Advanced Reactors, Senior Reactor Operator (SRO)

Idaho National Laboratory has several positions available for Senior Reactor Operators to work in our Advanced Reactor Division. This position supports INL and Reactor Vendors collaboration in design, operations support, reactor fueling, operations, and reactor removal. Our team works a rotating schedule located out of our Materials and Fuels Complex.

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is leading the Nation's efforts in development and deployment of Micro-Reactors. With the establishment of the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) and in partnership with multiple reactor technology vendors INL is poised to take the new generation of Micro-Reactors from the drawing board to reality. In support of this expansion multiple facilities are being re-purposed to house these reactors, supporting a series of installation, startup, testing, and removal activities. The reactors will use cutting edge technology and design requiring highly qualified Operators to understand the reactor dynamics, reactivity control systems, Balance of Plant equipment, and operating sequences. These projects will be executed on accelerated timelines requiring staff to be involved in aspects of Design, Safety Basis Development, Equipment Layout and Fabrication, Training and Procedure Development, System Operability Testing, Reactor Fueling, Transport, Assembly, and Disassembly.

As a Senior Reactor Operator reporting to the Shift Supervisor, you are responsible for safely directing Operations, Vendor/Subcontractor, and Maintenance personnel to execute a broad variety of assigned tasks. Responsible for execution of procedures to ensure that the limits for the assigned reactor are adhered to, ensuring that the safety boundaries and limits are always respected as the highest priority, while ensuring that simultaneous excellence is achieved in efficiency and reliability of work scope execution.

Responsibilities Include:

• Accountable to the Reactor Manager and/or Shift Supervisor for the execution of all operations and testing of the assigned reactor project.
• Ensuring facility criticality safety controls are understood and implemented during fuel fabrication/assembly and reactor fueling activities.
• Actively participate in the development review and approval as assigned for preparatory procedures, site preparation plans, transport plans, installation and disassembly plans, training materials, reactor fueling, and commissioning planning for assigned micro-reactors.
• Ensure reactor safety through the personal oversight/operation of the reactivity management and safe shutdown systems and the implementation of required controls to ensure that all operations are conducted with the required conservatism.
• Support and adherence to a strict Nuclear Safety Culture that executes all tasks safely and deliberately. Provide leadership and mentoring of staff to ensure standards of performance and Conduct of Operations are in accordance with BEA expectations. Ensure the principles of ALARA are integrated into all aspects of reactor assembly, fueling, operations, transport, and disassembly activities.
• Direct and oversee reactor testing, ensuring it is performed in strict conformance with Technical Safety Requirements, Facility Safety Analysis requirements and other documents that make up the reactor Safety Authorization Basis, and other approved implementing documents, procedures and operating manuals.
• Control work performed on the assigned reactor and facility systems. Review proposed changes to reactor/facility controlling documents to ensure they are compatible with safe and efficient operation and other organizational objectives. Ensure reactor/facility activities are conducted in accordance with approved plans and schedules and that plant conditions are such that the work can be performed safely.
• Maintain Senior Reactor Operator Certification. Responsible for training and certification of all operations personnel as assigned. Ensure that only certified/qualified and proficient individual operate reactor/facility equipment and watch stations.
• Provide leadership example and mentoring of staff in nuclear safety and just culture principles, utilizing techniques that will reinforce the expected standards of the safety culture through the organization.
• Provide work direction/oversight to shift operating personnel during reactor testing, steady state and abnormal operations, reactor startups, and emergency situations. Take required actions during emergencies in accordance with approved Emergency Procedures.
• Coordinate and provide liaison with construction, vendor, waste and other support groups for safe, efficient, and effective installation, transport, fueling, operation, and de-mob of the assigned reactor as directed by the Shift Supervisor.
• Direct the shutdown or restriction of operations whenever judgement dictates that such a restriction is necessary to protect the health and safety of the public, workers, or to protect property.
• Direct operations, maintenance, and testing processes authorized by the Plan of the Week/Day within the bounds of site and contractual requirements.
• Direct operations of the assigned reactor plant and associated equipment using approved procedures.
• Complete and maintain qualifications in designated specialized areas of facility and process operations.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Understand all DOE and BEA requirements for nuclear facility shutdown and safe reactor operations, and apply these requirements to determine required scopes, activity schedules, and required resources. Ensure the reactor is operated within technical specification and DSA requirements. Maintain nuclear and personnel safety as the highest priority but achieve simultaneous excellence in efficient and reliable execution of work scope.
• Understanding of conduct of operations and excellent knowledge of basic engineering theory.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Understanding technically complex written direction in work-related documents.
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and operation of reactor plant systems.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Minimum Requirements:

• Level 5: Minimum 6 + years working technical experience in nuclear facility operations, testing, and maintenance. Strong knowledge and experience in nuclear reactor and plant fundamentals including nuclear physics, thermodynamics, hydraulics, materials, fluid mechanics, control systems, and instrumentation.
• Recent (within last 5 years) Senior Reactor Operator or Reactor Operator qualification (US Navy, NRC License or equivalent certification) at a nuclear reactor. Must be able to obtain and maintain DOE Senior Reactor Operator Certification
• Must be a US Citizen and have the ability and willingness obtain "L" or "Q" clearance if necessary.
• Must meet the expectations of all employees at MFC. Demonstrated strong work ethic, integrity, customer service mentality, and technical skills for the position.
• Expected to complete clearance paperwork, qualification and/or certification in a timely manner.
• The required coursework will contain numerous exams to demonstrate technical content knowledge.

Job Information:

• The pay range for this position is Level 5 ($46.61/hour- $79.23/hour). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and may work in confined spaces. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and operating a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.
INL Mission
Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision
Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements
To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information
When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

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