Production Operator Trainee Apprentice

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions; Aiken (SC); On-site; USD 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

401(k) with Employer Match

Paid Time Off and Holidays

Disability Insurance

Job summary

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions invites applications for Production Operator O1 at the SRNS site. New hires enter an 8-month registered apprenticeship with on-the-job training, earning the Nuclear Fundamentals Certificate while rotating between site work and a local technical college.

The role includes performing production process functions, handling nuclear materials, operating equipment, maintaining safety procedures, and meeting qualification milestones within a structured career path at

Qualifications

• Official documentation for ACT WorkKeys assessments must be uploaded with the application.
• Results must be within the last five years and submitted online.
• Pre-employment drug and background checks may be required.

Responsibilities

• Enroll in an 8-month apprenticeship with on-the-job training and college coursework.
• Work a 40-hour week with rotating blocks between site training and technical college.
• Perform production tasks, handle SNM, monitor processes, and follow safety procedures.
• Complete process readings, samples, and administrative duties as required.
• Achieve Nuclear Fundamentals Certificate and qualify for Production Operator duties.

Education

High school diploma

ACT WorkKeys Assessment scores (Workplace Obser./Graphic Literacy/Applied Technology)

WIN Assessments – Work Ready Data/Math/Reading

Job description

Who We Are

As the Savannah River Site’s management and operations contractor since 2008, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) makes the world safer. With safety and security in the forefront, SRNS develops innovative approaches to deliver on our environmental commitments and nuclear materials challenges; supplies products and services necessary to maintain the nation’s nuclear deterrent; secures nuclear materials to prevent unwanted proliferation; and transforms nuclear materials into assets and stable wasteforms. The SRNS workforce is highly capable, engaged, and adaptable to meet existing and expanding missions. SRNS employees apply superior expertise and innovative solutions to complex and challenging national and global issues. We have the knowledge to address a range of national and international nuclear issues. We make the world safer – and you can, too.

Who We Are

As the Savannah River Site’s management and operations contractor since 2008, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) makes the world safer. With safety and security in the forefront, SRNS develops innovative approaches to deliver on our environmental commitments and nuclear materials challenges; supplies products and services necessary to maintain the nation’s nuclear deterrent; secures nuclear materials to prevent unwanted proliferation; and transforms nuclear materials into assets and stable wasteforms. The SRNS workforce is highly capable, engaged, and adaptable to meet existing and expanding missions. SRNS employees apply superior expertise and innovative solutions to complex and challenging national and global issues. We have the knowledge to address a range of national and international nuclear issues. We make the world safer – and you can, too.

Job Family

Operations

Discipline

Operations

Career Level

O1

Salary Range

$33.06/hour

Note for Salary

This is the starting salary for this position. This position offers biannual pay increases for employees that are satisfactorily progressing towards qualification, meeting the company’s expectations and standards, and adhering to workplace policies. The maximum pay rate is typically achieved at the career level within two to three years.

Job Family Description

Operations personnel have overall responsibility for the execution of nuclear non-proliferation, defense programs, and environmental remediation mission activities, as well as the management and coordination of multi-functional areas. This includes Radiological, Maintenance, Engineering, Nuclear Criticality, Quality Assurance, Nuclear Material Control & Accountability, and Weapons Production activities. Operations personnel oversee the safe and efficient functioning of plant systems, equipment, and machinery in a nuclear setting. They monitor operational parameters, conduct routine inspections, and ensure adherence to safety protocols and regulatory requirements. They may respond to alarms, troubleshoot various issues, and implement corrective actions as needed to maintain operational stability.

Discipline Description

Operations personnel perform direct production functions such as monitor and operate process systems, handle and manipulate nuclear materials, and ensure the safe and optimally efficient operation of facility systems and equipment. They conduct work via procedures and training and maintain area-specific qualifications. They monitor process instrumentation and respond to alarms. Operations personnel operate equipment such as forklifts, pumps, valves, cranes, instrumentation, and other auxiliary equipment. They perform rounds and continually assess to ensure facility systems are operating properly and are being maintained within required limits. They perform unique and highly complex tasks such as glovebox operations, control room operations, and crane production operations. They operate distributed control systems (DCS), monitor, and interpret DCS readings. They function in a variety of contingency roles such as emergency response functions in support of operations.

Some Typical Duties & Responsibilities Include

New hires will be enrolled in an 8-month registered apprenticeship program comprised of on-the-job training (OJT) at SRNS and earning the Nuclear Fundamentals Certificate from a local Technical College identified by SRNS. The program is designed to train apprentices on the production processes to perform at the Production Trainee O1 level. The work schedule will consist of 40 hours of paid time per week. Apprentices will utilize the “earn while you learn” method with rotating Block Schedule. Apprentices will complete a block of time at the Technical College and then a Block of time back on Site for Site Training and OJT Training. OJT will consist of field time working with industry professionals in the areas of Safety, Maintenance, Radiation Protection, and Operations combined with regulatory instruction required to perform industrial work at SRS. Apprentices will enroll in and achieve the Nuclear Fundamentals Certificate at the Technical College and must obtain a grade of 80% or better on all exams and in all courses. The courses consist of Chemistry, Physics, Industrial Instruments, Radiation Protection and Hydraulics/Pneumatics. Upon completion of the program, employees will receive a nationally recognized and portable credential from the Department of Labor and continue performing job functions as described below. Work from standard and special procedures, training, shift logs, verbal turnover, and supervisory direction. Perform administrative functions such as complete process procedures, assemble and distribute daily morning reports, take and document equipment readings, complete sample requests, use copier, complete store orders, participate in procedure development, and other administrative duties as required. Perform all duties of Production Trainee O1. Perform production process functions such as valving, chemical tank make-ups, pull samples, and decontaminate equipment and facilities. Operate and monitor process instrumentation. Receive, handle and ship nuclear materials and railroad cars containing casks. Monitor process piping and equipment, inventory special nuclear materials in tanks and vault. Order, stock and maintain supplies. Perform walk downs of procedures. Operate equipment such as forklifts, pumps, gang valves, samplers, railroad dinghy, and other equipment as needed to perform necessary functions. Operate and perform surveillance of auxiliary/support equipment. May be required to complete Advanced Rad Worker Training (ARWT) and perform task-specific RCI functions. Communicate with managers, supervisors, operators and other support personnel to ensure safe, effective operations. Participate in event investigations. Be aware of changes in facility conditions (radiological, environmental, or potentially hazardous) and make appropriate notifications. Perform procedure walk downs (may require protective clothing and/or respiratory equipment). Handle nuclear materials (working in SNM vault and making process transfers). Inventory SNM (may require wearing protective clothing). Lockouts (requires following procedure and working in various parts of buildings). Equipment surveillance. Log keeping and turnovers. Operate process equipment (may require reaching and/or climbing a ladder for some valving operations). Fire Warden qualifications (requires successful completion of fire training). Operate process controls (may require reaching). Qualify on all Production Operator O2 duties and maintain qualifications. Must be physically able to evacuate a facility and/or area during an emergency.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or other equivalent State Credential
• Candidates must have completed ACT Workkeys Assessment and achieved minimum scores of 2 in Workplace Observation, 3 in Graphic Literacy, and 3 in Applied Technology OR the following WIN Assessments – Work Ready Data Level 2; Work Ready Math Level 3; and Work Ready Reading Level 3.
• Test scores must be within the last five years. Official documentation must be provided to the company for consideration of employment. Results must be uploaded into BrassRing on the ATTACHMENTS page at the time the application is submitted online.

Career Band

Operations and Technical Services

Career Band Description

• Roles in this band perform operational, craft or manual tasks according to established procedures and typically require vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience
• Performs operational, maintenance or manual tasks
• Typically requires vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience
• Performs tasks according to established procedures

Career Level Description

Entry level, and works in clearly defined methods and tasks under close supervision.

Security Clearance Information

SRNS is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug & alcohol test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, criminal records, and employment history, and education verifications. Positions with SRNS may require applicants to obtain and maintain a DOE L or Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. Factors such as pre-employment background review results, dual citizenship status, and unpaid and/or unfiled taxes may impact your ability to obtain a security clearance. This list of factors is not exhaustive; pre-employment information and security clearance requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Clearance Required To Perform Job

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What We Offer

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) Benefits team is constantly assessing trends in the benefits area to provide the best possible services to our workforce. We ensure high quality outcomes of each service provider by consistent monitoring and oversight for positive results. We also negotiate cost effective premiums that will meet the needs of our evolving workforce. Your SRNS Health & Welfare benefits provide peace of mind and financial protection for you and your family. Some of the Benefits offered to full service employees include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
• Employer paid life insurance with buy up options
• Employer paid Short Term and Long Term Disability
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Various wellness programs
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Discounts and other supplemental benefits

Standards of Excellence

The SRNS Vision States That We Will "be The Standard Of Excellence In Nuclear Materials Management By Delivering Knowledge, Innovation And Experience." This Is Underpinned By The Recognition That Everything We Do Relies On Our Employees And How They Demonstrate The SRNS Standards Of Excellence Every Day. Built On The Foundation Of Safety And Security, Each Employee Is Expected To

Model Excellence by demonstrating the highest standards and values in work and promoting them within the organization and to the customer.

Deliver Results by meeting customer expectations to ensure objectives, goals and deadlines are met while being good stewards of resources.

Energize and Recognize Teams through growing organizational strength and recognizing continued excellence.

Build Relationships by developing relationships with coworkers and customers to foster a respectful workplace.

Shape the Future by creating a diverse, innovative and integrated workforce that fosters mission success and company growth.

Note

SRNS is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. SRNS utilizes the Disabled Veteran Enhancement Opportunities program which is aimed at improving employment opportunities for disabled veterans at the Savannah River Site (SRS). The organization utilizes standards set forth by VEVRRA regulations pertaining to veteran recruitment efforts. SRNS is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, you may contact us by phone at 803-952-8207, or by e-mail at [e-mail].

30-Sep-2026