Nuclear Waste Services has a vacancy for an experienced Senior Geologist to join our Harwell, Oxfordshire team flexible working across the NWS estate.
Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) is the Government organisation responsible for the delivery of a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) for the UK’s inventory of higher activity wastes. The selection of a suitable site is based upon a consent-based process, where there is both a willing community and a suitable geological setting. At present, there are several communities which have formed a Community Partnership.
Job Purpose
NWS is undertaking a site characterisation programme to inform the site selection, design and safety case development for the Geological Disposal Facilities (GDF). This programme will involve a broad range of characterisation activities, including geophysical surveys, drilling deep boreholes, downhole surveys, hydraulic testing within the marine environment, as well as shallow ground investigations to characterise the surface site and accessways that connect the GDF to the surface site. The site characterisation represents a step-change in the GDF programme, with a transition from design to implementation activities.
Nuclear Waste Services is looking for a Senior Geologist to join the Site Investigation Team within the Site Characterisation and Research and Development Function. Within this position, you will be responsible for planning, specifying, managing and obtaining data from geological investigations. Supported by a small team of Geological Investigations Managers, as well as with input from NWS Subject Matter Experts (geophysicists, hydrogeologists etc) and under the direction of the Site Investigation Lead, you will be responsible for development and technical oversight of needs-driven plans for geoscientific investigations and supporting research. An important part of the role will be working with end-users, in particular the engineering design and safety case teams, to design site investigation programmes that provide the data and information they require. Most of the work will be undertaken in the supply chain with close technical leadership from you and your team.
- Line management of two Geological Investigation Managers.
- Development and delivery of needs-driven plans for geoscientific investigations
- Coordinate the teams involved with the design and delivery of needs-driven investigations across all sites
- Responsible for preparing technical specifications suitable for procuring the full range of investigations and related activities needed to meet the site-specific design, safety and environmental assessment information requirements
- Responsible for technical management of an interdisciplinary supply chain to support the development of geoscientific outputs that support the GDF Siting Process
- Responsible for ensuring geoscientific inputs to site evaluations, preliminary assessments and Initial Site Evaluations and that they are delivered to robust quality standards
- Responsible for developing site-specific geosphere characterisation plans that meet the requirements of the GDF Programme.
- Supporting the Major Permissions Team in delivering the necessary permits and consents for geoscientific investigations.
- External liaison and relationship building with the likes of specialist suppliers, regulators, Geological Society and importantly with communities within which investigation are being planned.
Essential
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience in subsurface investigation programmes
- A degree in Geoscience or a relevant engineering geology / geotechnical degree
- Experience in one or more of the following: infrastructure, mineral exploration, mining, hydrocarbon exploration or deep geological disposal programmes
- Practical (field/site) experience
- Chartership, or working towards, in a relevant professional institute
- Experience of technical leadership in geoscientific projects including management of interdisciplinary teams and delivery of outputs to time, cost, budget and safety requirements
- Experience and knowledge of procurements for geoscientific investigation work from specification to contract award and delivery
- Evidence of communication skills including report writing and public speaking.
Advantageous
- Experience and knowledge of the full range of site investigation techniques available to characterise the GDF footprint (200-1000m below surface), accessways (0m to 1000m) and the surface site (0m).
- Experience of onshore and offshore site investigations
- Knowledge of the principles of data and records management, site descriptive model and systems engineering
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to act as a credible “ambassador” for NWS with external bodies
