Counter Pollution and Salvage Officer 11 views

Are you familiar with the UK National Contingency Plan?

Do you have the ability to work in a fast moving environment?

Would you be able to provide advice and guidance under pressure?

If so, we are looking for a Counter Pollution and Salvage Officer to join us at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and we’d love to hear from you!

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) implements the government’s maritime safety policy in the United Kingdom and works to prevent the loss of life and occurrence of pollution on the coast and at sea.

Safer lives. Safer Ships. Cleaner Seas. 

Our vision is to be a world-leading organisation, accelerating the transition to sustainable shipping with non-negotiable safety standards. We put our people, our customers and our planet at the heart of everything we do.

We are committed to giving all our colleagues purpose, professionalism and pride in what we do. We work in supportive, diverse and inclusive teams.

We want everyone to feel valued and supported to achieve their potential at MCA.

This culture of inclusion is underpinned by our staff networks groups covering, Women’s, LGBTQI+, Race, Carers, Mental Wellbeing and volunteer Respect Ambassadors.

HM Coastguard (HMCG) is the operational arm of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) with responsibility for 6 key functions: Search and Rescue (SAR), Pollution Response, Vessel Traffic Management (VTM), Maritime Safety, Maritime Security and Accident and Disaster Response. There are three delivery disciplines within HM Coastguard: Maritime and Aeronautical Operations, which coordinate activities from an operations room environment, and Coastal Operations, which manages resources and service provision on the coast.

We are looking to be joined by a motivated individual as a Counter Pollution and Salvage Officer within HM Coastguard operations.  This is an amazing opportunity to take up a dynamic role, where no two days will be the same.

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Responding to day-to-day maritime incidents, potential and actual oil pollution incidents through monitoring, or by activating counter pollution resources in accordance with the local/regional arrangements and the National Contingency Plan.
• Attendance on scene where circumstances dictate, to protect UK interests from threat of spilled oil and other hazardous noxious substances and represent the Agency in the Salvage Control Unit, Marine Response Centre or Operations Control Unit.
• Agency POC & liaison with the oil industry, ports/harbours/local authorities, response contractors, the Environment Agency, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, the Environment Agency in Northern Ireland, Natural England, NatureScot or Environment Agency in Northern Ireland, DEFRA, Marine Management Organisation, Marine Directorate and other environment groups.
• To provide day to day support to Regions, Ports/Harbours and Local Authorities on all aspects of pollution mitigation and contingency planning.
• Assist in the development of Hazardous and Noxious Substances response plans with Ports and Harbours under the OPRC regulations.
• Conduct OPRC audits of ports, harbours and oil handling facilities to ensure compliance with the OPRC regulations and current legislation, initiating enforcement measures as appropriate.

For further information about the role and responsibilities, please see attached Role Profile.

About You

You hold a full and current UK Driving Licence (must be valid for category B vehicles).

As a Counter Pollution and Salvage Officer, you will need to demonstrate a high standard of written English and have the ability to work in operational situations, which often move fast and require engagement with multiple issues both in parallel and in quick succession.

You will be familiar with the UK National Contingency Plan, its stakeholders and the framework for the maritime incident response.

Additional Information

MCA supports flexible working and operates a hybrid working model between home and office for this role, giving you greater flexibility over where and when you work.

The expectation is that you will spend a minimum 60% of your working time based at your principal workplace or out on official business. Details of the arrangement will be discussed further with your line manager.

There may be a requirement for travel on official duty within the UK, which may involve overnight stays. Notice will be given prior to travel.

A passport valid for international travel is required for this role.

A full UK Driving Licence is required for this role.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to undertake a physical and mental health medical for this role, please see the attached document.