Job description for Radiological Protection Development Scheme

The SDA is looking for talented, motivated and creative university graduates to join our Radiological Protection Development Scheme and become our Radiological Protection Professionals of the future.

During this 2 year scheme, successful applicants will undertake various work-based placements across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE); SDA Delivery Teams, Babcock, BAE, Rolls Royce, the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), and Navy Command to support personal development, scheme completion and initial professional development towards Incorporated or Chartered status.

Through placement opportunities at waterfront establishments, industry partners you’ll also get an understanding of the systems in place to support our Royal Navy colleagues who are ‘hands on’ with the equipment.

There is also potential to undertake further academic study through our upskilling programme (MSc), and opportunity to access technical training and continuous professional development.

The Scheme provides excellent experience to apply for permanent roles within DNE to continue your career and personal development. You will also be eligible to apply to the Royal Navy Medical Services Officer Submariner role. Please be aware some roles we recruit for may require Developed Vetting clearance at a later stage.

Depending on the placements you are allocated to, hybrid working may be available but there is an expectation that employees will be in the workplace on a regular basis.

You can choose your preferred base location from the following sites:

• MOD Abbey Wood, Filton, Bristol, Avon BS34 8JH
• HMNB Clyde, Faslane, Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute G84 0EH
• HMNB Devonport, Plymouth, Devon PL2 2BG

At the SDA, we champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance.

What you’ll be doing

Providing support to engineering staff across the business assisting with technical activities, while continually developing yourself.

You’ll be involved in the following:

• Undertaking a structured technical training programme based around our platforms and DNE partners systems to develop capabilities in a defence context
• Solving radiological protection problems through the in-service life of the equipment and developing upgrades to ensure it continues to provide the battle-winning “edge” our customers need
• Delivering radiological protection advice/services against agreed objectives to develop knowledge and experience and adding value to the team and wider business
• Building awareness and understanding of how the MOD and wider industry operates to assist in your own development and career progression
• Building and maintaining a network of internal business contacts and peers to gain knowledge and identify opportunities to learn and develop

Person specification

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• You must already have or will achieve a minimum of 2.2 in an Engineering or Science related Honours Degree (or equivalent)

In addition to the responsibilities above, the following technical competences and behaviours will be assessed at interview:

• Application of Analytical Techniques – Supervised Practitioner
• Technical Requirements, Evaluation and Acceptance – Supervised Practitioner
• Communicating and Influencing – CSBC 2
• Working Together – CSBC 2

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £27,800, Ministry of Defence contributes £7,506 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 25 days’ annual leave +1 day a year up to 30 days, 8 bank holidays and a day off for the King’s birthday
• Flexible and hybrid working options
• Market-leading average employer pension contribution of 27%
• Annual performance-based bonus and recognition awards
• Access to specialist training and funded qualifications
• Support for progression
• Huge range of discounts
• Volunteering days
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Improving innovation and enriching our culture, diversity of thought is vital to our success. So whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, a next step, or a helping hand as you return from a career break, bring your experiences and help deliver for the defence of tomorrow. Here you’ll find a supportive, family-friendly organisation to be a part of – and if you need any assistance with your application, just let us know.

Further Information

• Candidate Information Pack: https://bit.ly/SDA-Candidate-Information-Pack
• Terms and Conditions: https://bit.ly/DES-SDA-Terms-and-Conditions

Selection process details

Your application will go through the following stages of assessment:

1. Pre-sift – We will check that you meet any essential or eligibility criteria that are listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the essential criteria.
2. Sift – Your CV will be assessed against the following categories, using a simple numerical scoring system: Key Achievements; Relevant Experience; Applied Knowledge and Skills. Please follow our guidance on CV writing for best chance of success.
3. Interview – If you’re invited to interview, you’ll be assessed against the Sift categories listed above, as well as the Technical Competences and Behaviours listed in the Person Specification section of this advert. When two (or more) candidates are on equal interview scores, positions will be offered based on the scores assessed at interview, in this order – 1st) Technical competence, 2nd) CV Review, 3rd) Behaviour one, 4th) Behaviour two.

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