UK Health Security Agency

Facilities technician

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Facilities Technician

Grade AO (National) - £22,194 to £24,184

UKHSA Porton Down

Permanent Contract

2 Roles Available

*Site access requirements stipulate that our employees must be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance. This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years.*

High Containment and Biological Services operate within and supports the wider UKHSA mission to provide health security for the nation by protecting from infectious disease and external hazards. Ongoing areas of work include influenza, COVID-19, tuberculosis, anthrax, and emerging human pathogens.

Main duties of the job

As a Facilities Technician, you will actively support and contribute to the delivery of a wide range of projects, through the provision of decontamination, stock management, husbandry, and general assistance to animal technicians within a high containment facility. You will also assist engineering staff to ensure the validation work is carried out to UK Health Security Agency safety standard

UKHSA Porton Down, Salisbury - Lab Based On-site

*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*

Working Pattern - Full Time

About us

Working for the UKHSA

For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Benefits

  • Learning and development tailored to your role
  • An environment with flexible working options
  • A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
  • A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
  • Range of health and wellbeing support

Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK

Details

Date posted

08 December 2023

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£22,194 to £24,184 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

UKHSA00729

Job locations

UKHSA Porton Down

Porton Down, Salisbury

SP4 0JG


Job description

Job responsibilities

Responsibilities section:

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

  • To run the autoclaves in the area, ensure all relevant information regarding individual autoclave cycles is accurately and appropriately recorded.
  • Monitor operation of BIG autoclaves and ancillary equipment and ensure that potential faults are identified and reported in a timely manner
  • To ensure all assistants and self are wearing suitable protective personal equipment in accordance with departmental and UK Health Security Agency Protective Personal Equipment policy
  • Work with engineers on the servicing and validation of the autoclaves
  • Support trainees as required in all their activities and ensure they are adequately trained in all operational processes requirements
  • Take responsibility for general cleaning around the facility to be done on a rotational basis
  • Laundry of garments used within the areas.
  • Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of the premises and equipment by taking responsibility for the set-up and smooth running of all equipment in section and assist in problem solving issues for both equipment and procedures.
  • Weekly stock checks and ordering to ensure sufficient supplies are available for the facility.
  • Take part in rota system for weekend and public holiday working.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

Please see full duties and responsibilities attached

Essential Criteria:

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 750 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:

Essential

  • Good general education with GCSE (or equivalent) certification in Science/English/Maths Grade C/4 and above.
  • Ability to keep detailed and accurate records
  • Computer literate in Microsoft Office programmes.
  • Available to work weekends / bank holidays.
  • Willingness to undergo vaccinations as determined by work.
  • Ability and willingness to undergo, and maintain, DoH SC level security clearance.
  • Able to travel independently to work
  • Understanding of animal husbandry and research purposes

Desirable

  • Knowledge of autoclave operation

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:

You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you meet this.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.

STAGE 2 INTERVIEW

This competition will involve a face-to-face interview.

As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.

Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).

You will also be asked to provide information within the Employer/ Activity history section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.

The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:

  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working Together
  • Delivery at Pace

For further information on the selection process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 3rd January 2023 unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Shortlist: 10th January 2023

Interviews: w/c 22nd January 2023

Please note these dates could be subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants)

Nationality requirements

Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found athttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rulesThis job is broadly open to the following groups:

  • UK nationals

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

Security clearance level requirement

Successful candidates must pass a full security clearance check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. Due to the nature of the role, it requires full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years.

For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

Please Note

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&Cs are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.

Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Complaint process:

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email:Complaints1@ukhsa.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Responsibilities section:

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

  • To run the autoclaves in the area, ensure all relevant information regarding individual autoclave cycles is accurately and appropriately recorded.
  • Monitor operation of BIG autoclaves and ancillary equipment and ensure that potential faults are identified and reported in a timely manner
  • To ensure all assistants and self are wearing suitable protective personal equipment in accordance with departmental and UK Health Security Agency Protective Personal Equipment policy
  • Work with engineers on the servicing and validation of the autoclaves
  • Support trainees as required in all their activities and ensure they are adequately trained in all operational processes requirements
  • Take responsibility for general cleaning around the facility to be done on a rotational basis
  • Laundry of garments used within the areas.
  • Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of the premises and equipment by taking responsibility for the set-up and smooth running of all equipment in section and assist in problem solving issues for both equipment and procedures.
  • Weekly stock checks and ordering to ensure sufficient supplies are available for the facility.
  • Take part in rota system for weekend and public holiday working.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

Please see full duties and responsibilities attached

Essential Criteria:

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 750 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:

Essential

  • Good general education with GCSE (or equivalent) certification in Science/English/Maths Grade C/4 and above.
  • Ability to keep detailed and accurate records
  • Computer literate in Microsoft Office programmes.
  • Available to work weekends / bank holidays.
  • Willingness to undergo vaccinations as determined by work.
  • Ability and willingness to undergo, and maintain, DoH SC level security clearance.
  • Able to travel independently to work
  • Understanding of animal husbandry and research purposes

Desirable

  • Knowledge of autoclave operation

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:

You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you meet this.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.

STAGE 2 INTERVIEW

This competition will involve a face-to-face interview.

As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.

Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).

You will also be asked to provide information within the Employer/ Activity history section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.

The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:

  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working Together
  • Delivery at Pace

For further information on the selection process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 3rd January 2023 unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Shortlist: 10th January 2023

Interviews: w/c 22nd January 2023

Please note these dates could be subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants)

Nationality requirements

Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found athttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rulesThis job is broadly open to the following groups:

  • UK nationals

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

Security clearance level requirement

Successful candidates must pass a full security clearance check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. Due to the nature of the role, it requires full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years.

For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

Please Note

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&Cs are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.

Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Complaint process:

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email:Complaints1@ukhsa.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website.

Person Specification

Essentials

Essential

  • Good general education with GCSE (or equivalent) certification in Science/English/Maths Grade C/4 and above.
  • Ability to keep detailed and accurate records
  • Computer literate in Microsoft Office programmes.
  • Available to work weekends / bank holidays.
  • Willingness to undergo vaccinations as determined by work.
  • Ability and willingness to undergo, and maintain, DoH SC level security clearance.
  • Able to travel independently to work
  • Understanding of animal husbandry and research purposes

Desirable

  • Knowledge of autoclave operation
Person Specification

Essentials

Essential

  • Good general education with GCSE (or equivalent) certification in Science/English/Maths Grade C/4 and above.
  • Ability to keep detailed and accurate records
  • Computer literate in Microsoft Office programmes.
  • Available to work weekends / bank holidays.
  • Willingness to undergo vaccinations as determined by work.
  • Ability and willingness to undergo, and maintain, DoH SC level security clearance.
  • Able to travel independently to work
  • Understanding of animal husbandry and research purposes

Desirable

  • Knowledge of autoclave operation

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

UKHSA Porton Down

Porton Down, Salisbury

SP4 0JG


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

UKHSA Porton Down

Porton Down, Salisbury

SP4 0JG


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

RPO Talent Partner

Nathan Newman

nathan.newman@reed.com

Details

Date posted

08 December 2023

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£22,194 to £24,184 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

UKHSA00729

Job locations

UKHSA Porton Down

Porton Down, Salisbury

SP4 0JG


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)