At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead waste management projects and solve complex challenges in a regulated environment.
- Company: NRS Dounreay, a leader in nuclear waste management with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for internal mobility and professional growth.
- Why this job: Influence waste management decisions and contribute to environmental benefits and decommissioning efforts.
- Qualifications: HND in Science/Engineering and significant experience in radioactive waste management.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
Senior Waste Specialist Opportunities - Low Level Waste (LLW) Diversion and Legacy Waste Disposition
Are you an experienced waste professional who enjoys solving complex problems, influencing project decisions and delivering practical solutions in a regulated environment?
NRS Dounreay are recruiting two Senior Waste Specialists to support major waste management programmes.
One role will focus on increasing the diversion of Low Level Waste through application of the Nuclear Waste Services framework and alternative waste routes.
The second will support the development and delivery of solutions for some of the site's more complex legacy waste management challenges.
These are high-profile opportunities to influence how waste is managed across the site, helping deliver environmental benefits, reduce liabilities and support Dounreay's decommissioning mission.
What You'll Be Doing
Working across projects, facilities and specialist disciplines, you will provide expert waste management advice and technical leadership to help teams make informed, compliant and cost-effective decisions.
Key Responsibilities Will Include
- Identifying and implementing opportunities to optimise waste routes and maximise application of the waste hierarchy.
- Supporting the development and delivery of waste strategies and waste disposition programmes.
- Reviewing and approving waste documentation, plans and consignments.
- Solving complex waste management challenges and supporting the resolution of waste-related issues.
- Working closely with regulators, stakeholders and industry partners.
- Driving continuous improvement in waste management arrangements, compliance and performance.
- Mentoring colleagues and supporting the development of waste management capability across the organisation.
- What You'll Bring
We're looking for people who combine strong technical knowledge with a practical, delivery-focused mindset.
You will be comfortable working in operational environments, influencing stakeholders, navigating competing priorities and turning regulatory and strategic requirements into practical solutions that can be delivered.
- You’ll Ideally Have
- HND in Science/Engineering or equivalent qualification plus experience
- Significant experience in radioactive waste management or another highly regulated industry.
- Experience developing waste routes, waste strategies or waste disposition solutions.
- Strong understanding of waste hierarchy principles and regulatory compliance.
- Excellent problem-solving and stakeholder engagement skills.
- The confidence to challenge established approaches and identify better ways of delivering outcomes.
- A track record of delivering results through collaboration, innovation and sound technical judgement.
- Post specific physical capability analysis assessment
Experience in LLW diversion, waste route optimisation, waste consignments, logistics, characterisation, operational waste management, BPM assessments or regulatory interactions would be particularly valuable.
Ready to make an impact?
These are opportunities to tackle significant waste management challenges, influence important decisions and make a measurable contribution to hazard and liability reduction.
Step Up in Your Career - Internal Opportunity
We welcome all internal colleagues to apply, whether you’re ready for a move or just curious about the opportunity.
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.
It is the applicants responsibility to inform their line manager of their application and we encourage informal conversations before applying, to discuss the role, speak to your current Line Manager, HR Manager or Hiring Manager, Laura Kerr.
We are looking to hold interviews week commencing
Monday 28 September 2026 , however, this vacancy may close earlier than the stated deadline so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
All successful candidates who do not already hold security clearance 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.
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Senior Waste Specialist in Thurso employer: Nuclear Restoration Services
At NRS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique nine-day fortnight that provides our engineers with an extra day off every two weeks, promoting a healthy work-life balance. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and personal growth, allowing you to tackle meaningful engineering challenges within a highly skilled multidisciplinary team dedicated to the future of Hunterston B. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we support your career development while ensuring you feel valued and empowered in your role.
Contact Details:
Nuclear Restoration Services Recruitment Team
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