Current Opportunities

Oil Spill Responder

Location: Southampton, United Kingdom

Closing Date: 23 June 2026

Do work that matters. Join OSRL and help protect coastlines, communities and marine environments when pollution incidents happen. We are looking for practical, motivated people who are ready to learn, willing to travel and keen to build a hands-on career as an Oil Spill Responder in Southampton.

OSRL is the world’s largest industry-funded oil spill preparedness and response organisation. With 288 people across 13 locations worldwide, we help members prevent, prepare for and respond to spills wherever they happen.

Job Description:

You will begin with an intensive 12-week training programme that will prepare you to support global oil spill response operations. Day to day, you will maintain response readiness through training, equipment maintenance and practical hands-on work. As your experience grows, you will also have opportunities to support preparedness activities with clients and partners around the world.

Main accountabilities:

• To provide safe, prompt and efficient support to spill incidents, exercises, preparedness projects and client engagement activities globally as required.
• Ensure that all activities are carried out with due regard to personal safety, the safety of others, and environmental considerations in line with company policies and procedures.
• Be on call as part of the duty team including supporting spill mobilisations and travelling globally at short notice.
• Undertake the efficient maintenance and rehabilitation of operational and support equipment to the highest standards and in compliance with safety requirements.
• Proactively develop and maintain appropriate knowledge and skills to aid effective performance in the role.
• Provide a source of expertise to other departments and assist them as directed by the relevant Team Leader or Response Team Manager.
• Act as a representative of the company to maintain the standing as a high-profile global leader in oil spill preparedness and response through industry forums, conferences and contact with external stakeholders.
• Provide input into the ongoing technical development of spill response equipment, strategies and techniques through internal technical forums, working groups and practical experience.
• Develop and update operational guidelines and maintenance procedures for new and existing equipment to ensure safe and effective operation.

Role requirements:

It is essential that all applicants can demonstrate the following:

• A tangible desire to make a positive impact
• Clear aptitude for practical problem solving
• A positive ‘can-do’ attitude
• A willingness to be on-call and to be sent anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice
• An ability to work long hours in the field in challenging environments
• Strong team-working skills
• Great communication and interpersonal skills
• A strong safety ethos
• Possess a full clean UK driving licence
• Live within one hour of our Southampton base or be prepared to relocate
• Subject to OEUK medical. The medical will be arranged by OSRL.

What matters most is motivation, practical aptitude and a genuine interest in hands-on work in demanding environments. If your studies, work experience, service background or personal interests suggest you would thrive in this kind of role, we would like to hear from you.

Engineering (you can fix /build stuff)

This is a hands-on role. We need people who are comfortable working with equipment and solving practical problems. An engineering qualification or experience in mechanical, marine or plant-based environments would be valuable.

Environmental (you care about the world around you and people within it)

We also value people who are invested in the natural world and want to apply that interest in a practical setting. Backgrounds such as Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Oceanography, conservation or fieldwork would all be relevant.

Practical Aptitude and Personal Interests (you like figuring out how things work and getting stuck in)

Your hobbies can tell us a lot about your fit for this role. If you enjoy building, fixing, restoring, maintaining kit or solving practical problems, that kind of aptitude is highly relevant. If you work on cars, boats, engines or similar hands-on projects, we would welcome hearing about it.

Disaster Management/Logistics (you can get stuff done when nobody else can)

We often need to mobilise people and equipment at short notice. Experience in civil contingencies, disaster management, emergency response, logistics or other high-tempo operational environments would be valuable. We are also keen to hear from service leavers.

Marine (you have worked in some of the most challenging environments)

Some of our most complex work takes place in the marine environment. Knowledge of seamanship, tides, currents and charts would be valuable. Backgrounds in the armed forces, coastguard, merchant fleet or other marine operations would translate well.

Language Capability (you can work with anyone, anywhere)

You will need excellent written and spoken English and the confidence to work with people from different countries and cultures. Additional language skills are a real advantage, especially French. Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese and Arabic would also be useful.

Service Leavers (You already have many of the skills)

Military experience can transfer strongly into this role. Experience of working safely in high-risk environments, maintaining equipment, deploying at short notice and performing under pressure is highly relevant.

Working with OSRL

A starting salary in the range of £30,450 - £35,000 (depending on experience), with a generous benefits package, including:

• 10% Pension contribution
• Private medical insurance
• Income protection
• Health Cash Plan
• Hybrid working
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

This is a chance to build a meaningful career with a global leader in oil spill response. People are central to our success, and we are committed to a fair and inclusive working environment.

To apply please submit a detailed letter of application that clearly demonstrates your suitability for the role and your CV to hr@osrl.com by Tuesday, 23 June 2026. If shortlisted for the role, you will be invited to attend a one-day assessment centre on 25th June 2026.

If successful in securing this role, your career and employment with us will commence with an initial 12-week training programme, commencing late August 2026, where you will acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding needed in mitigating the impact of spills.

We will begin the recruitment process immediately and may fill this position before the closing date. Early applications are strongly encouraged.