Lead Field Technician

Salary - £38,939 - £41,321 Permanent Field and Office based Location: Our Wallingford headquarters is preferred, though we are open to considering Edinburgh or Lancaster. Closing date for applications, Sun 10 May 2026. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

We are recruiting for a Lead Field Technician to join our dynamic and multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers, working at the heart of the UK Floods and Droughts Research Infrastructure (FDRI). This £38 million, UK Government-funded initiative is the first of its kind, creating a nationwide infrastructure to monitor the entire hydrological system with the aim of bolstering the nation's ability to adapt to and withstand floods and droughts.

With our network of environmental sensors and monitoring systems continuing to grow, we’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys hands-on technical work outdoors. If you’re happiest out in the field - whatever the weather - this role places you right at the heart of the UK’s hydrological landscape. You’ll spend time scoping out new sites for UKCEH, as well as visiting existing ones where you’ll install equipment, troubleshoot issues and maintain installations to ensure everything continues to run smoothly. No two weeks will look the same - one day you might be knee-deep in a river valley; the next, heading out across remote uplands to reach sites few people ever see.

This is a highly collaborative role where you’ll work closely with members of the public - including landowners - as well as a wide range of internal teams and stakeholders. Building and maintaining strong, long-term relationships will be central to your success as you’ll play an important part in connecting teams. You’ll continue to deepen your technical expertise within a defined research area, contributing innovative ideas and high-quality outputs - whether that’s data, equipment, software, or field-based sampling and analysis. This may also involve supporting or developing research facilities and capabilities. You’ll take ownership of your work, operating independently where appropriate and leading specific tasks when needed, always with a focus on delivering reliable, well-considered results.

This is a role for someone who enjoys seeing work through to completion and takes pride in delivering work that makes a difference. You’ll bring curiosity, initiative, and a thoughtful approach to problem-solving, contributing to high-quality scientific and technical outputs and supporting the development of new ideas and funding opportunities. You’ll tackle technical challenges with confidence, support the development of new ideas and funding opportunities, and help ensure that projects, services, and facilities run smoothly.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Taking initiative to tackle technical challenges, using creativity and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions and new ideas
• Leading or managing discrete tasks within projects, ensuring work is delivered to a high standard, on time, and with clear outcomes
• Leading the design and testing of monitoring infrastructure to ensure the delivery of well-functioning sites and high-quality datasets
• Developing and maintaining the monitoring network that underpins reliable data collection and enables wider research
• Producing high-quality outputs, including datasets, peer-reviewed publications, innovative technical or engineering solutions, and internal reports or guidance
• Contributing to the development of funding proposals, helping to shape ideas, strengthen bids, and support the growth of our research and impact
• Supporting the effective delivery of projects, contracts, or facilities, working collaboratively as part of a high-performing team

We’re looking for someone who’s a strong communicator and confident taking the lead when needed. You’ll manage more complex pieces of work, bringing others with you, while also supporting, mentoring, and guiding colleagues and collaborators. As you grow in the role, you’ll continue to develop your leadership skills, taking responsibility for coordinating people and resources and helping others succeed through training, supervision, and guidance. You’ll be someone who enjoys staying connected to your professional community, contributing to networks and sharing knowledge, and who takes pride in continually developing both your own skills and those around you.

For the role of Lead Field Technician, we’re looking for somebody who has:

• A relevant technical qualification (BTEC Level 3–7 or equivalent, or a degree) supported by substantial experience in a related field
• Strong technical aptitude paired with a responsible, positive, and proactive approach to work
• A proven track record of technical problem-solving and, ideally, innovation in real-world settings
• The ability to translate scientific needs into practical technical requirements, offering specialist guidance and advice to others
• Up-to-date knowledge in your area of expertise, with the ability to apply it effectively, efficiently, and with an eye for improvement
• Experience communicating technical activities and outcomes to a range of audiences.
• A solid understanding of Safety, Health and Environmental management relevant to fieldwork and technical operations

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

Travel & Accommodation: As the project develops, you’ll work both independently and alongside a supportive wider team. Much of your fieldwork will involve lone working across the Thames Valley, Wales, and Scotland, so confidence, initiative, and sound decision-making are essential. Travel is a regular and planned part of the role, typically involving a week away every couple of months, occasional day trips, and a full fieldwork week roughly every three months. When you are away, we’ll take care of the logistics - with comfortable accommodation and access to fleet vehicles so you can focus on the job itself. If you’re motivated by fresh air, varied landscapes, and the satisfaction of keeping vital environmental systems running smoothly, this is a rare opportunity to turn that passion into real-world impact.

Apply Today – Supporting Statement Questions If this role excites you and fits with your career goals, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV along with responses to the questions below. Your answers should highlight the qualifications, skills, and experience most relevant to this role. Provide up to 150 words per question, using specific examples to demonstrate your personal contribution and impact. Please do not submit a separate cover letter.

• 1 – Tell us about your involvement in the design, installation, or testing of technical or monitoring equipment. What was your role, and how did you ensure a high-quality outcome?
• 2 – Describe a technical challenge you faced during fieldwork or hands-on delivery. How did you resolve it, and what did you learn?
• 3 – Give an example of working with different stakeholders to deliver a piece of work. How did you communicate and build effective relationships to achieve a successful outcome?

Working for UKCEH is rewarding. We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as:

• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
• Peer reward and recognition scheme
• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...

Our Commitment to Inclusion At UKCEH, we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and circumstances. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and people with disabilities, and we’re happy to provide adjustments or support at any stage of the recruitment process - just let us know. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.

Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.