Operator

Nuclear Restoration Services; Dounreay; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full training

Career development

Job summary

Nuclear Restoration Services at the Dounreay site is seeking Operators for the Reactors Programme to support decommissioning and site operations. This site-based role involves working safely on maintenance, compliance, and decommissioning tasks, with training provided for plant and radiological controls.

You don't need a nuclear background; we value safety, adaptability, attention to detail and teamwork. The role may require shift work and learning new equipment, with comprehensive training

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and safety awareness.
• Practical, hands-on experience; trade backgrounds are an advantage.
• Basic literacy, numeracy and computing skills; able to work as part of a team.
• Willingness to undertake shift work and operate in radiological areas.
• Post specific capability analysis assessment.

Responsibilities

• Carry out operational and maintenance activities safely, including routine plant, fire, emergency, and surveillance checks.
• Support plant improvement, repair and decommissioning tasks and handling of controlled materials.
• Operate site equipment such as cranes, MEWPs, LGVs and forklifts (training provided).
• Handle, package and transfer radioactive and hazardous materials safely and compliantly.

Skills

Safety-focused

Adaptable

Hands-on

Attention to detail

Team player

Mechanical trades

Literacy, numeracy & computing

Shift work willingness

Radiological environment

Willingness to learn new equipment

Tools

Crane

MEWP

LGV

Forklift

Job description

Are you looking for a role where your contribution directly supports one of the UK’s most unique and important decommissioning missions?

Do you want to be part of a team that values safety, teamwork, and hands‑on expertise while working on fascinating, technically varied plant operations?

We have several exciting opportunities to join our Reactors Programme as an Operator, playing a key role in the safe and efficient decommissioning of the Dounreay Site. This is a site‑based role where no two days are the same, and where full training, including specialist plant and radiological controls, will be provided.

What will you be doing

You’ll work at the heart of our facility operations, supporting maintenance, compliance, and decommissioning activities essential to the site’s future, it is expected that there will be a requirement for temporary shift working in certain areas. Your work will help keep people safe, systems compliant, and progress on track by:

• Carrying out operational and maintenance activities safely, including routine plant, fire, emergency, and surveillance checks.
• Supporting plant improvement, repair, and decommissioning tasks—including working in controlled radiation areas and preparing appropriate containments.
• Operating a range of site equipment such as cranes, MEWPs, LGVs, and forklifts (training provided where required).
• Handling, packaging, and transferring radioactive and hazardous materials safely and compliantly.

Who we are looking for

You don’t need a nuclear background, just the right mindset. We’re looking for individuals who are safety‑focused, adaptable, and eager to learn, with:

• Strong attention to detail, the ability to follow precise instructions, and good general safety awareness.
• Practical, hands‑on experience, trade backgrounds (e.g., mechanical, fitter) are an advantage but not essential.
• Basic literacy, numeracy, and computer skills, along with the ability to work well as part of a team.
• Willingness to undertake shift work, operate in radiological areas, and learn new equipment or systems (e.g., forklift, MEWP, manipulators, ROVs).
• Post specific capability analysis assessment

The successful applicants will be required to undergo appropriate training and testing required for specific plant operations.

Why Join Us

You’ll be part of a supportive team working on a nationally significant project, gaining rare experience within a highly regulated environment. Full training—technical, operational, and radiological is provided, and you'll have opportunities to develop specialist capabilities as you progress.

If you're motivated, flexible, and ready to contribute to a critical phase of Dounreay’s future, we’d love to hear from you.

We are looking to hold interviews week commencing Monday 16th 2026, however, please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the stated deadline should we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

If you require assistance at any point during the recruitment process contact [e-mail] at the appropriate time so we can make any necessary, reasonable adjustment.