Radioactive Waste Specialist in Bridgwater

Nuclear Restoration Services Limited (NRS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). NRS is responsible for decommissioning first generation nuclear power stations Berkeley, Bradwell, Chapelcross, Dungeness A, Hinkley Point A, Hunterston A, Oldbury, Sizewell A, Trawsfynydd and Wylfa, and research sites Harwell and Winfrith. NRS is also responsible for electricity generation at hydroelectric plant Maentwrog. As a division of NRS, NRS Dounreay is responsible for the clean-up and demolition of the former centre of fast reactor research and development.

NRS is an exciting place to be, and this role is the perfect opportunity for you to be part of our challenging mission - to safely and successfully manage the UK’s civil nuclear legacy on behalf of the nation. To deliver our commitment, we need people like you who want to perform at an industry leading standard and be part of a team that continues to develop, innovate and even exceed our greatest achievements.

At NRS, we understand, and acknowledge the value of an inclusive working environment, and celebrate the diversity this brings to our workplace. Without this approach, we wouldn’t be in the position that we are now, being able to safeguard and secure the future of our organisation.

If you’re part of the NDA Group, please refer to the Mobility Principles for guidance on how a move into NRS can be facilitated - visit What is Mobility at the NDA group?

Hear from the Hiring Manager

\'Hinkley Point A (HPA) is a 19.4‑hectare twin reactor NRS power station, currently undergoing decommissioning, located in the West Somerset District of the county of Somerset. The site is located between a recently defueled nuclear site (Hinkley Point B) to the east and a new build nuclear site (Hinkley Point C) to the west.

HPA Waste Projects are seeking an enthusiastic and proactive individual to join an established team of Engineers and Scientists delivering a number of new waste processing facilities. Over the coming years HPA will need 10 new facilities/plants covering waste retrieval, waste conditioning, encapsulation and storage. These facilities are at various lifecycle stages from design through to active commissioning. The Waste Specialist’ primary focus is the safe, compliant and efficient delivery of waste management operations. Your role will include technical input to plant designs, championing waste management requirements with contractors and coordinating waste disposal via the Site Waste Team. Good communication and team working characteristics will be key given the broad scope and large team.

We would like to welcome an individual that can bring waste, radiological and environmental knowledge to our team and support with the optimisation of waste management solutions for the business. The role will require the majority of time present on HPA site, with some flexibility to work from home depending on work demands at the time.

Please note the contractual working hours are Monday - Thursday, 07.25 - 17.00. Perfect for someone looking for a four‑day working week.

Key Deliverables

• Utilise measurement techniques such as gamma spectrometry to support waste characterisation for different categories of waste including LAW and HAW.
• Specify lab tests and interpret results/characterisation data to develop radionuclide fingerprints for the disposal of radioactive waste.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure waste characterisation data is integrated into waste strategies and project design and implementation.
• Ensure anticipated waste generation and management is considered at the project design stage.
• Produce and maintain Project Waste Management Plans.
• Coordinate and oversee project progression through the Waste Authority Review process.
• Briefing and oversight of contractors to comply with site waste management requirements.
• Act as coordinator to facilitate transfer of wastes generated from project activities into Site Waste Management process.
• Provide authoritative advice for internal and external stakeholders on the requirements for complying with waste legislation and transport of dangerous goods legislation.
• Provide input to production of Best Available Techniques documentation.
• Support with controlled waste consignments from site.
• A customer-focused individual, the post holder will be expected to support delivery within his or her range of skills, knowledge, experience and competence

Qualifications & Experience

• HNC or equivalent technical qualification (NQF Level 4) in a scientific, environmental or engineering discipline (essential).
• Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor Certificate (desirable).
• Knowledge of environmental issues including practices, policies, legislation and stakeholders relating to radioactive and non-active (controlled) waste management (essential).
• Relevant experience in nuclear industry, ideally in areas of waste management (essential).
• Experience in developing waste inventories together with records management (desirable).

Benefits Package

• Nuclear Restoration Services Limited (NRS) staff should refer to the document titled \"Spot Point v Grade alignment\" available on SharePoint for more information on how the grade structure aligns to Spot Points.
• Flexible working – where possible.
• The equivalent of 25 days (185 hours per year) annual leave plus Public Holidays (59.2 hours per year). This increases by 2 days (14.8 hours per year) annual leave after two full calendar years of service (as at 5th January in the leave year) , and an additional 3 days (22.2 hours per year) annual leave after five full calendar years of service (as at 5th January in the leave year). You also have the option to buy or sell the equivalent of 5 days (37 hours) annual leave each year (available in specific windows for the following holiday year). For the purpose of assessing an employee’s annual leave entitlement, a day means seven and two fifths (7.4) hours. A pro rata entitlement will apply for part time workers.
• Flexible benefits scheme – including cycle to work and reduced gym membership fees.
• Participation in our Company Bonus Scheme (up to £5,750 per annum based on corporate objectives).
• Employee Assistance Programme including 24-hour telephone support & personal assistance service and access to an online wellbeing App.
• Up to 13.5% employer pension contribution depending on individual contribution amount.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay (dependent on service).
• Access to training and development through the company performance management arrangements, supporting you in maintaining your personal Continuous Professional Development.
• We have various different employee networks supporting our inclusion, diversity and wellbeing mission at Nuclear Restoration Services Limited (NRS).

Please note: All successful candidates will need to provide proof of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment/education history (typically covering the last 3–5 years) in line with NRS Baseline Security requirements. Some roles may also require full Security Clearance, which involves additional checks. For details, please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) guidance.

At NRS, we value diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from underrepresented groups. We want to ensure you feel supported throughout the application process and provide reasonable adjustments where necessary and requested. If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of your application or interview process, please do not hesitate to let us know.

• We offer flexibility on base location for multi‑site roles and are happy to discuss flexible working options.