About the job

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 Warhead Directorate leads the UK nuclear warhead programme which provides a stockpile of reliable, safe and effective nuclear warheads to support the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent now and in the future.

We in the Nuclear Transport Operations planning team deliver safely, securely and timely Defence Nuclear Material to meet the goals of the Nuclear Enterprise.

The volume and demand of the work would make it difficult for this post to be undertaken on a limited-time basis. 

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The post supports the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) Manager in planning and delivering support to DNO Transport Operations whilst on the Road, Rail or in the Air.

As a JOC controller you will be working with Police, other emergency services, Highways England and other to ensure the smooth flow of information and control during Operations which can be rostered overnight and at weekends.

The post is listed as a post that can be in receipt of the Nuclear SQEP Awareness level allowance. Once suitably SQEP, an application can be made to the approval panel to be awarded the allowance.

Full training including continuation will be provided for this role through both MoD training facilities, external providers and tailored internal training opportunities.

The primary purpose of this post is to ensure that the JOC is able to support the Nuclear Transport Operations with equipment, personnel and documentation working with other team members both in Aldermaston and Bristol.

We are a small and diverse team of Engineers, Planners and Operators working directly alongside Military personnel to ensure continued Safe, Secure and Timely delivery of a mission critical to defence.

If this sounds exciting then this role could be for you!

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 office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. 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 (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements. 

Person specification

Responsibilities

Handle the procurement and maintenance of all new and in-service JOC equipment through support contractors.

Select, train, qualify and mentor personnel to operate in the JOC.

Maintain an active liaison with AWE, FR projects teams and US planners to meet their requirements, with opportunities to travel!

Briefing senior managers from the MoD, OGD and UK allies on nuclear transportation issues.

Develop a deep and detailed understanding of the roles of the various military and civilian organisations and agencies involved in Road/Rail and Air Operations.

Desirable Skills

1. Experience of working in an Operational Control Room environment (military or civilian).
2. Working with military/police organisations.
3. Working with US / French agencies
4. Two years’ experience of working in Defence Nuclear Programmes with knowledge of policies and procedures across all lifecycle phases.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £35,290, Ministry of Defence contributes £9,528 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

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

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 the Behaviours and Experience sections in the appropriate competency style.  

Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.  

At sift, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours: 

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Managing A Quality Service 

At interview, you will be assessed against the following Success Profiles Behaviours:  

• Leadership
• Working Together

At interview, you will be assessed against the following Technical Skills: 

Nuc 2.3 Management of the Nuclear Transport Programme 
Nuc 3.2 Nuclear Emergency Response Planning 
Nuc 3.3 Nuclear Emergency Response Delivery  

*Please note that not following the appropriate format will mean that you may be unable to reach the required grades for sift or interview* 
 
The requirements for the role have been benchmarked and these will be used to sift all candidates, with those meeting the minimum requirements invited to interview.  
 
You have 250 words to answer each Behaviour (competency style) and around 1250 words for a Personal Statement, where you have the opportunity to show how you meet the requirements of the role. 
 
Candidates are advised that due to the sensitivity of the role we can only accept UK Nationals and you will also be expected to achieve Developed Vetting clearance, above the normal clearance level expected for the MoD.   

No application can be accepted after the closing date.  
 
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.  

Nationality Requirements - Further Information for Candidates

1. This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per Civil Service Nationality Rules Section 3. In accordance with these rules, ‘only UK nationals may be employed in reserved posts in the Civil Service’[1] (Paragraph. 3.1).

UK National Definition

     2. The definition of a ‘UK National’ can be found at Paragraphs. 1.4-1.8 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Dual Nationals

     3.  As per Paragraph. 1.41 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:

     a)   ‘Candidates with dual nationality are in principle eligible for employment in the Civil Service provided that they meet the requirements in relation to one of their nationalities [i.e. UK National]. They may not be eligible, however, for employment in certain reserved posts where additional nationality requirements are imposed.’ 

Additional Restrictions for Reserved Posts

      4. As per Paragraphs. 3.10-3.11 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules: 

      a) Departments and agencies are entitled to impose additional requirements in reserved posts if this is considered necessary. This could include, for example, requirements as to the residency of the applicant or the nationality of one or both parents of the applicant.’

      5, If you are a Dual National who possesses UK Nationality and wish to check your eligibility for the post, please contact our recruiting team at the details below. Please be advised that we will not be able to provide a justification for our decision for security reasons. 

DNO External Recruitment DNO-ExternalRecruiting@mod.gov.uk

[1]  Irish nationals and Commonwealth citizens are also eligible for employment in reserved posts if they were in the Civil Service at 31 May 1996 or before, or were appointed from a recruitment scheme with a closing date for receipt of applications before 1 June 1996. (Paragraph. 3.1) 

As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to 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.  

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

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.

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.