Defence Nuclear Organisation - Staff Officer Nuclear Emergency Monitoring Organisation (SONEMO)

UK Ministry of Defence; London; On-site; GBP 77,000; Full time

Job description

MOD Main Building London, MOD Abbey Wood Bristol, HM Naval Base Clyde, Institute of Naval Medicine Alverstoke, HM Naval Base Devonport

Job Summary

Do you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues and play a key role in the United Kingdom’s (UK) national security?

Established in April 2016, the Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) delivers nuclear capability to deter threats and protect our nation.

The DNO oversees all defence nuclear business (excluding operations) and is responsible for providing nuclear deterrence; sponsoring the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (all the organisations, programmes and people that sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent); and advising on UK nuclear policy, planning and international co-operation on nuclear matters.

The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for over 60 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, and that of our NATO Allies. To ensure that we have a credible and capable nuclear deterrent for as long as the security situation requires, we are building four new nuclear armed submarines – known as the Dreadnought Class – and replacing our nuclear warheads. These renewal programmes will utilise world-leading technology and are a showcase in science and engineering, highlighting the prowess of British industry.

Here at DNO we strongly believe that diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but is also essential for a thriving and successful organisation. We know that diverse teams bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences and ideas, which lead to better decision-making, creativity and innovation. We have a culture where differences are celebrated and our people feel supported, included and empowered. Join us and be part of an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion and makes a positive impact on the world.

The MOD has a statutory requirement under the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019 (REPPIR 19) and under Licencing and Authorisation Conditions in accordance with the Nuclear Installations Act to have nuclear emergency plans and to be able to respond to a nuclear emergency involving the Defence Nuclear Programme (DNP).

Staff Officer Nuclear Emergency Monitoring Organisation (SONEMO) works in DNO Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) Safety and Emergency Planning Directorate. SONEMO is responsible for the coordination of the MOD Nuclear Emergency Monitoring Organisation (NEMO) that comprises of monitoring response from both Naval dockyards, DRPS, the RAF and the British Army.

This post is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job Description

The job holder is responsible for ensuring that the Ministry of Defence has a coordinated, equipped, and trained radiation monitoring capability to support safe delivery of the nuclear weapons and nuclear submarine programmes.

To ensure the capability is coordinated the successful candidate will be required to:

• Undertake regular communication with all MOD Nuclear Emergency Monitoring assets (UK, Gibraltar, Diego Garcia).
• Chair of the Biannual Nuclear Emergency Monitoring Officers Group Meetings.
• Provision of radiation monitoring and health physics support to reactors and transport emergencies policy.
• Liaison with other Government departments for the provision of the UK monitoring capability.

To ensure the capability is equipped the successful candidate will be required to:

• Act as a Radiation Protection Instrumentation Committee Member.
• Close liaison with the MOD Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Delivery Team
• Horizon scanning for new technology
• Instrumentation simulation and instrumentation audits at demonstration exercises
• Provision of support to Radiological Response & Emergency Monitoring System (RREMS) by approving system design changes and continuous improvement
• Attend, as a member, the Nuclear Emergency Arrangements Group (NEAG).
• Custodian and coordination of the Defence Monitoring Vehicle designs and support to Babcock White Fleet procurement and AJ Engineering conversion process.

To ensure that the capability is effectively trained the successful candidate will be required to:

• Act as Chair of the editorial review committee for the MOD Manual of Radiation Monitoring
• Custodian of the instructional specifications and training material for emergency monitoring.
• Custodian of the funding and coordination of the radiation monitoring training delivered to the Army, RAF and Atomic Weapons Establishment.
• Provide support and direction at nuclear monitoring demonstration exercises.

The candidate is also required to act as subject matter expert for MOD Health Physics. Responsibilities include:

• Holder of the Register for MOD Health Physicists and review of cadre experience and qualifications.
• Be available to deploy, as a collocated health physicist, to operational berths.
• On call for the coordination of follow on forces to reactor emergencies.
• Coordination and support to the Collocated Heath Physicist Watchbill.
• Skills lead for Radiation Protection in the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
• Point of contact with the wider MOD agents, civil nuclear and UK Health & Safety Authority for ensuring provision of radiation monitoring support as required.
• Coordination with the nuclear department at Sultan for review of Health Physics Training material.
• Sponsorship of the JSP 392 Management of radiation protection in defence manual, including expert advice into the document’s contents.
• Review of the Nuclear Competence Framework for Radiation Protection.

The job holder is also required to manage a DNO budget line. Responsibilities include:

• Expenditure monitoring and forward financial forecasting and invoice approval.
• Author and manager of requirements for monitoring support funded by external agencies
• Chair of the Defence Radiological Protection Service Customer Advisory Group
• Receipt invoices using the Contacting, Purchasing, and Financing software package (CP&F)

The Job Holder Is Also Required To Provide Health Physics And Monitoring Support To The Nuclear Transport Operations Group. Responsibilities Include:

• Being part of an On Call rota for Nuclear Transport Emergencies – month on month off arrangement
• Attend and contribute to the Nuclear Transport Nuclear Safety Committee & Nuclear Change Committee.
• Provide support to Nuclear Transport demonstration exercises.

Finally the post holder must:

• Complete all mandatory Ministry of Defence, site and other security training; and comply with MOD, site and other security policies and procedures; co-operate with security staff; and promptly report any suspected or actual security weakness, incident, breach or near miss.
• In addition, you must have, or be willing to undergo, developed vetting security clearance.
• Must be fully acquainted with the Establishment’s Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Regulations and procedures at all Defence Nuclear Organisation locations and complete all mandatory training.
• Must adhere to the MOD Equality and Diversity Policy and complete all mandatory training.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder.

If you need to contact Defence Business Services (DBS) regarding this vacancy, please indicate that your vacancy is being handled by Resourcing Team 1. If you experience any technical difficulties with the CS Jobs system, please contact the Support Team at [e-mail]

Person specification

Essential Skills:

• The candidate must have experience in Health Physics, Radiation Protection & Radiation Monitoring.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Completion of Health Physics Nuclear Emergency Response Course.
• Completion of Senior Health Physics Nuclear Emergency Response Course.
• Completion of Nuclear Emergency Procedures Course.

Desirable Skills:

• Previous experience of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Systems and Nuclear Weapon Systems.

Qualifications

The candidate must be a qualified Health Physicist/Radiation Protection Adviser and have completed the Nuclear Reactor Procedures Course (NRPC).

Evidence of qualification will be required at interview.

All qualifications/licences declared must be held at point of application and if applicable be in date. Equivalent Qualifications will not be accepted.

Memberships

Chartered Radiation Protection Professional

Member of Society of Radiation Protection

Evidence of membership will be required at interview.

All memberships declared must be held at point of application and if applicable be in date.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Working Together
• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• N1.4 Radiation Protection Level II
• N1.5 Nuclear Safety and Nuclear Security Assurance and Regulation Level II
• N3.1 Nuclear Emergency Response Policy Level II
• N3.2 Nuclear Emergency Preparedness Level II

Alongside your salary of £76,822, Ministry of Defence contributes £22,255 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

We Truly Believe That The MOD Is a Great Place To Work, And We Offer a Unique Employee Experience. We Want To Ensure That Every Single Employee Feels Appreciated & Fairly Rewarded And Offer The Following Additional Benefits:

• Learning and development tailored to your role and broader skill development, enabling you to build a long-term career in your chosen area. Where appropriate there will be offers of training under our apprenticeship schemes.
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
• 25 days annual leave rising to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service
• Thank You Scheme
• Defence Sports & Recreational Association (DSRA)
• Defence Discount Service

Discover My Benefits:

Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD:

https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/

London work locations may attract an allowance of £3,300 per annum.

Please note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

This post does not offer any assistance with Relocation Allowances.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Candidates can apply online via the Civil Service Jobs website by completing the application form before the deadline shown. Apply using the Civil Service Jobs apply button, filling in all required details in all sections. Using the Success Profiles link for information on format and style, ensure you provide evidence for all Behaviours and Experience sections requested in the appropriate competency style.

Candidates will be required to complete an online CV template to include job history, full details of education and qualifications and previous experiences and skills. Please also include any relevant responsibilities and achievements.

Please note: Not following the appropriate format will mean that you may be unable to reach the required grades for sift or interview.

When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.

Interviews will be conducted over Microsoft Teams.

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came into effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points-based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical.

The role currently being advertised has not been assessed as business critical and is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points-based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected, and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.

MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – we may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window). See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is developed vetting (opens in a new window). See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact :

• Name : DNO Recruitment Team
• Email : [e-mail]

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]

Further information

Please see Further Information document attached.