Navy Environmental and Industrial Safety Consultant

Position Overview

The Environmental & Industrial Hazards Operations Advisor plays a crucial role in assisting military units within Navy Command and the broader Ministry of Defence (MOD) in identifying and evaluating hazardous material risks that may affect personnel and the environment. This position involves collaboration with both military and civilian staff in various locations, including deployments on submarines, to perform surveys, audits, and investigations, as well as to provide training.

This role is integral to establishing operational and technical guidelines, enhancing risk management standards, and ensuring adherence to legal requirements. You will engage with various entities, including the Naval Authority & Technology Group, Submarine Delivery Agency, and Defence Safety Authority, to review and influence health and safety policies related to hazardous materials and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Your expertise will be vital in guiding both specialist and non-specialist colleagues to uphold their Duty of Care responsibilities.

The position encompasses two additional responsibilities:

i.) Hazardous Materials & Environmental Protection Officer – responsible for immediate response to incidents, including aircraft accidents, both domestically and in operational environments. This role necessitates driving capabilities, including Emergency Response Driver duties, and requires a commitment to being on-call and remaining within a designated geographic area during response duties.

ii.) Submarine Atmosphere Trials Officer – tasked with providing assurance to the Duty Holder/Platform Authority regarding regulatory compliance and operational safety through audits, training, and sea trials. This role also requires driving and involves working within the confined spaces of a submerged submarine, necessitating the use of vertical ladders.

This position is structured for a commitment of 37 hours per week.

Job Responsibilities

In Navy Command, civil servants collaborate with military personnel in impactful roles that directly influence the operational capabilities delivered.

Key responsibilities include:

• Offering expert advice as Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel to the command chain and project teams to ensure effective control of hazardous material exposure.
• Conducting surveys, investigations, and audits independently or as part of a team.
• Performing occupational hygiene assessments across diverse workplaces, both ashore and at sea.
• Responding to hazardous material incidents, including aircraft accident sites, to provide on-site monitoring and risk assessment to the command chain.
• Conducting Quantitative Fit Testing for industrial respiratory protective equipment.
• Delivering training sessions to Royal Navy and MOD personnel.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications:

• Proficient understanding of Environmental & Industrial Hazards, Environmental Health, or Hazardous Substances, with a proven history of hazard identification and risk assessment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with personnel at all levels, from trainees to senior military officers and civil servants.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Analytical skills to identify gaps and challenge deficiencies in risk management, with practical knowledge of hazard identification and risk assessment techniques.
• Capability to make informed decisions based on available evidence and to produce clear, concise reports that convey complex information understandably.
• Demonstrated professional competence through relevant training and ongoing professional development.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Certificate of Operational Competence in Occupational Hygiene (CertOH or iCertOH).
• Emergency Response Driver certificate of competence to the National Occupational Standard.
• Basic Offshore Safety Induction & Emergency Training (BOSIET).

Licenses and Qualifications

Full UK driving license (Category B) is required. A degree (or Level 6 equivalent) in physical sciences or environmental health is preferred.

Memberships

Membership in one of the following professional bodies is required:

• The Emergency Planning Society (EPS)
• Institute of Risk Management (IRM)
• Institute of Civil Protection & Emergency Management (ICPEM)
• International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM)
• Institute of Safety & Health (IOSH)
• Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
• Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
• British Toxicology Society (BTS)

Behaviors and Technical Skills

During the selection process, candidates will be assessed on:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership

Technical skills include:

• Building and applying knowledge
• Technical oversight and management
• Broad thinking

Benefits

Alongside a competitive salary, the Ministry of Defence contributes significantly towards membership in the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. As a civil servant in Navy Command, you will be part of a progressive organization that values inclusive workplace policies, offers excellent career development opportunities, and provides a meaningful job.

Navy Command is committed to being a supportive employer, promoting flexible working arrangements to help maintain a healthy work/life balance.

Additional benefits include:

• 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years of service.
• A competitive pension scheme.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Flexible working patterns for many roles.
• Access to confidential support services.
• Discount schemes.
• Bicycle and season ticket loans.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
• Special paid leave for volunteering (up to 6 days per year).

In Navy Command, we believe in the potential of every individual to make a difference, and you will receive support to advance your career through professional body membership and/or apprenticeship opportunities.

Apprenticeships combine work and training, providing professional knowledge and practical experience while minimizing disruption. They can lead to professional qualifications ranging from Level 2 to Level 7, including foundation degrees and full Bachelor's or Master's degrees.

Apprenticeships typically last between 12 months and 3 years, depending on the level. They are open to individuals of all ages, allowing everyone to enhance their skills in a recognized manner.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their development options with their manager upon starting the role.

In Navy Command, we promote a culture of inclusion and diversity, offering a supportive environment with flexible working options and an average employer contribution of 27% to pensions.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This arrangement is non-contractual, with expectations for office attendance based on capacity and necessary adjustments.

Please note that the post does not offer relocation expenses, and external recruits new to the Civil Service will undergo a six-month probation period.

The Ministry of Defence is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy working environment, including educating staff on the benefits of a smoke-free workplace.

We may contact candidates regarding their experience with the recruitment process to improve our services. Participation in this survey is voluntary and anonymous.