Radioactive Substances Principal Inspector

Post is subject to Pay Supplement making salary £74,145 for 3 years

Your passion has never had a greater purpose

Here at SEPA, we’re connected by a passion that drives us to be purposeful in every action we take – to protect our environment. Through our expertise, we lead projects that make a difference for Scotland, and our workplaces are grounded in respect for that expertise.

That’s why, when you join us as Radioactive Substances Principal Inspector, you’ll discover enriching benefits, meaningful support, and opportunities to learn every day. That’s what it means to be Passionately Purposeful – for our environment, and for your career.

On appointment of this role, the contracted job title will show as Specialist 1.

Work that goes beyond your desk

Experts at what we do, we work in a professional way towards our shared goals, knowing the work we do makes a genuine, lasting difference on the environment. As Radioactive Substances Principal Inspector, that involves:

• To be responsible for the implementation of The Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 and other relevant legislation at specified premises covering nuclear licensed sites and other sites e.g. hospitals, universities, offshore premises and sites that are regulated under the Radioactive Contaminated Land (Scotland) Regulations 2009. This post will focus primarily on the regulation of the Dounreay nuclear site.
• To scrutinise and assess applications for authorisations to dispose of radioactive wastes and examine operator BPM cases, ensuring consistency with other regulated sectors.
• To determine authorisations in response to applications, including preparation of decision documents and evaluation of consultee responses.
• Carrying out and reporting on inspections both as part of a routine programme and in response to incidents and complaints.
• Investigate complaints or reports of pollution incidents, taking appropriate action and preparing relevant reports, proposing enforcement action, seeking corrective measures and dealing with the public.
• To contribute as requested to the drafting of media and other written responses to enquiries associated with the control of radioactive substances.
• To attend and represent SEPA at external meetings.
• Participate in Out of Hours Duty Rota.

Respect for your expertise

This is a highly important role within our Regulation, Business & Environment portfolio, which means you’ll need:

• Degree or equivalent qualification level in relevant science of engineering subject
• Previous relevant experience in radioactive substances/ nuclear industry
• Understanding of the principles of radiological protection
• Understanding of requirements of SEPA’s regulatory regimes
• Knowledge and understanding of radioactive substances/ nuclear industry
• Full UK Drivers Licence as driving essential to role

Please open the link to the Radioactive Substances Principal Inspector which outlines the core responsibilities and expectations of the role within a defined activity family.  Please note the role profile name may be different to the job title being advertised.

Support that goes beyond the workplace

We’re cultivating a workplace that supports not only your passion and your professional lives, but your personal life. So, you’ll find benefits that make a difference at work and at home. Such as:

• Hybrid and Flexible working opportunities
• Up to 35 days annual leave and 7 additional public holidays each year (pro rata)
• Paid time off to support your Wellbeing and enable you to Volunteer in your community  
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Progressive Family Friendly policies  
• Training & development to enable colleagues to improve their skills, competencies and knowledge to perform at their best.

Plus, many more lifestyle benefits such as 24/7 access to an online employee discount platform, credit union facilities and access to a Cycle to Work Scheme.

Passionately you. Purposefully supportive

SEPA is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and good relations in everything it does – as a community leader, as a provider and commissioner of services, and as an employer.

Passionately Purposeful about Scotland’s environment – and your career.

Protecting our environment, promoting our work, and supporting our people, working at SEPA means being part of an organisation that’s grounded in respect for your expertise – and your wellbeing. So you can be your best, and make the biggest impact.

We recruit solely based on merit. Our shortlisting process is conducted on an anonymous basis. Please ensure that you include all relevant information when you apply.

We support flexible working arrangements to help you maintain a healthy balance between career and homelife. This includes working part time, reduced hours, job sharing, working remotely. As a flexible first employer we are open to having conversations about flexible working arrangements that work for you and SEPA from day 1 of your employment with us.

We are proud to be a 'Disability Confident' employer and will work to identify and implement reasonable adjustments and equipment to support you in the role that you do.

Applicants with a visual impairment can request job descriptions and application forms in Braille, large print or on tape.

For the security and wellbeing of our colleagues, successful candidates will undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks including a level two Disclosure Scotland check.

If you have questions or need any assistance with the recruitment process please contact SEPA’s Recruitment Team at [email protected]

Apply now to join a Passionately Purposeful workplace

Closing date: 10 March 2026.