Autoclave Operative Ao

Media Services Porton is responsible for the provision of a full service for the destruction of all contaminated waste produced on the Porton site. This service covers the Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre and Diagnostics & Pathogen Characterisation Division on site along with the Food, Water and Environmental laboratory. The work includes the collection of contaminated waste from agreed locations throughout the main building and the Vaccine Task Force (VTF) buildings, and its transportation to the Media Services central autoclave suite for thermal destruction. The service is for Biohazard Category 2 waste only. The resulting material is then processed; glass and other recyclable material is washed in the department’s wash-up area and waste material for disposal off-site is processed and/or packaged appropriately. A central site-wide autoclave sterilisation service is provided from the media production area autoclaves.

The work includes the active involvement with engineering staff to ensure the validation work is carried out to UK Health Security Agency safety standards.

This role is being offered on a full time basis. There are two vacancies available.

Location

UKHSA Porton Down Salisbury SP4 0JG (Lab based)
- Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*

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

- To run the autoclaves in the area - Main building, VTF and media production.
- To collect appropriate waste from labs across the site.
- To check that items are correct and in good condition.
- To ensure delivery/collection of customer discard or yellow bins.
- To ensure colleagues 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.
- To train production and other staff in the safe operation and use of autoclaves as required.
- Support trainees as required in all their activities and ensure they are adequately trained in all operational process’s requirements.
- Take responsibility for checklists of routine daily tasks such as area and equipment cleaning and servicing.
- 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.

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.

The UK Health Security Agency exists to protect and improve
the nation’s health and wellbeing and reduce health
inequalities. We do this through world-leading science,
knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and the
delivery of specialist public health services. We are an
executive agency of the Department of Health and Social
Care, and a distinct delivery organisation with operational
autonomy. We provide government, local government, the
NHS, Parliament, industry and the public with evidence
- based professional, scientific and delivery expertise and
support.

Working for the UKHSA

**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.
- 26 days annual leave allowance increasing to 32 days after a 10-year service.

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
Selection process details

**STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT**:
Your Statement of Suitability (max 1000 words) 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).

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

STAGE 2 - INTERVIEW

This competition will involve an interview by video (MS Teams).

**The Behaviours that will be used are**:

- Seeing the Big Picture
- Working Together
- Managing a Quality Service
- Delivering at Pace

**The Technicals that will be used are**:

- Excellent communication skills.
- Able to work as part of a team.
- Understanding and practice of cleanliness to a UK Health Security.
- Agency Specialised Microbiology & Laboratories level.
- An awareness