Job Description

Appointment type

Permanent

Full time/part time

Full time

Job category

Operations

Location

Dounreay

Salary range

25,963 to 35,864

Posted Date

01/09/2025

Closing Date

08/10/2025

Reference

237/25

A number of vacancies have arisen for operators to support the ongoing programme of work across the site. The areas are as below, if you have a preference please specify on your application form, otherwise you will be considered for all areas:

Laundry operations team:

The work involves cleaning, maintenance and testing of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) using computerised testing equipment within the respiratory protective equipment workshop, and on plant as required, to ensure the service supplies fully maintained, safe, and complaint equipment to allow decommissioning to move forward on the site. Cover for other areas in the department maybe required dependent on workload.

Reactors programme:

DFR - a trade background would be an advantage along with previous lifting experience

DFR Breeder - sphere team supporting the reactors breeder fuel removal project, there may be a requirement for temporary shift working for this role.

Waste operations and logistics:

Dounreay cementation plants import and export facility work will involve receipt of intermediate low level waste packages from site, supporting the inactive and active commissioning of the new shielded waste store, and transfer and decant of 500 litre drums of cemented high active raffinate.

Technical Services:

Carry out routine plant, fire and emergency checks identifying unusual trends and system/component failures and assist in its resolution, and prepare radiation/contaminated controlled work areas including radiological containments as necessary.






The purpose of the post is to decommission the Dounreay site safely. The job holder will provide support to processes that are relied on for the safe decommissioning of the Dounreay site.

Main Responsibilities (dependent on specific area):

Operate within safety management systems, i.e. permit to work, standard operating procedures/local instructions and safe systems of work Prepare the work area for planned activities Assemble and dismantle nuclear decommissioning/operational equipment Operate in radiation/contamination controlled work areas Use hand and power tools appropriate to the decommissioning task Decontaminate radioactive plant and materials Minimise and package radioactive materials Operate, monitor and adjust appropriate nuclear decommissioning equipment Remove and transfer hazardous materials etc. to designated storage locations Operate ancillary equipment such as cranes, mobile elevated work platforms, and fork lift trucks Computer input Carry out routine and non-routine operational activities including support to plant improvements and repairs as appropriate Collect and package waste Undertake general housekeeping and cleanliness Perform the responsibilities of management appointments relevant to the post

Aptitudes and experience:

Good general safety awareness Valid UK drivers licence required for some roles General awareness of control of operations, professionalism, and safe systems of work Basic IT skills Ability to pay attention to detail and follow precise instructions For some areas, previous experience in the following areas is desirable: + Use of manipulators
+ Remote working/handling
+ Lifting experience/qualification

Ability to work effectively as part of a team For some areas, ability to carry out operations whilst wearing Full Face Respirator
Post specific capability analysis number 24

Respirators are used on site to protect the operator against inhalation of radiological contamination. Respirator work involves wearing a tight fitting full face rubber mask, breathing in filtered air and the mask restricting peripheral vision. During arduous activities, spells of around 40 minutes can be expected. Non arduous work can see slightly longer spells wearing a respirator.*

Full training will be provided, however experience in the following aspects would be an advantage:

Size reduction and radioactive materials Glovebox/cell operations Routine and non-routine operational activities to support plant improvements and repairs Crane and/or lifting appointments experience Flasking and/or bagging experience Use of manipulators Remote working/handling Previous work in radiologically contaminated areas Mechanical background/interest

Interviews to be held:

week commencing Monday 20 October 2025

If you require assistance at any point during the recruitment process then then contact careers@dounreay.nrservices.uk at the appropriate time so that we can make any necessary reasonable adjustment.

NRS attracts an excellent Benefits package:

Standard full time working week with every third Friday off (unless subject to shift work). This working pattern equates to approximately 17 days additional holidays per year Annual leave entitlement of 28 days, and in addition, 8 days statutory public holidays, 2 and a half days privilege holidays and 2 and a half days Christmas/New Year closure holidays Paid overtime available Up to 13.5% employer pension contribution depending on individual contribution amount Annual company bonus payment of up to 5% basic salary as at 31 March Relocation assistance (where appropriate) Dounreay recognises individual and team achievements or exemplary safe behaviour through the award of vouchers Maternity leave, adoption leave, shared parental leave and paternity leave that offers enhanced payments above the statutory minimum requirements for qualifying employees Additional paid time off for training purposes for local volunteer services such as the retained Fire Service, the Coastguard Rescue Service and Scottish Mountain Rescue. NRS also provide the same support to our employees in the Reserve Forces Access to our onsite Occupational Health Service Access to Aviva Digicare+ Workplace Health package which includes free annual health check, access to a digital GP, nutritional consultations, mental health consultations and second medical opinions Employee Assistance Programme including 24-hour telephone support & personal assistance service and access to an online wellbeing App Cycle to work and reduced gym membership fees Company sick pay scheme 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)

At Dounreay we are committed to creating a workplace that is diverse and inclusive. 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. We therefore actively welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds, with different experiences and perspectives and we are committed to ensuring that we work in an inclusive way that means everyone can perform at their best.



Dounreay is a member of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all candidates who have a disability who meet all of the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all of the essential criteria, Dounreay will interview the best candidates from within that group.