Advisor on Industrial and Environmental Risks for Navy Operations

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 recognizing and evaluating hazardous material risks that may affect personnel and the environment. This position involves collaboration with both military and civilian staff, both domestically and internationally, including deployments on submarines, to perform assessments, audits, and training sessions.

Your responsibilities will include developing operational and technical policies, enhancing risk management standards, and providing guidance on compliance with legal requirements. In addition to working with Navy Command, you will engage with various entities such as the Naval Authority & Technology Group, Submarine Delivery Agency, and Defence Safety Authority to evaluate and influence health and safety policies concerning hazardous materials, ensuring adherence to regulations. You will collaborate with both specialized and general staff to effectively engage strategic stakeholders in fulfilling their Duty of Care obligations.

This role encompasses two additional responsibilities:

i.) Serving as the Hazardous Materials & Environmental Protection Officer, responding promptly to incidents, including aircraft accidents, both in the UK and in operational areas. This role necessitates driving, including Emergency Response Driver duties, and requires availability for on-call duties within a designated geographic area.

ii.) Acting as the Submarine Atmosphere Trials Officer, ensuring compliance with regulations and operational safety by conducting audits, training, and sea trials. This position involves driving and requires work within the confined spaces of a submerged submarine, including the use of vertical ladders.

This position is structured for a 37-hour work week.

Job Responsibilities

In Navy Command, civil servants collaborate with military personnel in roles that significantly impact operational effectiveness.

Positions offer substantial job satisfaction, with numerous opportunities for professional growth within the Department and across the wider Civil Service.

The Institute of Naval Medicine (INM) delivers scientific and medical support aimed at enhancing the health and safety of the Royal Navy and UK Armed Forces. The diverse opportunities available are both challenging and rewarding, supporting Navy Command's mission to generate and operate forces for present and future needs.

Key Duties:

• Providing expert advice and opinions as Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel to the command chain and project teams, ensuring effective control of hazardous material exposure.
• Conducting surveys, investigations, and audits independently or as part of a team.
• Performing occupational hygiene assessments across various work environments, both on land and at sea.
• Responding to hazardous material incidents, including aircraft accident sites, to deliver on-site monitoring and risk evaluations 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:

• Demonstrated knowledge 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.
• Ability to make informed decisions based on available evidence and produce clear, concise reports that convey complex information understandably.
• Professional competence evidenced 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:

Full UK driving license (Category B).

Educational Background:

A degree (or Level 6 equivalent) in physical sciences or environmental health.

Memberships:

Membership in one of the following organizations is required: The Emergency Planning Society (EPS), Institute of Risk Management (IRM), Institute of Civil Protection & Emergency Management (ICPEM), or one of the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM), Institute of Safety & Health (IOSH), Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), or the British Toxicology Society (BTS).

Behavioral Competencies:

Assessment will be conducted against the following competencies during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Leadership

Technical Skills:

Assessment will also be conducted against the following technical skills:

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

Benefits:

Alongside a competitive salary, the Ministry of Defence contributes significantly towards your membership in the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

As a civil servant in Navy Command, you will be part of a progressive organization with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career opportunities, and a role that contributes meaningfully to national defense.

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

Additional benefits for Navy Command civil servants include:

• 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years of service.
• A highly competitive pension scheme.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Flexible working patterns for many roles.
• Access to a confidential support service.
• 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 enhance your skills and advance your career. This includes opportunities to pursue professional body membership and/or undertake apprenticeships as part of your role.

Apprenticeships combine work and training, providing you with professional knowledge, practical experience, and essential skills to advance in your career. Most training will occur on-the-job, minimizing disruption while maximizing impact.

Professional qualifications can be achieved through apprenticeships, ranging from Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs) to Level 7, which can lead to a foundation degree, full Bachelor’s degree, or Master’s degree.

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.

Work Environment:

Where operational needs permit, some roles may allow for a mix of office and home-based working. This arrangement is non-contractual, with all office-based employees expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in the office, subject to capacity and necessary workplace adjustments.

The Ministry of Defence is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy work environment, which includes promoting the benefits of a smoke-free workplace.

All applicants should be aware of the MOD's policies regarding smoking and tobacco use in the workplace.