embed those efficiencies within our laboratory.
Ideally you will be educated in a relevant degree level.
Must hold a P401 qualification
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Contact and additional information

You’ll be welcomed into the team and given all the training and support you need to succeed in your new role.

We support flexible working hours and practices to help you strike a good balance between your work and personal life. You’ll have access to a Local Government Pension scheme as well as a host of other employee benefits.

Our Leeds laboratory is well served by public transport links; we have secure bike pods and free staff parking on site as well as a brand-new staff canteen.

For further information on this role, the employee benefits and work of the Environment Agency, please download the candidate pack.

If you have any questions, please contact the hiring manager: Toni.Webster@environment-agency.gov.uk.

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Competence 1
Achieves Results
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Description
Tell us how you’ve maximised the number of samples analysed in an asbestos lab you’ve worked in, whilst maintaining a high level of quality?
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Competence 2
Applies Analytical Knowledge and Experience
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Description
Can you provide an example of how your knowledge and experience contributed to a successful UKAS accreditation audit in an asbestos laboratory?
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Competence 3
Works in Teams
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Description
Tell us about how you have supervised a small team of asbestos analysts and contributed to a positive team culture?
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Competence 4
Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
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Description
Describe a time you reviewed a process in the asbestos laboratory and introduced checks to prevent errors?
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If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

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Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

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