We're making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.
We are seeking a Senior Laboratory Technician (Micro) to join our Water Quality Department within our UKAS-accredited ISO 17025 laboratory.
The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the efficient operation of the laboratory, focusing on the analysis of water samples using various microbiological methods.
In addition to managing day-to-day tasks within the work area, responsibilities will include deputising for the Work Area Supervisor when needed, examining samples, approving results, conducting routine AQC monitoring, training staff, and performing internal audits.
A proactive attitude, a proven track record in Health & Safety, and a strong alignment with Portsmouth Water's values of Excellence, Integrity, and Future Focus are essential for this role.
What will you be doing?
Key Responsibilities Supporting the supervision of the respective work area within the Water Quality Team Take responsibility for the day-to-day running of allocated analyses and tasks, offering guidance to others Act as an escalation point to help ensure daily targets are completed within work area Assists with interpreting results, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements and adhere to ISO17025 standards, registering results on central systems.
Providing technical support for Water Quality customer queries Assisting with investigations and development of any new analytical methods in the work area when required, highlighting any new or improved equipment or processes.
Participation in Departmental projects Maintenance of laboratory systems Support with the maintenance of the quality system Perform analytical quality control reviews, monitoring for bias, precision, and to determine whether further action needs to be instigated.
Carry out internal and external audits of suppliers and service providers.
Ensuring the appearance, cleanliness and operation of the laboratory meets company standards, and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Ensure laboratory Health and Safety procedures and processes are followed, including the Management of Risk Assessments, COSHH assessments, internal safety inspections and audits and any other control measures.
Liaise with external stakeholders, research bodies and industry colleagues to undertake actions to improve water quality, carry out collaborative research, share knowledge, and influence changes within the industry.
What do you need?
Skills, Qualifications & Competencies Adaptable with good attention to detail, effective analytical and communication skills.
Able to gather, analyse and interpret large amounts of data using a variety of different output methods Accountable for own actions with a willingness to collaborate with others, whilst developing and sharing knowledge, ideas and best practice with others.
Systems based skills, open to learning new technology Passionate about providing an excellent service, to our customer, colleagues and across teams within Portsmouth Water.
Be flexible in your work to maintain operational requirements and to ensure positive outcomes are always achieved.
Able to effectively plan workload.
Maintains a helpful, customer focused work environment Exceptional record keeping skills to ensure audit trails are maintained.
A level in Science subject is essential, and a relevant degree or experience is desirable.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and computer literate.
Full UK driving licence (you will be required to undertake out driver assessment).
We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, this means we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements.
Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you may want.
We support equality, diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from all sections of society.
The Company has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to work and live in the UK.
Due to the high volume of applications received we are unable to respond to unsuccessful candidates.
If your application is of interest to us, we will normally contact you within 4 weeks of receiving your application.