Venesky-Brown’s client, a public sector organisation in Belfast, is currently looking to recruit a Scientific Officer (Landfill) for a 3 month contract on a rate of £20.66/hour (PAYE).

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

• Have a third level qualification in a science related subject such as Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Science or Chemical Engineering or equivalent and be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples on the application form, of at least one year’s relevant work experience of environmental water sampling and landfill gas management and experience of working on a landfill or equivalent environment;

Or

• Be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples on the application form, at least two years’ relevant work experience of environmental water sampling and landfill gas management and experience of working on a landfill or equivalent environment.
• Written communication skills - Good written communication skills at an operational level, and the ability to compose reports with clarity that are easily understood by the reader.
• Oral communication skills - Excellent oral communication skills with the ability to give clear oral instructions and information to subordinates and operational information to managers.
• Team working skills - The ability to encourage day to day working by the team and the joint achievement of team goals.
• Analysis and decision making skills - The ability to analyse and make operational decisions which sometimes affect others and contribute to the achievement of operational objectives.
• Information technology skills - The ability to make effective use of information technology and relevant specialist software packages, including Geographic Information Systems, spreadsheets, databases and software for downloading data logs from monitoring equipment.
• Performance management skills - The ability to work in a creative manner and is innovative in working practices, working enthusiastically setting personal work targets and evaluating own performance.
• Work planning and prioritisation skills - The ability to plan and effectively prioritise work for yourself and others.
• Leadership skills - The ability to teach operational procedures to staff and coach others.
• Technical skills - An operational understanding of environmental monitoring principles and of technical guidance relating to monitoring landfill leachate, groundwater and surface water at landfill sites and managing landfill gas.
• Health and safety awareness - An understanding of the health and safety responsibilities of a supervisor in a medium to high-risk situation and a full understanding of the health and safety management procedures involved.

DESIRABLE SKILLS:

• Have a third level qualification in a relevant subject as detailed above; and can demonstrate on the application form by providing personal and specific examples at least two years’ relevant experience of environmental water sampling and landfill gas management and experience of working on a landfill or equivalent environment; or
• Can demonstrate on the application form by providing personal and specific examples at least three years’ relevant experience of environmental water sampling and landfill gas management and experience of working on a landfill or equivalent environment.
  If you would like to hear more about this opportunity please get in touch.

• Carry out environmental monitoring programmes, surveys and investigations within the City and Neighbourhood Services Department, and achieve monitoring targets and the environmental monitoring schedule specified within the Waste Management Licence.
• Undertake chemical or physical sample analysis of water samples obtained prepare and package samples for transportation for laboratory analysis.
• Undertake manual water level measurements within leachate and groundwater boreholes.
• Download, analyse and interpret monitoring data from automatic water level dataloggers installed.
• Monitor and adjust the landfill gas extraction plant and balance landfill gas extraction wells to ensure safe and efficient operation of the landfill gas extraction system in accordance with regulatory best practice and in order to maximise the associated electricity generating revenue.
• Ensure the monitoring programme is planned and managed effectively, with timely decisions taken to ensure the safety of the use of buildings and the landfill gas extraction system.
• Compile data and prepare and interpret reports including maintaining computer-based records on monitoring programmes, surveys and site investigations carried out across the range of services provided by the Unit.
• Interpret scientific data and reports and liaise with or advise external agencies, developers, consultants, and Departments regarding the outcome of, or improvements to environmental monitoring.
• Prepare comprehensive, scientific based reports and consultation briefs as required and be able to supervise the work of contractors and consultants to enhance the lead approach.
• Carry out calibration, maintenance and repair of environmental monitoring equipment and data loggers as required in accordance with specified procedures.
• Supervise or assist allocated staff and to provide training for staff in the use and application of monitoring equipment.
• Provide advice on the selection of new monitoring equipment as required
• Investigate complaints regarding pollution and prepare reports on the findings and attend court to give evidence as necessary.
• Undertake surveys, monitoring exercises and projects in relation to pollution prevention and control as required.
• Assist in the processing of permits and inspection of premises under the Pollution Prevention and Control (Industrial Emissions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013.
• Assist with the ambient air quality monitoring projects, including operation, calibration and maintenance of air quality monitoring equipment.
• Undertake monitoring and investigative work outside of normal working hours and participate in the out of hour’s noise service as necessary.
• Represent the Environmental Protection Manager within the postholders sphere of responsibility as required.
• Provide operational cover for other Scientific Officers as required.
• Keep informed of new developments relating to the field of responsibility.
• Motivate and manage any staff that may be assigned to the post holder to ensure effective service delivery and to be responsible for reviewing and implementing a proper staff training and development programme.
• Participate in all induction and in-service training provided and in the induction and support of all newly appointed staff and other human resource management policies and procedures, as appropriate, including, absence management, disciplinary and grievance procedure.
• Act in accordance with the policies and procedures including customer care, equal opportunities, health and safety, safeguarding and any pertinent legislation.
• Participate as directed in the recruitment and selection procedures.
• Undertake duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile.
• Undertake such other relevant duties as may from time to time be required.