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Location
Dstl Porton Down, Salisbury
About the job
Summary
Dstl provides in-Government Science and Technology support on highly sensitive issues of national security, working with colleagues in the Home Office; the Department for Transport; the Centre for the Protection of the National Infrastructure, and the National Cyber Programme with MOD and Cabinet Office.
In order to achieve this Dstl employs some of the world's brightest people. We're always on the lookout for talented, creative, dedicated and innovative individuals to join us. Every single person, role, and team in our organisation plays its part in helping keep the country safe.
We currently have requirements for Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives Degree Apprentices to join our team from September 2022.
Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.
We particularly welcome female and ethnic minority applicants and those from the LGBTQI community, as they are under-represented within Dstl at these levels.
In order to achieve this Dstl employs some of the world's brightest people. We're always on the lookout for talented, creative, dedicated and innovative individuals to join us. Every single person, role, and team in our organisation plays its part in helping keep the country safe.
We currently have requirements for Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives Degree Apprentices to join our team from September 2022.
Dstl recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximises their contribution.
We particularly welcome female and ethnic minority applicants and those from the LGBTQI community, as they are under-represented within Dstl at these levels.
Job description
During the programme you will work in different areas of Dstl including the following groups:
Energetic Technologies Group
The core expertise of the Energetic Technologies Group lies in the science of propellants, explosives and pyrotechnics. The Group uses a range of scientific methods including laboratory, field testing and physics-based modelling to inform the provision and assurance of solutions. We are also responsible for the recovery and exploitation of conventional weapons from military and other overseas theatres in support of Defence Intelligence Capability Assessment (DI-CA) programmes.
The group is made up of 9 teams:
Energetics Analysis Group
The Energetics Analysis Group (EAG) supports the UK’s ability to detect, identify and analyse explosives and related materials through one or more of the following areas:
Energetic Technologies Group
The core expertise of the Energetic Technologies Group lies in the science of propellants, explosives and pyrotechnics. The Group uses a range of scientific methods including laboratory, field testing and physics-based modelling to inform the provision and assurance of solutions. We are also responsible for the recovery and exploitation of conventional weapons from military and other overseas theatres in support of Defence Intelligence Capability Assessment (DI-CA) programmes.
The group is made up of 9 teams:
- Energetics Characterisation and Advice Team
- Energetics Early Careers
- Energetics Enclosure Management Team
- Explosive Render Safe Techniques Team
- Munitions, Operations and Evaluation Team
- Non-destructive Evaluation Team
- Pyrotechnic Countermeasures Team
- Trials Instrumentation Team
- Vehicle Systems Evaluation
Energetics Analysis Group
The Energetics Analysis Group (EAG) supports the UK’s ability to detect, identify and analyse explosives and related materials through one or more of the following areas:
- Analytical chemistry and physics based techniques
- Animal Behavioural Science (e.g. scientific support to use of trained detection dogs)
- Laboratory and trials based assessments
- Contraband and Threat Detection – Detection of criminal and terrorist ‘contraband’ such as weapons, explosives through to alcohol and tobacco,
- Forensics and Identity – Fingerprint capabilities
- Frontline Equipment – Operational technologies (such as helmets, body armours) and Frontline Service search and surveillance support
- Secure Infrastructure – Physical and technological barriers to protect critical national infrastructure
- Technical Intelligence and Investigation – Digital investigation capabilities
Responsibilities
In this role you will:
o Technical Professional
o Safety Professional
o Breakdown and disposal Professional
o Test and Evaluation Professional
- undertake a mixture of academic learning through block release at University and practical work within various groups with Dstl
- be part of a supportive team with the opportunity to learn about the exciting work of Dstl and other government departments such as the Home Office, MoD, National Crime Agency, Army and Navy
- be encouraged and supported through the programme to take ownership of your development through independent learning to realise your full potential
- follow one of 4 pathways depending on your natural skills:
o Technical Professional
o Safety Professional
o Breakdown and disposal Professional
o Test and Evaluation Professional
Qualifications
You will need to hold five 9-4 (A*-C) Grade GCSEs or equivalent, including Maths & English.
A levels in Maths, Science and Engineering subjects (or equivalent)
A levels in Maths, Science and Engineering subjects (or equivalent)
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
- Delivering at Pace
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
Benefits
We'll provide a great range of benefits including:
Fully flexible working, including alternative working patterns, annualised hours, compressed hours and job share, to name a few.
Flexible Working hours, a 12 month reference period and the ability to bank hours. Up to 37 hours can be taken in any calendar month.
Excellent learning and development to ensure everyone fulfils their potential.
Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid, and paternity leave of 2 weeks full pay.
Chartership and accreditation support.
Pension.
Generous annual leave, with the ability to buy and sell up to 5 days holiday per year.
A competitive salary.
Onsite gyms and restaurants.
Staff discounts for high street and online shopping, restaurants and days out.
Our Diversity Networks
DSTL recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximizes their contribution. We have a number of support networks to ensure all employees feel supported at work.
These include the following:
For further information about DSTL please check out our LinkedIn page
Fully flexible working, including alternative working patterns, annualised hours, compressed hours and job share, to name a few.
Flexible Working hours, a 12 month reference period and the ability to bank hours. Up to 37 hours can be taken in any calendar month.
Excellent learning and development to ensure everyone fulfils their potential.
Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks full pay followed by 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid, and paternity leave of 2 weeks full pay.
Chartership and accreditation support.
Pension.
Generous annual leave, with the ability to buy and sell up to 5 days holiday per year.
A competitive salary.
Onsite gyms and restaurants.
Staff discounts for high street and online shopping, restaurants and days out.
Our Diversity Networks
DSTL recognises the importance of diversity and inclusion as people from diverse backgrounds bring fresh ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive working environment in which each employee fulfils their potential and maximizes their contribution. We have a number of support networks to ensure all employees feel supported at work.
These include the following:
- Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Network
- Faith and Culture Network
- Parents and Carer Support Network
- Alternative Working Network
- Gender Equality Network
- New Starters Network
- Enabled Network, for people with visible and non-visible disabilities
For further information about DSTL please check out our LinkedIn page
Things you need to know
Security
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check.
See our vetting charter.
See our vetting charter.
People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Ability and Experience.
We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.
We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all disabled applicants who provide evidence in their application of meeting the minimum essential requirements of the post, set out in the job description. You will be asked to indicate if you are applying under this scheme when you submit your application.
For full details and the behaviours for this role please see the attached job profile at the bottom of this page.
This application includes two standard civil service test, a numerical test and a verbal test. We recommend that you look at the guidance and complete the practice test that can be found on the .Gov website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/civil-service-online-tests). The deadline for these test is fours hours before the closing time of the vacancy to make sure all candidates have time to complete the application after the test. Please complete these test and give yourself plenty of time to complete the full application as we can't extend the deadline.
We are aiming for bi-weekly sift and interviews but we are going through a large growth period at the moment, so if you do not hear back within two weeks please do not worry your application will be looked at, we are just experiencing a very busy period at the moment so it may take us a bit longer to get back to you.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all disabled applicants who provide evidence in their application of meeting the minimum essential requirements of the post, set out in the job description. You will be asked to indicate if you are applying under this scheme when you submit your application.
For full details and the behaviours for this role please see the attached job profile at the bottom of this page.
This application includes two standard civil service test, a numerical test and a verbal test. We recommend that you look at the guidance and complete the practice test that can be found on the .Gov website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/civil-service-online-tests). The deadline for these test is fours hours before the closing time of the vacancy to make sure all candidates have time to complete the application after the test. Please complete these test and give yourself plenty of time to complete the full application as we can't extend the deadline.
We are aiming for bi-weekly sift and interviews but we are going through a large growth period at the moment, so if you do not hear back within two weeks please do not worry your application will be looked at, we are just experiencing a very busy period at the moment so it may take us a bit longer to get back to you.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.
This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Apply and further information
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available.
You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Dstl Recruitment Team
- Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk
Recruitment team :
- Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk
Further information
Should you wish to raise a formal complaint about the Dstl recruitment process you should email dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk stating the nature of the issue. We will respond within 5 working days.
Attachments
Candidate Information Pack_V9__Smaller File Opens in new window (pdf, 3172kB) Level 6 OME Job Profile Opens in new window (docx, 50kB)
