Trials Support Team Member and Deputy Custody Holder

The PSG Trials Support Team is vital to the day to day business carried out by the rest of the group. In particular the armour capability conducts numerous energetic/explosive trials throughout the year and needs a dedicated team of suitably qualified and experienced people, resources and facilities to support them. This role will primarily be supporting the group’s Explosive Custody Holder, understanding what explosive materials Dstl is holding, the system for managing storage and transportation, and carrying out regular checks, audits and inspections. Secondary to this will be as a team member looking after trials kits, tools, instrumentation etc.

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, ethnic minority and those from the LGBTQI community, as they are under-represented within Dstl at these levels.

In this role you will:

Deputise for the Custody Holder, which includes (but is not limited to):

• Have effective control over the transfer of explosives;

• Be an essential link in the acquisition or purchase of explosives;

• Act as focus for safety, security and technical information of explosives in his/her custody during their life cycle, including storage and transportation

• Ensure compliance with the relevant regulations for the marking, packaging, storage, receipt and issue of explosives.

• Ensure periodic surveillance testing is undertaken, where applicable.

• Carry out regular reviews of bans and constraint (quarantine) notices and inform the Dstl Explosives Account Manager of any issues or notices to be complied with.

• Keep accurate and complete documentation.

We are looking for someone who has:

A good understanding of munitions and explosives

The ability to keep records and registers up to date and tidy

A desire to learn, improve and support others

Technical Skills

Qualifications

Essential

Ammunition Awareness.

Desirable

Explosive Custody Holder (training will be given)

Skills

Essential

Storekeeping. Weapons Awareness

Desirable

Weapons Awareness

Experience

The candidate should have a working knowledge of explosives and munitions and be able to demonstrate the ability to account for any holdings and usage of such items

Essential

The candidate should be an experienced storekeeper

Desirable

Have experience of handling explosives and munitions.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.

• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).

• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.

• Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.

• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.

• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid

• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.

• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.