Production Operative - Pressurised Breathing Air Suit Operative

AWE is currently recruiting Production Operatives to join our Liabilities directorate. The role will involve hands-on work linked to the active decommissioning of radioactive facilities and working in active facilities processing legacy radioactive waste. The role is physically demanding and requires elevated levels of mobility and fitness whilst working in Respiratory Protective equipment such as Respirators, powered air hoods, breathing apparatus and Pressurised Breathing Air Suits (PBAS). The role is ideal for a motivated individual who understands the importance of safety, precision, working in high hazard environments and following established processes.

Salary: Starting at £26,553 (negotiable if a skilled PBAS operative), with progression opportunities up to £35,000+ depending on training and deployment into operational environments. Some roles may attract allowances which will be discussed at interview.

Working Pattern: Dependant on area deployment it could be two patterns and you may be required to move between the areas with suitable notice:

• 40-hours a week; 7:30-5:30 Monday to Thursday
• 37-hour week split over 9-day fortnight 7:40-16:35 every other Friday off

The 37-hour role requires you to be on call 1 week in 3 and be able to attend site within 1 hour. Working from home is not available for these roles.

Who are we looking for? You'll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage your own workload. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines. Able to follow written and verbal instructions to ensure safety is maintained. Manual dexterity is essential as you will be using hand and power tools as well as operating plant and equipment, whilst wearing protective equipment. Someone who is flexible and adaptable to meet the programme's demands, and willing to move around the business if required. Excellent communication skills.

We do need you to have the following:

• A good understanding of health and safety.
• Dexterity with both hands and a keen eye for detail.
• Able to train on and off site and willing to do routine on the job assessments to prove competence.
• Work in Radioactive areas in protective equipment.
• Able to wear PBAS (medical and training provided), this can feel very claustrophobic.
• Manual driving licence (desirable).
• Able to be on call 1 week in 3 (desirable).
• Willing to become a first aider (desirable).
• Willing to do high risk confined space training (desirable).
• Able to work at height, scaffolding, ladders working platforms.

The role also requires flexibility to move between AWE sites at short notice - primarily Tadley and Burghfield.

Physical Requirements: These roles are physically demanding. You will need to pass a medical assessment to confirm general fitness and suitability to work with our unique materials. A BMI of under 30 for wearing PBAS is required (considerations given for muscle mass) along with lung functions test. During your employment you must maintain your fitness and ability to work in controlled environments. Able to wear respiratory protection which requires you to be clean shaven.

Key Accountabilities:

• Deliver a variety of hands-on process operations in support of the programme.
• Deliver safe operations by working in accordance with the Safe System of Work documentation and follows approved operating and company procedures.
• Maintain and promote high personal standards in environment, safety, health, security, and quality and be a great team player.

Key Responsibilities:

• Compliance with job specific training requirements.
• Responsible for operating safely and complying with all local relevant facility safety, operating and company procedures.
• Reporting any malfunctions, abnormal conditions, or issues.
• Support and participate in continuous improvement activities.
• Carry out 6s activities in line with business area requirements.
• To complete all training and maintain level of competence required for core job, linked disciplines and specific assignments.
• Work with others to form high performing teams.
• Adopt a 'See It, Own It, Solve It' mind-set, by identifying obstacles to success and taking ownership to find solutions to those problems.
• Responsible for undertaking other duties as reasonably required from time to time by line and task management, including work at other places within the UK or overseas; this will be done in consultation with you, and in accordance with any requirements contained in your Contract of Employment.

Next steps: Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don't always 'tick every box'. That's why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don't meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we'd love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know: We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes. You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.