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Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. Our directorates related to Mission Support & Operations include Office of General Counsel, Business Services, Communications and External Engagement, Operational Systems, Communications and Information Technology, and Performance Management. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Operational Systems Directorate (OSD) leads delivery of PNNL’s 10-year, $1.2 billion campus construction portfolio— the single largest construction and modernization effort in the Laboratory’s history. OSD oversees operations and facility services, maintenance, and infrastructure planning.

A team of nearly 800 staff comprise OSD, spanning in a wide range of disciplines, including craftspeople, engineers, construction professionals, technicians, scientists, administrators, and specialists. Together, they ensure that PNNL’s assets, services, and OSD-led programs are managed and performing safely, securely, reliably, effectively, and efficiently.

The directorate stewards more than $250 million in annual budget authority; managing more than 2.5 million square feet of facility space across two campuses; overseeing approximately 200 regulatory program areas; and executing a multi-million-dollar facility and infrastructure project portfolio.

The Facilities & Infrastructure Operations (F&IO) Division is responsible for operating and maintaining PNNL’s buildings, grounds, and utilities. The F&IO team includes plant engineering, fabrication, craft services, duplicating and mail services, facility program support, relocations, and receiving. F&IO is home to approximately 363 staff including more than 250 bargaining unit (union) staff.

Responsibilities

The Shielded Facilities Operations (SFO) team seeks a Nuclear Operations Technical Specialist to support operations, interface with Research staff at the Radiochemical Processing Laboratory (RPL), and provide operations support for execution of construction activities associated with RPL Extension of Life project. The RPL is a Hazard Category II non-reactor nuclear research facility located in the 300 area of PNNL campus. It has assisted the nation with critical mission needs in nuclear science since 1953. RPL staff execute projects that promote reactor safety, improve and expand nuclear waste clean-up efforts, isolate isotopes to cure cancer, and advance nuclear nonproliferation technology. The SFO group operates and maintains the various building hot cell facilities which includes working with and remotely handling high-level radioactive samples and specimens to support a wide range of research and development projects in the RPL. The SFO team also maintains building radiological gloveboxes and ancillary systems to safely and efficiently support research and development work.

This position reports to the Shielded Facilities Operations Manager and will directly support research and development work within the Radiochemical Processing Laboratory (RPL), a Category II, Non-Reactor Nuclear Facility. Candidate may also interface with PNNL Construction and Project Management staff to support RPL Extension of Life work that will see many upgrades to the RPL over an eight to ten year period. Candidate will provide oversight, integrate resources, coordinate field work and supplies a level of technical authority for hot cell, glovebox, and radiological fume hood operations within the RPL.

Execution of this position requires experience and knowledge to work with high-activity nuclear materials. Work must meet 10 CFR 830 regulatory and nuclear safety basis requirements. The position is expected to implement an in-depth knowledge of the requirements of technical work documents associated with hot cell and glovebox operations. Other duties include planning and managing work schedules and interfacing with R&D personnel, leading and directing multidisciplinary teams, evaluating proposed changes to safety significant equipment, reviewing field documentation, writing and/or revising standard operating procedures, conducting assessments, and serving in various support assignments critical to RPL operations. These assignments may include the following:

+ Management of classified material.

+ Managing SFO workspaces through the Lab Assist program.

+ Material Balance Area (MBA) custodian.

+ Criticality Safety oversight.

+ Fissionable material handling.

+ Radiological and hazardous waste management.

+ Transportation of nuclear materials.

+ Planning and directing material handling and hoisting and rigging activities to include movement of gloveboxes, casks, and hot cell equipment.

+ Development of technical Statements of Work and oversight of contracted work to design, develop, and order specialized remote operations equipment and execute subcontracted field work at the RPL.

+ Maintaining hot cells and gloveboxes available for operations needed to support research and development.

+ Conducting On the Job Training (OJT) with both junior and senior staff.

Candidate is expected to understand DOE Order 422.1, Conduct of Operations and how to apply these principles in day-to-day work.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

+ BS/BA and 7 years of relevant experience -OR-

+ MS/MA or higher and 5 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

+ Proven expertise in operating and overseeing electromechanical manipulators and remote handling techniques in complex environments.

+ Led or supervised hoisting and rigging operations, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.

+ Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite for technical reporting, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration.

+ Extensive hands-on experience in nuclear operations and facility environments, including hot cells, radiological gloveboxes, and fume hoods.

+ Demonstrated leadership in supervising and mentoring technical staff, ensuring operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

+ Effectively collaborated with Scientists, Engineers, and multidisciplinary teams in high-stakes R&D environments.

+ In-depth understanding and application of 10 CFR 830 nuclear safety basis requirements and DOE O 422.1 Conduct of Operations.

+ Direct experience with the DOE Unreviewed Safety Question (USQ) process and related nuclear safety reviews.

+ Strong written and verbal communication skills with a track record of presenting complex technical topics to diverse audiences, including facility and project management,and external stakeholders.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Routinely works with radioactive and other hazardous materials and waste.

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

Requirements:

+ U.S. Citizenship

+ Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.

+ Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can be demonstrated.

Testing Designated Position

This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [email protected] .

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO)risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $127,000.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $190,600.00/Yr.