Maritime Engineer Investigator

Ministry of Defence Boscombe Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JEThis job will require attendance in the office for 60% of your working time.Job SummaryAn exciting opportunity has arisen for a Maritime Engineer Investigator to join the Defence Accident Investigation Branch (DAIB) within the Defence Safety Authority (DSA) on a permanent basis.The DAIB provides Defence with a professional accident investigation capability, maintaining teams of trained accident investigators at Very High Readiness 24/7/365 to deploy anywhere in the world in response to a safety-related accident or incident. The DAIB conducts demonstrably independent, impartial and expert no-blame safety investigations of accidents, serious incidents and near misses across all domains by supporting DSA Service Inquiries and conducting Non-Statutory Inquiries. Together, these investigations ensure that causal factors are identified and make targeted safety recommendations, which are tracked to implementation, in order to reduce the likelihood of reoccurrence, enhance Defence safety and preserve operational capability.The role of an investigator is to respond to accidents and incidents, when directed by the Head of DAIB, and conduct safety investigations by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and producing timely and accurate reports. The successful post holder will be a trained accident investigator and will be on the duty investigator rota approximately one week in four, remaining on-call out of normal working hours.This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.Job DescriptionYour responsibilities will include but not be limited to:Deploying globally to accident sites and leading investigations, primarily in the maritime domain, but also in the land and air domains.Collecting and recording evidence and interviewing witnesses.Speaking sensitively and tactfully with witnesses and bereaved relatives.Conducting detailed analysis in order to identify safety issues and draft recommendations.Writing investigation reports and urgent safety advice.Mentoring SI panels from convening to post-publication.Tracking recommendations from SIs and NSIs to closure.Representing the DAIB at safety fora.Your commitment to deploy will be managed through a duty system, where you will normally be on-duty to deploy one week in four, and on standby to deploy one week in four. During your duty week you will need to be available to travel to accident sites at 4 hours’ notice from the DAIB’s office in MOD Boscombe Down. During your standby week you will be at 24 hours’ notice to fill in for or assist a deployed duty team. Duty rosters are published well in advance to enable you to plan ahead, and flexibility is possible to accommodate important family events and other commitments. When on duty, DAIB civil servant accident investigators are entitled to claim the Civil Service ‘on call’ allowance and will be eligible to claim overtime if required to work extra hours during deployments.Your Responsibilities Will Include But Not Be Limited ToDeploying globally to accident sites and leading investigations, primarily in the maritime domain, but also in the land and air domains.Collecting and recording evidence and interviewing witnesses.Speaking sensitively and tactfully with witnesses and bereaved relatives.Conducting detailed analysis in order to identify safety issues and draft recommendations.Writing investigation reports and urgent safety advice.Mentoring SI panels from convening to post-publication.Tracking recommendations from SIs and NSIs to closure.Representing the DAIB at safety fora.Your commitment to deploy will be managed through a duty system, where you will normally be on-duty to deploy one week in four, and on standby to deploy one week in four. During your duty week you will need to be available to travel to accident sites at 4 hours’ notice from the DAIB’s office in MOD Boscombe Down. During your standby week you will be at 24 hours’ notice to fill in for or assist a deployed duty team. Duty rosters are published well in advance to enable you to plan ahead, and flexibility is possible to accommodate important family events and other commitments. When on duty, DAIB civil servant accident investigators are entitled to claim the Civil Service ‘on call’ allowance and will be eligible to claim overtime if required to work extra hours during deployments.Person specificationWe are seeking candidates with excellent attention to detail, strong written and verbal skills and demonstrable analysis experience.EssentialA foundation degree (or equivalent) in Marine Engineering.Project management skills with a proven ability to plan and prioritise to meet challenging timescales in a dynamic environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a proven ability to write clear reports. Be able to effectively communicate complex issues to non-expert audiences.Analytical skills, particularly the ability to interpret evidence to make informed recommendations.Strong stakeholder engagement skills.DesirableExperience of UK Armed Forces activities in the Maritime domain (Army Port and Maritime or Royal Navy), Royal Fleet Auxiliary or Merchant Navy.Completion of single service Intermediate Command and Staff Course.Strong investigative skills with experience of interviewing witnesses.Experience and qualifications in accident investigation. Chartered Engineer status through the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and relevant industry experience as a naval architect.You will need a full driver’s licence valid in the UK and must be prepared to travel throughout the UK, as well as overseas, at short notice.The successful candidate will be required to sign a Funding Agreement due to the cost of accident investigation training. The successful candidate will be expected to remain in the employment of the Ministry of Defence for a minimum period of eighteen months upon completion of the training. This Agreement serves to set this expectation clearly and unequivocally, ensuring mutual understanding and commitment between the parties involved. Breach of this agreement will allow the Ministry of Defence to recover the costs associated with this training.Due to the nature of DAIB operations, the successful candidate may be exposed to accident scenes, information and material (including video and photographic imagery) that could be distressing. The successful candidate might also be required to speak with potentially traumatised accident victims, bereaved family members and witnesses. It is essential that candidates take these requirements into consideration before applying for the post.You may be required to undertake physical demanding activities such as working in disrupted environments and confined spaces, working at height, and boarding vessels by pilot ladders. We therefore advise candidates to consider these requirements before applying. Please note that successful candidates will be required to undergo a medical health assessment before starting in post.Applicants should be physically fit to deploy to accident sites, be able to swim, and be willing to complete various training including accident investigation modules, photography, pre-deployment, and underwater escape training. The successful applicant will be required to undertake the MOD Civilian Overseas Duty Assessment Medical following recruitment and every two years. This Medical includes the Chester Step Test.LicencesFull UK Driving LicenseQualificationsA foundation degree (or equivalent) in Marine Engineering.BehavioursWe'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:Communicating and InfluencingDelivering at PaceWorking TogetherLeadershipAlongside your salary of £46,040, Ministry of Defence contributes £13,337 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.Learning and development tailored to your roleAn environment with flexible working options including a flexi-time schemeA culture encouraging inclusion and diversityHighly competitive Civil Service pension schemeAlternative working practices such as hybrid working25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ serviceAbility to roll over up to 10 days annual leave per yearIn addition to 8 public holidays per year you will also receive leave for HM The King’s birthdayEnhanced parental and adoption leaveMinimum of 15 days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period for volunteer military or emergency service reserve commitmentsSpecial paid leave for volunteering up to 6 days per yearEmployee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing – a free service that assists you with achieving a productive, healthy environment that is conducive to a healthy lifestyle.Loan to purchase a Bicycle (Advance on Salary)Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)Access to Defence Discount Service & Blue Light DiscountPlease Note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.Selection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.At sift, you will be assessed against CV, personal statement (500 word max) the following:Communicating and Influencing Working TogetherLeadership Delivering at PaceAt Interview, You Will Be Assessed Against The FollowingCommunicating and Influencing Working TogetherLeadership Delivering at PaceWe will assess you during the application and interview stages using Civil Service success profiles behaviours. If your application is successful you will be invited to attend an interview.The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out.Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk .As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment.The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried outFeedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.MedicalSuccessful candidates will be expected to have a medical.Nationality requirementsOpen to UK nationals only.Working for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicantsJob ContactName : Cdr Jon WellsEmail : jonathan.wells523@mod.gov.ukRecruitment teamEmail : DBSCivPers-ResourcingTeam3@mod.gov.ukFurther informationPlease ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.