Environment and Sustainability Advisor

The UK Government has established UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd , a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), to lead the charge in delivering fusion energy through design and delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant. UKFE is establishing itself, setting up the company, attracting talent, engaging with industry, developing a supply chain, and planning and constructing of the STEP prototype.

Fusion energy, crucial for combating climate change and ensuring energy independence, is expected to be commercially viable by mid-century. The UK, led by UKFE, aims for a prototype fusion plant, targeting first operations around 2040. UK Fusion Energy Ltd. will lead delivery, collaborating with industrial partners and building a fusion supply chain with an estimated global sector value of £7tn per year. Join UKFE and the STEP programme to be involved in this ground breaking journey.

As an employee of UKFE, you will benefit from

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders,
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays
• Wide range of career development opportunities
• A vibrant culture committed to being fully inclusive
• A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/
• The salary for this role is £51,317l + excellent benefits including outstanding pension.
• This position is based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire
• For more information on UKFE, visit: https://careers.ukaea.uk/wp-content/uploads/download/UKIFS_CandidateRecruitmentPack.pdf
• The closing date for this advert is set for the 20th November 2026.
• As Environment & Sustainability Advisor, you'll work closely with engineering, construction, procurement and operational teams to ensure environmental excellence across the programme. Key responsibilities will include:
• Supporting the continual improvement and implementation of our ISO 14001 Environmental Management System.
• Providing environmental and sustainability advice across project delivery activities.
• Supporting delivery of the programme's Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) strategy and wider environmental commitments.
• Undertaking environmental audits, inspections and assurance activities.
• Monitoring environmental performance and sustainability metrics, including carbon and greenhouse gas reporting.
• Contributing to Net Zero initiatives, sustainable procurement, resource efficiency and circular economy programmes.
• Supporting environmental compliance across contractors, suppliers and delivery partners.
• Preparing environmental reports for programme governance, regulatory bodies and corporate sustainability reporting requirements.
• Promoting environmental awareness, best practice and continuous improvement across the organisation.

About You

We're looking for an environmental professional who combines technical expertise with a collaborative and proactive approach.

You will bring

Experience working within environmental management, sustainability or compliance roles.

Knowledge of environmental legislation, regulatory requirements and environmental management systems, ideally ISO 14001.

Experience of environmental auditing, monitoring and assurance activities.

Understanding of biodiversity, sustainability and carbon management principles.

Experience analysing environmental performance data and preparing reports.

Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and build effective relationships across multidisciplinary teams.

A passion for sustainability, environmental stewardship and continuous improvement.

Experience supporting major infrastructure, construction, engineering, energy or highly regulated programmes would be advantageous.

Why Join UKFE?

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the UK's most exciting and innovative programmes. Fusion energy has the potential to provide clean, safe and sustainable energy for future generations, and you'll be at the heart of ensuring its development is delivered responsibly and sustainably.

In return, you'll work alongside world-leading experts in a collaborative environment where innovation, sustainability and excellence drive everything we do.

Help us build the future of energy while protecting the environment for generations to come.

Essential

• Degree (or equivalent) qualification in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability or a related discipline.
• Significant experience delivering environmental and/or sustainability activities within infrastructure, energy, utilities, construction, nuclear or major capital projects.
• Good understanding of UK environmental legislation, policy and regulatory requirements.
• Experience implementing and maintaining environmental management systems (ISO 14001).
• Experience undertaking environmental audits or compliance inspections.
• Practical knowledge of carbon management, greenhouse gas reporting or PAS 2080.
• Experience contributing to and overseeing environmental assessments, environmental management plans and sustainability initiatives.
• Experience applying sustainability frameworks and reporting standards.
• Practitioner Membership of ISEP (or equivalent), or working towards professional membership.

Beneficial

Experience supporting Development Consent Order (DCO), Town and Country Planning or environmental permitting processes.

Experience of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Understanding of climate adaptation and resilience assessment.

Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) or working towards chartership.

Internal or Lead Auditor qualification.

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organisation. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

UKFE is committed to being accessible. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions. Whilst not required at this time, there is a possibility of an SC Clearance being required in the future. If a candidate already holds an SC clearance, that clearance can be transferred to UKFE.

As we work towards our mission and goals, guided by our principles, STEP has six behaviours that are intended to capture the spirit of how we work:

We champion safety

We all matter

We act as one

We embrace change

We are pioneering

We deliver

For applicants applying from outside the United Kingdom or those who have spent time outside the UK in the last five years, please visit the following link for information on criminal records checks: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants If your country of residence or previous residence is not listed on the website or if the UK Government does not have information on obtaining a criminal records check from that state, we regret to inform you that we cannot process your application.