The Vacancy

WRc's Waste and Resources team are looking for someone with science-based A levels or a graduate with an environmental science or chemistry-based degree to join their team.

This is a full time permanent role, based at the office in Swindon (easy M4 access).

Approximately one third to half of your time depending on work priorities will be spent within WRc’s on-site waste characterisation laboratory. You will help our laboratory team with routine sample preparation activities and our specialist ‘waste doctor’ to characterise waste streams and secondary products, supporting our clients to increase the sustainability of their operations. The remainder of your role will be office based helping with test data processing and reporting.

The role will require independent working, a curious mind and a proven practical aptitude in following instructions with good hand eye co-ordination

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory work: waste sample preparation and testing including flammability, biodegradability, and leachability testing and making up reagents
Field work: supporting waste sampling activities on customer’s sites.
Data processing: data input, analysis, modelling and reporting.
Reporting: assisting with production of reports.
Communicating with internal and external parties.

Person Specification:

Minimum of science A levels or a degree in a STEM discipline, preferably an environmental or chemical science.
Able to define problems, collect and interpret data and present them in Microsoft Office products especially Word and Excel (advanced Excel training will be provided).
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Able to both follow detailed instructions and innovate, willingly take ownership of issues and seek team participation to achieve best solutions.
Able to adhere to safety, health, environmental and quality protocols and advise appropriate intervention or refinement where necessary.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary up to £26,000
Contributory Pension Scheme
A flexible benefits programme including the option to buy additional holidays, childcare vouchers and private health care
Regular training and career development

RSK Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

About Us

Water Research Centre (WRc) is an independent centre of excellence for innovation and growth that boasts more than 90 years of delivering leading, technical research and innovation services to the global water, waste management and energy sectors. Its subsidiary business, Cognica, is a leading provider of intelligent information-management solutions and services to the construction and estate-management markets. The businesses are based in Swindon, UK.

WRc’s 170 employees bring a shared purpose of discovering and delivering new and exciting solutions that enable clients to meet the challenges of the future. In addition to its wide breadth of services in water, WRc is also home to the National Centre for Environmental Toxicology, an expert team of scientists and toxicologists offering a toxicology-on-demand subscription service.

The company is renowned for its ability to address global issues, including climate change, green growth and water and sanitation services, through applied engineering excellence, highlighted through its tagline, “innovation through collaboration”.

WRc is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors. RSK was founded in 1989 and has grown considerably since then.

At RSK, we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification. Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business, capable of weathering external challenges, while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees.

Since the beginning, our philosophy has remained the same: employ, develop and reward talented individuals. People are crucial to our company, and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues' growth. We're committed to preserving RSK's people-first culture, promoting innovation, and fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration. At RSK, we want you to be part of our successes and help you reach your career aspirations. We take pride in offering employees fulfilling and challenging careers by promoting ongoing growth and empowering individuals to excel.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.

By providing workplace adjustments, we make it easier for people to confidently explore and pursue our career opportunities and recognise that flexibility is key to fostering a dynamic and thriving workplace. Many of our office-based positions benefit from a flexible working arrangement, allowing our team members to achieve a balance between professional and personal commitments.

We actively encourage applications from candidates of all genders, races, ethnicities, ages, neurotypes, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities.

If you're passionate about making a difference, join us as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for all. Do you have what it takes?

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