Nuclear Operations Technician

NextEra Energy Resources; Iowa, Northern (LA, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal Opportunity Employer

Reasonable accommodation in selection

Job summary

NextEra Energy is seeking an Operations Technician for the Nuclear Operations team at the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo, Iowa. You will serve as the eyes and hands of the Control Room operators, combining technical skills with safety vigilance to maintain peak performance and the highest safety standards.

Working in a team-oriented environment, you will rotate through days, nights, and weekends, gaining broad plant exposure and accelerated learning opportunities.

Qualifications

• High School Grad / GED is required.
• Candidate must pass the POSS (Plant Operator Selection system) test as part of the interview process.
• Preferred: engineering/ STEM degree or related technical training in operations.
• Navy Nuclear Training or accredited operations program is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Observe material conditions and plant indicators to assess performance of equipment.
• Report off-normal conditions to Control Room staff for safe operation.
• Perform mitigating actions during emergencies under supervision.
• Operate Radwaste System controls and participate in Radiation Protection tasks.
• Maintain logs and records of equipment and operations.

Education

High School Grad / GED

Bachelor’s - Engineering, STEM or related technical area

Graduate of Navy Nuclear Training Program

Completion of accredited program in Operations area of specialization

Job description

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Nuclear Operations Technician

Date: Sep 15, 2026

Location(s): Palo, IA, US, 52324

Company: NextEra Energy

Requisition ID: 97461

NextEra Energy Resources is one of America’s largest wholesale electricity generators, harnessing diverse energy sources to power progress. We deliver tailored energy solutions that fuel economic growth, strengthen communities, and help customers achieve their energy goals. Ready to make a lasting impact? Take the next step in your career with us!

Position Specific Description

Join our nuclear operations team at our Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo, Iowa! As an Operations Technician you'll serve as the eyes and hands of our Control Room operators throughout the plant. This critical role combines technical expertise with safety vigilance, ensuring our nuclear facility operates at peak performance while maintaining the highest safety standards. You'll work in a dynamic environment where your observations and actions directly contribute to safe, reliable power generation.

You’ll work in a team-oriented environment that values precision, continuous learning, and proactive problem-solving. This role offers rotating shift work (days, nights, weekends) providing comprehensive plant exposure and accelerated learning opportunities. Our operations team maintains a strong safety culture where questioning attitude and peer checking are encouraged and rewarded.

This position serves as an excellent foundation for advancement within nuclear operations, with clear pathways to Reactor Operator licensing, specialized technical roles, or leadership positions. We invest heavily in your development through comprehensive training programs, mentoring, and continuing education opportunities.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Observation of material condition and plant indicators to assess performance of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation/control equipment
• Reports off-normal conditions to the Control Room staff to facilitate safe and efficient operation of the facility
• Works under the direction of the Control Room staff or Emergency Response Organization to perform mitigating or recovery actions during emergency conditions
• Performs Radwaste System operations, including controls within the Radwaste Control Room
• Performs work as assigned in areas of Radiation Protection and Chemistry
• Maintains accurate logs and records of equipment and operations in the areas of assignment
• Performs VT-2 visual inspections to satisfy ASME criteria
• Ensures good housekeeping is maintained in areas of assignment
• Performs duties with the Clearance Program (worker protection) to ensure the safety of the plant workforce during maintenance activities and otherwise
• Attends training for initial and continuing qualification related to primary job functions
• Receives training on Quality Control, administrative requirements, emergency response, license requirements, environmental and Hazmat controls and job specific NRC requirements
• Supports the plant Fire Brigade. May act as a Fire Brigade leader or member. Maintains medical qualifications to support this function
• May be assigned to support Maintenance or other occupational groups
• May be assigned facility maintenance tasks and plant maintenance where task qualifications are obtained
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• High School Grad / GED
• Candidate must pass the POSS (Plant Operator Selection system) test as part of the interview process

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s - Engineering, STEM or related technical area
• Graduate of Navy Nuclear Training Program
• Completion of accredited program in Operations area of specialization

Special Requirements

NextEra Energy offers a wide range of benefits to support our employees and their eligible family members.

Employee Group: Non Exempt
Employee Type: Full Time
Job Category: Operations
Organization: NextEra Energy Duane Arnold, LLC
Relocation Provided: No

NextEra Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetics, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law.

NextEra Energy provides reasonable accommodation in its application and selection process for qualified individuals, including accommodations related to compliance with conditional job offer requirements, consistent with federal, state, and local laws. Supporting medical or religious documentation will be required where applicable and permitted by applicable law. To request a reasonable accommodation, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] , providing your name, telephone number and the best time for us to reach you.

NextEra Energy will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

NextEra Energy does not accept any unsolicited resumes or referrals from any third-party recruiting firms or agencies. Please see our policy for more information.

Nearest Major Market: Cedar Rapids
Job Segment: Nuclear, Power Plant Operator, Reactor Operator, Energy