Are you passionate about ensuring the safety and well-being of personnel in critical defence operations? Do you excel in dynamic environments where your expertise can make a significant impact? If so, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) is seeking an occupational hygienist to join their team.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for providing expert advice and guidance on occupational risks and the necessary preventative and control measures across DE&S sites. Your role will involve supporting the business by assuring risks are minimized to As Low As is Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) and are managed in compliance with current regulations and policies.

This position offers a unique blend of challenges and rewards, perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is eager to make a meaningful impact through their expertise. If you are adaptable and committed to excellence in every aspect of your work, this role is for you. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with a flexible attitude and the ability to work independently while effectively prioritising your workload. Additionally, you must be capable of working collaboratively within a team, demonstrating a diligent and conscientious approach.

We champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

Locations:

MOD Abbey Wood, Filton, Bristol, Avon BS34 8JH,

MOD Donnington, Telford, Shropshire TF2 8JT,

MOD Bicester, Bicester, Oxfordshire OX25 2LD,

Defence Munitions Kineton, Kineton, Warwickshire CV47 2UL,

Defence Munitions Gosport, Gosport, Hampshire PO13 0AH,

Defence Munitions Plymouth, Ernesettle Lane, Plymouth, PL5 2TQ

 What you’ll be doing

• Ensuring business occupation health surveys, monitoring and assessment regimes align with current legislation and policy
• Understanding the legal requirements and importance of risk reduction and ensuring this is both shared and disseminated across DE&S
• Helping the business in the application and development of principles of good practice for the control of exposure to substances hazardous to health
• Operating and assurance regimes which undertakes on-site assessments to identify the level of personal exposure to chemical, physical, ergonomic, biological and psychosocial hazards and the prevention and control measures required which are proportionate to that risk
• Manage health surveillance programme including advice and guidance to site personnel, governance and trend analysis establish leading and lagging indicators
• Train organisational staff on health issues such as asbestos, legionella and control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) awareness

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Certificate in occupational hygiene or equivalent, leading to the Diploma of Professional Competence in occupational hygiene during deployment (if not already held)
• Clear demonstrable experience in changing and improving processes and a strong background in effective decision making
• Evidence of strong Leadership and communication skills
• Full and current Driving Licence
• Relevant professional membership for example, The British Occupational Hygiene society – where not held the successful candidate will be supported to attain professional membership

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• OHSEP Fundamentals – Expert
• OH Professional Competencies – Hazardous substances – Practitioner
• Communicating and Influencing – CSBC 3
• Delivering at Pace – CSBC 3

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £43,100, Ministry of Defence contributes £12,486 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market-leading employer pension contribution of around 28.97%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded professional qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So, whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences, and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/DES-Candidate-Information-Pack
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-SDA-Terms-and-Conditions

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift – We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Sift – Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills. Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.
3. Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Ready to join us as a Occupational Hygienist? Apply now!