Autoclave Operative and Waste Processor

Job description

Job responsibilities

• To run the autoclaves in the department.
• Using a designated trolley, collect untreated Category 2 laboratory waste from collections points across the site.
• Assist laboratory staff with the processing of untreated Category 3 laboratory waste.
• Ensure collection points are stocked with empty discard bins for laboratory collection.
• Following sterilisation, sort treated waste into waste streams and clear according to procedures.
• Collect sample processing equipment ie cutlery, funnels, blenders from the Food, Water & Environmental Laboratory for washing and sterilisation.
• Perform manual washing of glassware, quality checking of glassware and restocking of glassware stock ready for use in production.
• Process sterilisation requests from laboratories using autoclaves or hot air ovens.
• Check items in use, or on receipt, are correct and in good condition.
• Keep full and accurate records of work performed
• Ensure working areas are maintained ie kept clean and clutter free.

Please see the job description for the full list of responsibilities and duties.

Essential Criteria

• Education to GCSE level (or equivalent qualification) with Maths and English (Grade C or above), or equivalent experience in aligned field (i.e. food production environment, pharmaceutical production environment or healthcare environment ie hospital sterile services)
• Suitable relevant experience of either laboratory work, sterile services or production environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Able to work as part of a team
• Able to follow processes and procedures
• Able to work to deadlines
• Accurate record keeping using both written and electronic means
• Able to undertake regular Manual Handling activities. This includes moving and lifting loads of approx. 10kg
• Working experience with software packages, including Microsoft Office
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
• Experience of operating large-scale equipment ie autoclave / similar equipment

Selection Process

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• 800 word Statement of Suitability.

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• Experience of operating large-scale equipment ie autoclave / similar equipment

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.

Please do not exceed 800 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to consider remote interviews.

Knowledge, experience, skills and abilities will be tested at interview.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

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 Counter-terrorist Check.

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Essential

• Application Form and Statement of Suitability

Essential Criteria

Essential

• Questions on experience, knowledge and skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

UKHSA Colindale

London

NW9 5EQ

Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)