Field Technician

Are you someone who thrives on technical curiosity, relishes new challenges, and is excited about the prospect of introducing ground-breaking engineering solutions to support our environmental science efforts?
An opportunity has arisen for two Field Technicians to join our rapidly expanding, multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers, and play a vital part in implementing a new flagship Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI) project (
https://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/floods-and-droughts-research-infrastructure-fdri
).This is a pioneering and ground-breaking science initiative which has secured a £38 million investment to establishing and advancing hydrological science and infrastructure nationwide; with the aim of bolstering the nation's ability to adapt to and withstand floods and droughts. You will be joining us at an exciting time as we begin this project.
This is an exciting prospect for someone who has a passion for engineering and technology, combined with a desire to contribute to the improvement of our natural environment. Within this role you will be trained in environmental field instrumentation and data logging systems and directly contribute to our science supporting our state-of-the-art monitoring network designed to systematically measure soil moisture, hydrology, and meteorology.
You will directly contribute to our environmental science by supporting these measurements of the water cycle for hydrology: configuring, installing, and maintaining weather stations, river flow gauges and advanced soil moisture monitoring systems; all using data loggers and gateways for remote data collection and monitoring. Initially, you'll collaborate closely with colleagues in workshop, field, and office settings, transitioning to an increase in fieldwork in following year as the project develops.
Your main responsibilities will include:

• Test and configure a wide range of environmental sensors - becoming familiar with their operation and expected performance


• Setup data logging and telemetry, learning how to diagnose and fix issues


• Wiring connectors, soldering, and small system assembly into robust field enclosures


• Field installation of cabling, enclosures and sensor mounting (averaging at around 100 field site visits per annum, some requiring overnight stays, lone working and team visits)


• Conduct test and diagnostic procedures, learning systematic module-level fault-finding, in both lab and outdoor field conditions (all year round)


• Understanding the expected sensor measurement and checking with other hand-held instruments or field survey techniques - both high-tech and manual soil sampling


• Remotely checking sensor network data, ensuring correct operation, quality control of data, spotting and recording issues


• Arranging supplier repairs, recalibrations and ordering replacement sensors and parts


• Occasional laboratory analysis of soil samples for water content


• Maintaining system and asset documentation


• Ensuring laboratories and workshops are well-maintained and stocked with necessary consumables, while prioritising safety


This is a highly collaborative role and would suit someone who enjoys a variable workload and excels independently, resourceful in their approach and are passionate about innovation and problem-solving to investigate and resolve module-level faults. You'll work closely with a team of experts across diverse fields including scientists, other workshop, and field technicians, alongside our Procurement team and suppliers. As such this role necessitates adaptability and an openness to embracing varying work styles, approaching challenges with patience and an understanding of differing priorities and focuses.
You'll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that's committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.
Check out some of the projects our Field Technicians have been involved with:
COSMOS-UK -
www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/cosmos-uk
AMBER -
www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/amber-automated-biodiversity-monitoring
For the role of Field Technician, we're looking for somebody who has


• A technical qualification (BTEC level) or equivalent experience


• Handcraft skills for small wiring assemblies, cable termination with solder pin connectors, cutting and fitting of equipment enclosures


• An aptitude for logical fault-finding and initiative for working with instrumentation and data logging


• Familiarity with basic electronic test equipment such as a digital voltmeter and ideally some experience of data capture hardware and software


• A drive to efficiently deliver new high-quality observational data for cutting-edge environmental science, with minimal data gaps (365/24/7).


• Organisational and problem-solving skills, using innovation and creativity


• Comfort with occasional work at height (full training will be given)


• Full driving licence and a willingness to work outdoors often alone at remote field sites across the UK, with some overnight stays.


This infrastructure project is in its initial stages so it offers flexibility and scope to develop innovative technologies which will have a wide-ranging impact on our team and organisation as a whole. For this reason, this role will require you to have a strong technical aptitude, preferably with technical education, and you will develop your skills and experience through a structured programme.
Within this role you will gain the knowledge, skills, and experience to configure, test, install and maintain remote in-field environmental monitoring stations, and to remotely quality control data outputs, flagging is issues. We'll provide the workshop, tools, PPE, vehicles, and continuous training, and in exchange, we're seeking your enthusiasm, inquisitiveness, and collaborative spirit.

Salary - £29,733 - £31,553
Permanent
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.
UKCEH is looking for two Field Technicians to join our 600-strong team, contributing to scientific discovery and generating the data, insights and solutions that researchers, businesses and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges.
Working at UKCEH is rewarding. 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.
As a valued member of our team, you'll get:

• 27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years


• 10% employer pension contribution


• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying requirements)


• 24 hour, 365-day access to support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues plus access to our trained Welfare Officers


• Flexible working opportunities