Equipment Operator - In Grade
The Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating and monitoring nuclear power plant equipment outside the central Control Room. This role involves close coordination with plant service organizations, performing nuclear fuel handling and emergency response duties, and progressing from guided work to independent task execution upon qualification.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Energy, Oil & Gas.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Position overview
Confidential Client is hiring an Equipment Operator - In Grade in Richland, WA. This full-time role supports safe, reliable plant operations by operating and monitoring plant equipment outside the central Control Room. The position begins under guided training and progresses to independent duty once fully qualified.
Key responsibilities
- Observe and operate nuclear power plant systems and components to ensure safe, efficient operation.
- Communicate continuously with the Control Room to maintain shared awareness of plant conditions and events.
- Perform procedure verification and review.
- Conduct chemical and radiological sampling and basic analysis, and maintain accurate documentation.
- Perform housekeeping and routine maintenance tasks as required.
- Participate in nuclear fuel handling, inspections, and core refueling operations.
- Serve as a member or leader of emergency response teams (Emergency Team, Hazardous Materials Response Team, Fire Brigade) as assigned.
- Work independently on tasks for which you are qualified and support other teams as needed.
Required education & experience
One of the following is required:
- High school diploma/GED plus two years of experience in a commercial power plant, OR
- High school diploma/GED plus current enrollment in a Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program with no more than two quarters or one semester remaining and a cumulative GPA of 3.0+ (successful program completion while maintaining required GPA is a condition of continued employment), OR
- Associate Degree from a Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program, OR
- Navy Training with nuclear prototype school completion, OR
- Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited college or university.
Additional requirements:
- Successful completion of the Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) test is required prior to placement.
- Placement as a percentage of journey-level wage rate is based on relevant experience and training (75%–95% scale per Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement).
Compensation & benefits
- Starting pay range: $47.09 - $59.65 hourly (starting rate based on qualifications and Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement).
- This is a bargaining unit position; selected candidate’s starting hourly rate will be set according to the Collective Bargaining Unit Agreement.
- Role is eligible for annual incentive compensation based on performance and company goals.
- Comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans (PERS, employer-matched 401(k), 457(b)), medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance options, FSAs, HSA/HRA, tuition reimbursement, student loan repayment assistance, childcare subsidies, and more.
- Typical personal time accrual starts at ~160 hours/year plus nine paid holidays; accruals increase with service time.
- Washington state has no state income tax; the Tri-Cities area generally has a lower cost of living than national average.
Working conditions & other details
- Employment type: Full-time.
- Role requires work at a nuclear generation facility with potential exposure to radiological and hazardous materials; membership in emergency response teams may be required.
- This position will initially work under direct guidance and training; independent work follows once fully qualified.
- Confidential Client is committed to workplace safety, training, and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
- Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities; please request accommodations as part of the application process.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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