Laboratory Analyst - 15 month FTC

What you'll do

As a Microbiology Analyst you will be contributing to the safeguarding public health through the provision of clean safe drinking water that maintains the trust of customers.  A key element of this role will be ensuring that the company’s statutory and regulatory responsibilities with regard to drinking water quality are met and regulatory risk to the business is managed effectively.
 

The role requires you to perform methods relating to the Microbiological analysis of drinking water samples. These areas include membrane filtration looking for the presence of indicator organisms and also heterotrophic plate counting which identifies the bacterial load within a water sample.

The laboratory has ISO17025 accreditation therefore all aspects of work adhere to a robust quality system which incorporates the analysis of water samples whilst adhering to all relevant regulations, legislation and certifications alongside reporting results in a timely manner.

You will be working on a seven day rota with a supportive team.  This is a great opportunity to develop your skills and experience and progress your career.

What you'll be responsible for

• Effectively monitoring water quality for the purpose of protecting public health.
• Analysing water samples using a variety of techniques and instrumentation to comply with UK regulations.
• Critically evaluate scientific data and accurately report results onto LIMS within agreed timescales in order to satisfy regulators and operations delivery.
• Basic troubleshooting and equipment maintenance and ensure quality and efficiency of instrumentation.
• Responsibility for at least one basic laboratory method including associated method and AQC review.
• Work within the framework of the Quality Policy following strict guidelines covering technique, process and reporting including accurate record keeping, to ensure compliance with ISO 17025 standards.
• Follow health and safety procedures to maintain a safe working environment and comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act.
• Providing support to the wider business on matters of sample analysis and reporting of results.

Who you’ll work with

Internal

• Laboratory colleagues
• Wider water quality team
• Operational managers
• Samplers
• On-call teams

About you

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
 

• Education to degree level or equivalent in microbiology, biology, chemistry or parasitology subject
• Good computing skills and Team working#
• Previous laboratory experience in a UKAS accredited environment is required, familiar with laboratory techniques and equipment, including maintenance (development plan is available)
• Practical, methodical and able to follow detailed written instructions with attention to detail
• Good Working knowledge of COSHH and Health and Safety
• Able to prioritise and plan workload 
  
  

Good to know

Please note this is an office based role with 13 weekends a year on shift and 13 weeks a year on standby. 

There is a mixture of shift patterns; shift one – 8 am to 4 pm, shift two – 2 pm to 10 pm.

There is a 15% annual salary shift allowance.

Benefits

As well as a market competitive salary, 33 days annual leave (pro rata, including public holidays), we offer a range of employee benefits and rewards including:

 
•             Variable pay schemes (your salary band will remain the same, but performance depending, you could receive an incremental within-band increase and a yearly incentive)
•             Option to buy additional annual leave up to 5 days per year
•             Enhanced employer pension contributions – Up to 11% employer contributions
•             Free Mortgage Brokering Services 
•             Enhanced family friendly policies
•             Progression opportunities, including the ability to apply for funded training and coaching and mentoring programmes
•             Gym and fitness discounts as well as high street shopping
•             Cycle to work scheme
•             Discount off all Welsh Water visitor attraction centres and gift shops
•             Car-leasing scheme and free on-site parking at all sites
•             Health CashBack scheme and access to an online GP service
•             An employee assistance programme for employees and their immediate family
•             Many more can be found here!  

 
 
Whilst also working for a not-for profit company that truly cares about earning the trust of customers everyday, and about looking after our beautiful environment
 
 
Please note, we may close this role sooner if required. We may also extend the original closing date depending on interest.
 
Due to the nature of the industry, we require satisfactory references, post offer medical clearance, and a criminal records Basic Disclosure check on all new employees joining the business. For some roles there may be additional checks and security clearance required, and this offer is subject all checks being satisfied. You will receive further information on how to complete these checks via email once you have accepted this offer.

Who we are

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water keep 3 million people healthy each day with safe, reliable water, and take away wastewater to clean, before returning it safely to our beautiful rivers and seas.

To be able to deliver high quality, essential services which help to protect the health of our customers, colleagues and our environment, we need the right people to deliver on our vision.  This is achieved by living our core values and demonstrating the core behaviours that underpin them.  The security of our people, assets and information is key to us, so we are looking for people who understand and comply with the company’s required security objectives.

We know that the most successful teams are the most diverse teams. Equality, diversity and inclusion provide the very foundation to our culture at Welsh Water. We want every individual to feel confident, proud and able to bring their whole selves to work.

To ensure an improved representation in our workforce, applications are particularly welcome from minority groups including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people, Females, LGBT+, Non-binary and people with disabilities. Together we continue to build a workplace that not only celebrates the diverse voices of our colleagues but also represents each customer we serve.

In essence, ours is a company based on trust, openness, respect, commitment and honesty. A company that our colleagues are proud to work for.