Operator (Chargehand)

Nuclear Restoration Services; Harwell; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Nuclear Restoration Services is seeking an Operator (Chargehand) to join our Waste Operations team in the UK. The role focuses on safe, compliant delivery of waste operations, supporting plant performance and continuous improvement within a safety-first environment.

You will operate plant and equipment, act as SQEP on designated systems, perform radiological monitoring, and provide technical support. The job involves emergency response activities and training to develop colleagues.

Qualifications

• Minimum NQF Level 2 qualification or equivalent (NVQ, City & Guilds, BTEC).
• Experience in an industrial/operational environment with safe working practices.
• Ability to follow detailed processes, solve problems and contribute to plant performance.
• RSA/IRR knowledge preferred but not essential; driving licence required (up to 7.5T).

Responsibilities

• Operate plant and equipment safely and in line with procedures.
• Act as SQEP on designated plant systems and support fault investigations.
• Carry out radiological monitoring, surveys and inspections.
• Provide technical support, participate in emergency arrangements and training.

Skills

Safety awareness

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Process compliance

Technical aptitude

Education

NQF Level 2 or equivalent (NVQ / City & Guilds / BTEC)

Tools

Power tools

Job description

We're seeking a motivated Operator (Chargehand) to join our Waste Operations team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a vital role in site operations, supporting waste management activities, plant performance and continuous improvement while developing your skills within a safety-focused environment.

What You Will Be Doing

As an Operator, you'll contribute to the safe and efficient delivery of Waste Operations activities, ensuring work is carried out in line with site licence conditions, statutory regulations and company procedures.

You’ll be trusted to use your technical knowledge, operational expertise and commitment to safety to support the successful delivery of site objectives. Key responsibilities include:

• Operating plant and equipment within your level of competence, maintaining high standards of safety, performance and compliance at all times.
• Acting as a Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person (SQEP) on designated plant systems, supporting operational activities, fault investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Carrying out radiological monitoring, surveys and inspections in accordance with approved procedures and regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance with site standards.
• Providing technical support to operational and project teams, participating in emergency response arrangements, site support activities and the development of colleagues through knowledge sharing and training.

Who We Are Looking For

We're looking for a practical, safety-conscious individual who thrives in an industrial environment and takes pride in delivering high-quality work.

You’ll be someone who enjoys working as part of a collaborative team, has a strong attention to detail and is committed to maintaining the highest operational standards.

To be successful in this role, you’ll bring:

• A minimum NQF Level 2 qualification (or equivalent), such as NVQ, City & Guilds, BTEC or another relevant technical qualification.
• Experience working within an industrial or operational environment, with an understanding of safe working practices and operational procedures.
• The ability to follow detailed processes, solve problems effectively and contribute positively to plant performance and operational excellence.
• Ideally, knowledge of Radioactive Substances Act (RSA) and Ionising Radiation Regulations (IRR) requirements, experience of plant operations and previous exposure to the nuclear industry, although these are not essential.

This role requires a strong commitment to safety, the ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions, and a willingness to apply a questioning attitude to all tasks. You’ll need to work effectively as part of a team, comply with all Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality procedures, and be capable of operating in full PPE, including full-face respirators and protective suits. You must also be able to meet the requirements to work as a classified radiation worker and hold a full UK driving licence (including vehicles up to 7.5T).

You’ll bring solid practical skills such as the safe use of power tools and manual handling, along with essential computer literacy. These additional competencies will support your effectiveness and flexibility within the role.

NOTE: The successful applicant may be required to achieve various authorisations in order to carry out the full scope of the role. The requirements for specific authorisations are specified in Common Authorisation Instructions.

To learn more about NRS and the work we do, we invite you to explore our organisation by visiting Nuclear Restoration Services - GOV.UK. It’s a great way to discover our mission, our people, and the impact we deliver.

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.

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.