Applications close: 11 September 2023

• Position number - 13646
• Executive Level 2 Lower
• $134,786 - $153,061 + an additional 15.4% Superannuation
• Preference will be given to candidates who hold Australian citizenship or possess permanent residency status leading to citizenship. However, the position is open to international candidates.
• Miranda Sydney NSW
• Ongoing
• Regulatory Services Branch
• Section: Waste, Decommissioning and Transport

Section overview

The Waste, Decommissioning and Transport (WDT) Section has recently been established within the Regulatory Services Branch (RSB). This new section is responsible for regulation of legacy sites, waste stores, waste operational facilities, decommissioning activities and for coordination of ARPANSA’s engagement with the Australian Radioactive Waste Agency (ARWA) in developing its national strategy for decommissioning, and establishing disposal pathways for low and intermediate level radioactive waste.  This includes the assessment of new and amended licence applications, compliance monitoring via an inspection program and producing regulatory standards and guidance. The WDT Section also has responsibilities for ensuring ARPANSA’s transport competent authority obligations are met.  The Section will support national and international engagement activities including relevant International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safety Standards Committees, the Joint Convention on spent-fuel and radioactive waste management, and OECD-Nuclear Energy Agency activities including the Radioactive Waste Management Committee and the Committee on Decommissioning and Legacy Management.

What we offer

Working at ARPANSA represents a dynamic and exciting opportunity to grow your career and access capability-building professional opportunities.  At ARPANSA, our workforce priorities are building sustainable capability to enable achievement of ARPANSA’s mission, leading as an employer of choice in all the fields we provide opportunities, and strategically aligning our work to deliver meaningful outcomes for the Australian Community.  A role at ARPANSA involves:

• Values and behaviours that underpin a culture characterised by commitment, respect, delivery, inclusion and collegiality.
• Opportunities to engage with national and international stakeholders, in a context that values leading practice science.
• The opportunity to pursue your interests while contributing to the Australian community.
• A commitment to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees are valued.  We appreciate the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals and harness a collaborative environment.  We actively encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds.
• Great working conditions including competitive salaries with 15.4% superannuation, generous leave conditions, flexible work practices, modern amenities, and free parking at both our Yallambie and Miranda sites.

Primary purpose of the role

Under broad direction from the Branch Head, the Director Waste, Decommissioning and Transport is responsible for regulation of legacy sites, waste stores, waste operational facilities and decommissioning activities undertaken by Commonwealth licence holders to ensure compliance with the ARPANS Act and Regulations.  The role is also responsible for ensuring ARPANSA’s obligations as Transport Competent Authority are met, and for interfacing with other Commonwealth government agencies and stakeholders in the areas of radioactive waste management and transport of radioactive material.

Key accountabilities

• Lead, manage, and provide strategic direction to the Waste, Decommissioning and Transport Section, including developing a compliance monitoring program for legacy sites, waste stores, operational waste facilities and decommissioning activities;
• Provide high level support to the CEO of ARPANSA, through the Branch Head and Executive Group, in areas of technical policy development, including the development of radiation protection and nuclear safety guidelines, particularly in the areas of radioactive waste management, transport of radioactive materials and decommissioning;
• Lead, manage and undertake inspections, audits and other activities associated with ARPANSA’s regulatory functions with regards to legacy sites, waste stores, waste management facilities and decommissioning activities;
• Engage with ARWA, and other relevant agencies, in the development of its national strategy for decommissioning and the establishment of disposal pathways for low and intermediate level radioactive waste; and
• Represent ARPANSA and Australia at appropriate national and international forums

Our ideal candidate - job specific capabilities

The successful applicant will have highly developed leadership and managerial skills with a demonstrated record of successfully driving change and being able to respond flexibly and promptly to organisational changes.  The applicant must also be capable of developing productive working relationships between both of ARPANSA’s offices and motivating staff to successfully contribute to the business outcomes of the Branch and the Agency.

The applicant must have a degree or advanced degree in science or engineering from an Australian university or alternative, or have comparable qualifications or equivalent experience.  The applicant must also have excellent leadership, communication and consultation skills and expertise in writing scientific and/or technical documents.

Candidates who hold Australian citizenship or possess permanent residency status leading to citizenship will be preferred, although the post is open to international candidates. Candidates must be prepared to travel interstate and overseas from time to time as required.  As a minimum, ARPANSA requires all new employees to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance as a condition of engagement. However this role will require the incumbent to obtain and maintain a higher level of security clearance.

Selection criteria

There are five selection criteria for this position. If you want to advance your career, please tells us your skills, experiences and achievements that demonstrate all selection criteria in no more than 1000 words in total.

1.  Demonstrated leadership capability to manage professional, technical and administrative staff to deliver organisational strategic outcomes;

2.  Demonstrated experience in regulatory or operational activities relating to radiation protection and/or nuclear safety; 

3.  Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the areas of radioactive waste management, transport of radioactive materials and decommissioning activities;

4.  Demonstrated ability to lead manage and achieve quality outcomes in major projects through clear, concise and readily understood planning, communication leadership and reporting;

5. High level interpersonal and communication skills which demonstrate a capacity to work collaboratively and build and sustain positive relationships with staff and a range of key internal and external stakeholders and clients.

Eligibility

Employment with ARPANSA is subject to:

• conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999.
• Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) granting a security clearance at the required level.
• evidence of qualifications required of the role.
• evidence of a completed national police-check with no risks identified by ARPANSA.
• the CEO of ARPANSA, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.

The Australian Government Security Clearance Application Guide Book provides information on minimum eligibility requirements for holding a security clearance at the required level.  Please ensure that you are able to provide the necessary documents if you apply for the position. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the AGSVA website.

How to apply

Applications can be lodged through ARPANSA Careers.

Your application will consist of resume, ARPANSA cover letter, contact details for two referees and a ‘1000-word pitch’ that considers:

• Key accountabilities
• Job specific capabilities
• Selection criteria.

ARPANSA recognises the need for our workforce to reflect the community we serve and provide an inclusive environment that respects and values diversity.  We strongly encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

RecruitAbility

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy.  Under the RecruitAbility scheme applicants who choose to apply under the scheme will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy, where they meet the minimum requirements for the position.  ARPANSA will provide reasonable adjustments or flexibilities in the recruitment process as requested.  For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability.

Merit pool

The selection process will establish a merit pool that may be used to fill similar positions within 18 months of advertising.

Enterprise Agreement

To find out more about the employment conditions at ARPANSA, please refer to our Enterprise Agreement.

Thank you for your interest

– ARPANSA