Health, Safety and Wellbeing Coordinator

At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development. 

More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.

Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.

Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.

Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!

The Health, Safety and Wellbeing Coordinator is a dedicated operational support to ensure health, safety, and wellbeing systems are consistently delivered, compliant, and effective, enabling strategic focus and reducing organisational risk.

Job Location Cheshire, UK (Head Office)

The Health, Safety and Wellbeing Coordinator will provide help and advice to drive best in class performance. The post holder will support the Head of H&S to advance a culture of Health & Safety compliance throughout SKAO, supporting the planning and implementation of key initiatives and programmes.

The role will ensure a H&S compliant work environment for every member of staff, visitor and contractor at HQ, providing technical and wellbeing expertise, support safety processes for our operational facilities, and ensure proper reporting practices of all H&S related matters.

This is a 2-year fixed term position and is basedat the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK.

We welcome applications from candidates of all nationalities, especially those from member countries. However, for
this role visa and relocation support will not be available and applicants must be able to comply with the terms of a
UK based local contract, details of which may be accessed on SKAO's recruitment portal.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory. 

There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

• Work under the direction of the Head of H&S to achieve the SKAO objectives.
• Assist and drive plans for Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HS&W) related activities to ensure the organisation achieves excellent levels of HS&W.
• Effectively maintain accident report files, incident files, accident investigations, corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence, and other related safety concerns.
• Coordinate the delivery of Monthly HS&W reporting.
• Review and develop necessary HS&W documents (risk assessments, management plans, procedures and communications).
• Develop and maintain the HS&W management systems.Review HS&W requests to ensure staff are provided with appropriate HS&W support and advice.
• Review and update any actions from audits for timely closure.
• Undertake DSE assessments for those working at GHQ.
• Undertake risk assessments for vulnerable persons at GHQ.
• Coordinate training requirements for GHQ including first aid and fire marshal training.
• Coordinate first aid management across GHQ.
• Provide assistance in the event of a safety emergency.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Level 3 Occupational Health and Safety e.g. NEBOSH Certificate
• TechIOSH or Associate IIRSM
• Demonstrable experience in role as H&S advisor or similar role
• Good level of Microsoft Office skills including Forms and SharePoint

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Level 3 Fire Safety Certificate
• ISO45001 and ISO45003 experience

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.

Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants. 

Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.

SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.

The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.

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