Research Technician (Research Tec 3)

Los Alamos National Laboratory; Los Alamos (NM); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, NM is seeking vault operators for the NDA-VO group to ensure compliant long-term storage of nuclear material. You will begin with a team briefing, don PPE, and work inside the plutonium facility to store or retrieve materials, following Conduct of Operations and radiological safety standards.

The role requires attention to detail, ability to pass training and exams, and willingness to travel occasionally; strong teamwork is essential in a

Job description

What You Will Do

Los Alamos National Laboratory is looking for highly motivated, customer service focused technicians to join the Non-Destructive Assay-Vault Operations group (NDA-VO) as vault operators. Technicians in this role are responsible for the compliant and efficient long-term storage of nuclear material. In a typical workday, you will meet with your team in the morning to identify work tasks, hazards and controls and lessons learned from past experiences. That is followed by donning PPE, including anti-contamination coveralls, booties and safety glasses to process into the plutonium facility where you will support other technicians in either storing or retrieving nuclear material. You will occasionally be asked to wear a respirator to complete material moves as well. Great attention to detail is required as you will be responsible for adhering to Conduct of Operations, radiological safety, nuclear criticality safety, material control and accountability and environmental compliance requirements.

#SHIFT WORK

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements

• Demonstrated success in providing good customer service.
• Ability to perform hands‑on work with appropriate PPE, including occasional respirator work.
• Understand and adhere to all Laboratory and industry regulatory guidance and procedures.
• High attention to detail including strong organizational skills, analytical thinking, observation skills and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to complete and maintain training, including ability to pass computer and oral examinations.
• Experience working with applications such as the Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint.
• Solid understanding of technical concepts, including radiological materials handling, electronic imaging, and materials characterization and testing.
• Ability to work effectively and professionally in a high-performance team environment while completing requests from multiple organizations.
• Ability to travel occasionally

Education/Experience: Position requires an Associate's Degree and a minimum of 3 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Requirements

• Ability to handle and transport nuclear material according to safety standards.
• Ability to learn and understand various criticality safety postings and handle nuclear material in accordance with postings.
• Experience working with classified information or material.
• Demonstrated punctuality and attendance.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodations)

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25lbs.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment such as respirator protection, safety glasses, anti‑contamination clothing.
• Ability to use stairways, fixed ladders, and ladders up to six feet.
• Free from chronic wounds or chronic rashes which disrupt the integrity of the skin that would prevent safe entry into radiological areas.

Work Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 2 years.

Work Schedule: This position may require 24/7 coverage, which could involve working a shift/weekend schedule. Employees may be eligible for the shift differential pay when assigned by their manager. Shift/weekend assignments are at the discretion of the manager.

This position requires enrollment in the Human Reliability Program which is a security and safety reliability program to ensure that individuals who have access to certain materials, nuclear explosive devices, facilities and programs meet the highest standards of reliability and physical and mental suitability. It includes a thorough screening process covering credit checks, background screening, initial and random drug/alcohol screens, medical, and psychological evaluations

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China - including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau - as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

• Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

HRP: This position is subject to the requirements of the DOE Human Reliability Program as specified in 10 Code of Federal Regulation, Part 712,

• 712.11. These requirements include on going drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic medical and psychological evaluations.

426.2: This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities, which establishes entry-level requirements to ensure candidates selected for specific positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Equal Opportunity

Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory 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, please send an email to [e-mail] or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.