Senior Waste Specialist

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.

Please indicate whether you are interested in the LLW Diversion role, the Legacy Waste Disposition role, or both opportunities.

If you're looking for a role where technical expertise, initiative and delivery focus are equally valued, we'd love to hear from you.

We are looking to hold interviews week commencing Monday 28 September 2026, however, 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 careers@dounreay.nrservices.uk at the appropriate time so we can make any necessary, reasonable adjustment.

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 - visit What is Mobility at the NDA group?

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, email: laura.kerr@dounreay.nrservices.uk.

Please note:  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.