Radiological Protection Engineer A in Hinckley

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?

About the role

Hear from the Hiring Manager

“This is a fantastic opportunity for a delivery focussed individual to join our Waste Programme at Hinkley Point A (HPA). The role is specifically that of a Radiological Protection Engineer to support the HPA Vault Retrieval and Packaging (VRP) project. As one of the top 6 major projects within NRS, the HPA VRP project provides a really interesting challenge and opportunity for the right candidate to have a significant impact on delivery of the HPA and NRS strategy.

The Hinkley Vault Retrieval and Packaging project is one of the largest design and build contracts placed within NRS’s portfolio. The waste to be retrieved poses a substantial radiological risk, with highly mobile radiotoxic waste and gamma dose rates. The technical complexity of the design within the project is therefore significant and the project requires a skilled radiological protection professional with demonstrable experience in the following areas:

• Management and assessment of operational activities and doses
• Setting up/implementing radiological protection arrangements
• Management of heavily alpha in air environments
• Shielding assessment, optimisation and justification
• Production of risk and ALARP assessments at both design and operational phases of a project.
• Management and packaging of intermediate- and low-level radioactive wastes.

The role will be based at Hinkley Point A Site, with many of the design team supporting from our Hub in Bradley Stoke near Bristol.

Key Deliverables

• Provide detailed technical radiological advice to support site, projects and programmes. The advice to include the production of written documentation including departmental documents, technical reports, radiological risk assessments, health physics certificates, designated work documentation, dose estimates and ALARP reports.
• Develop and implement new radiological protection practices and procedures and the commissioning and introduction of new equipment and instruments.
• Review and approve written work instructions for all work carried out within the controlled area boundary and other areas of the site if appropriate. This includes the review and approval of work order cards or similar work control documents produced by the site’s planning system.
• Liaise with company inspectors and external regulators during routine surveillance inspections, audits and investigations.
• Support as appropriate Best Available Technique (BAT) studies, ALARP assessments and other optioning processes for all work.
• Provide expert-level advice, support and guidance on radiological issues throughout the Site.
• Comply with the Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality policies, procedures, work instructions and risk assessments. Support the continuous improvement of Health, Safety Environment and Quality on Site.
• Monitor performance and take action or provide advice as necessary to maintain radiological standards and improve performance.
• Contribute to the effective development and delivery of training within own area of specialism.
• Advise on the selection, issue, storage and maintenance of PPE including respiratory protection equipment used on site for radiological protection as appropriate.
• Advise on the radiological protection and/or radioactive waste aspects in the preparation of Safety Case submissions, strategy documents and other site and company documents.
• Assist with managing the relevant aspects of the Detail Volume, SPI/CPI, and commercial and financial aspects as required for delivery of the lifetime plan.
• Provide critical evaluation to designers, engineers and contractors on radiological protection related matters within the design.
• The post holder may be required to be a member of, and participate in, the Site Emergency Scheme.

Qualifications & Experience

• Educated to NQF level 6 / NVQ Level 6 (or equivalent in a post related subject) (Essential).
• Member of a relevant professional institute (Essential).
• Radiation Protection Adviser (Desirable).
• Relevant experience in specialism related roles (Essential).
• Experience at a nuclear site in own specialism (Desirable).
• Detailed knowledge of Environmental Permitting Regulations (Essential).
• Detailed knowledge of Ionising Radiations Regulations compliance (Essential).
• Accredited Health Physicist (Essential).

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 serviceand 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).

Additional Information

Please be aware this role holder requires security clearance, or the ability to obtain said clearance.

There is a requirement to live within a commutable distance to the sites where the role is based. For central/multi-site roles, we have various hubs across the UK and can be flexible with base location.

We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, included and able to perform at their best.

At Nuclear Restoration Services Limited (NRS), we are committed to creating a workplace that is diverse and inclusive, we therefore particularly welcome applications from Women, Black, Asian and Ethnic Minorities, LGBT+ and candidates with a disability as they are all underrepresented in our workforce.

We have the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a large volume of applications.

We are happy to talk flexible working where possible.