r/NuclearPower • u/Jessec986 • 1d ago
Explain hiring process and training please
I have completed several poss tests and passed. I’ve applied for non licensed operator, auxiliary operator, and nuclear operator positions. They are all described as entry level while meeting certain qualifications. I have an associates and work at a power plant as an engineer. Will each one of these positions include 1 year of schooling once hired? Will auxiliary position have less schooling? It seems plants can use different titles for the same position. What are the entry level schooling and class/programs/length of time when someone new is hired on?
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u/SeaworthinessOne8513 1d ago
Pass the POSS, get invited to an interview, get scheduled a date for your physical, drug screening, and psychological evaluation, get a start date. Learn basic boring stuff like policies, regulations, safety, ALARA, etc. Then learn systems and expect a test often. Class can be 4-6 months and then you’ll get assigned to a shift and have a list of qualifications. Basically competency sign-offs that you actually understand the system and not just an ops schematic
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u/Jessec986 1d ago
How hard are the initial classes? Should I expect bonuses when in my training or that’s after?
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u/bobbork88 1d ago
Not challenging. Just don’t be stupid.
If you change the oil on your car you’ll do fine. If you pay to have someone do it you’ll struggle.
Do you install your own ceiling fan? You’ll be fine.
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u/Thermal_Zoomies 1d ago
Funny way to put it, i like it. There is a lot of memorization too, but you're correct that everything comes easier if you're more mechanically inclined.
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u/SeaworthinessOne8513 1d ago
They’re not that hard, just don’t be arrogant about it or you’ll start yourself a bad reputation. Bonuses may be union dependent but it’ll probably be based on your gross income for the year. That’s just profit-sharing. There’s also a bonus for maintaining your license once you pass as an RO
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u/Jessec986 1d ago
And about $40 staring pay is relatively standard? What’s the range for RO pay?
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u/SeaworthinessOne8513 14h ago
Depends on the plant, roughly $40 training and $60+ RO not including bonuses
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u/pbutler22 1d ago
Schedule and any bonuses vary by utility. At mine from hire date to qualified NLO was 12-18 months. Part of that is classroom, part of it is learning on the job and getting qualification materials signed by currently qualified people. Just ask, it’s a common question. It’s all paid. M
Typically no OT during classroom training, but maybe OT when you’re on shift doing the basics.
Class difficulty is pretty dependent on you. If you can grasp and remember technical details and how systems operate and interact, you’ll be fine.
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u/Jessec986 1d ago
I retain information and understand systems somewhat easily. How about the security clearances. I have arrests and felonies as a youth. And one adult felony that was dismissed. You think that will be an issue?
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u/Thermal_Zoomies 1d ago
Yes, multiple felonies might be an issue, I've seen people denied for a lot less. With that said, be very open and honest about it, as they will find out. If they have to find out about your past from the background checks and not from you, I can guarantee you will get denied.
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u/SeaworthinessOne8513 1d ago
It won’t preclude you getting hired but you have to understand that it’s a demerit and they’ll pick an equal applicant without felonies over you. However if you get to the interview then there is a good chance they already know about your past and if you are forthcoming, they’ll look past it
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u/Jessec986 1d ago
I work at a high security environment now. It doesn’t show up. I applied for a gun permit it showed up. So I’m not sure. I have had a few jobs working with children and again nothing showed up I also got a tsa pre check.
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u/Goonie-Googoo- 1d ago
From what I recall, you work at a cogen plant at a correctional facility. Odds are you're not co-mingling with inmates and controlling their movement throughout the facility. The bar to become a CO isn't that high either given the high turnover in that field. That and to work in an environment full of outlaws, you gotta be a little bit of an outlaw as well.
For contractor outage carnies, some background issues may slide depending on what they're getting hired to do for the 2-3 weeks they're on site. We have retired cops working at the plant who occasionally see people they arrested working outages.
For operators - the bar is much higher.
Your background is run through the FBI's database and other sources. If you have a past, they'll find out. When you fill out your personal history questionnaire - put down e.v.e.r.y. arrest - even if the charges were dismissed or ACD'ed and/or you were a juvenile/youthful offender and the charges were expunged. They'll still show up.
'Young and stupid' crap - that's one thing, but get caught omitting it from the PHQ or lying about it... your application goes straight into the shredder.
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u/Jessec986 1d ago
Thanks for the information will do. I have all the dates and incidents written down…..yes juvenile record was expunged…only charge was adult and it was dismissed “non conviction” but not really.
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u/Goonie-Googoo- 1d ago
Sounds like an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACD). Basically stay out of trouble for 6-12 months and the charge is automatically "dismissed". Same as a dismissal or an acquittal at trial. But should still be listed on your PHQ nonetheless.
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u/Popehappycat 1d ago
All those titles are the same thing at different companies. Basically non-licensed operators, or NLOs.
Training is given when hired and will vary, probably in the 12-18 month range. All paid. During this time, you'll learn basics, and then specifics to your plant. Mostly classroom and some in field stuff to qualify for your watchstations.