Environmental Monitoring Assistant

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Location: Cumbria, Penrith CA11
Temporary: May 2026 – October 2026 (extension may be a possibility)
Hourly rate: £13.15 per hour (overtime may be available)
Hours: 37 hours, 5 days a week (some weekend work may be required and occasional overnight stays, outside of the areas as described below)
The role
We are looking for an Environmental Monitoring Assistant to do field-based data collection and sampling. This includes statutory ecological sampling of rivers and lakes, and chemical sampling of rivers, lakes, and bathing waters. You may also support the team with fish surveys. You may also be part of a incident response team and must be willing to travel area wide, with occasional overnight stays. The role could also develop further, as you may also support the team with fish surveys.
The team
This is a field team, who carries out routine chemical and ecological sampling and collection of environmental data throughout Cumbria. This includes statutory ecological sampling of rivers and lakes, and chemical sampling of rivers, lakes, and bathing waters. During the summer months, the team sample water quality at numerous water sights and undertake fish monitoring.
Reporting to the Field Monitoring Team Leader, the successful candidates will be assisting in the delivery of this broad range of environmental monitoring.
The position involves outdoor work (in all weathers) and travelling throughout the county therefore a valid driving licence and the ability to swim is essential. The post holders may also be required to assist in some weekend work during our busy summer months on a rotational basis. The role is physically demanding and does include lifting and carrying samples.
Experience/skills required
We’re seeking a Field Monitoring Assistant with some field and office-based experience. You’ll be qualified to at GCSE standard (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and possess proven ability and/or knowledge of:
Desirable Skills: To possess proven ability and/or knowledge of:
* Environmental monitoring instrumentation - water quality meter (full training will be given)
* Field-based data gathering experience.
* Analysis of environmental monitoring data.
* Navigational Skills - the ability to find your way around rural and urban areas
Other key requirements for this job include excellent communication skills, proficiency in Word, Excel and database management, the ability to work alone or as part of a team.
Additional useful information
The role is predominantly field based with travel throughout Cumbria. As a result, the post requires a full UK driving licence. The candidate also needs to be able to swim or be confident around water