"Administrator/Business Assistant"

About the role

BGS is looking for an Administrator/Business Assistant to join the BGS Cardiff Office. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive and proactive administrative support to the science team, including the Chief Geologist Wales. The role also provides significant level of specific support to the wider National & International Geoscience Directorates in BGS. This will include a wide variety of administrative tasks, including the use of a range of software packages and IT systems. Working independently on day-to-day tasks, you will also be part of a small team of wider Business Assistants based across all our sites.

About you

We are looking for someone who is approachable, very well organised and who has a willingness to help all colleagues and be able to respect confidentiality and be proactive and enthusiastic.

Educated to at least ‘A’ level equivalent standard and/or have relevant comparable work experience of providing high-quality support, you will have a good amount of experience in an administrative or secretarial role. Qualifications in business administration and/or customer service (e.g. NVQ level 2 or 3) would be desirable.

The following specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post will be assessed at shortlist (S) stage, interview (I) stage, or both (S&I).

Essential

• Educated to at least ‘A’ level equivalent standard or have relevant comparable work experience (S)
• A good amount of experience in an administrative/secretarial role providing high-quality support (S&I)
• Proficient IT skills including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (S&I)
• Effective written & verbal communication skills (S&I)
• Evidence of ability to work well with others and be able to also work unsupervised (I)
• Approachable and professional, using judgement to resolve or advance issues and maintain confidentiality and discretion (S&I)
• You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I)

Desirable

• Relevant qualification in customer service and/or business administration skills (e.g. NVQ level 2 or 3) (S)

A great benefits package is offered! including an outstanding pension scheme (with an generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)!

How to apply

Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role (via the 'Apply' button above). We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.

A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.

If you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 15 March 2026. Interviews will be held on 26 March 2026.

Contract Type: 6 month fixed term

Hours: Full-time 37 Hours a week (this post is not suitable for home working)

Location: BGS Cardiff