Superior Training and Opportunity

Navy Nuclear Power Program

November 14th, 2008

Members of the Navy Nuclear Power Program (NF) receive an excellent education via an extensive classroom theory, on-the-job training and practical application and qualification process second to none in the armed forces. Navy “Nukes” become propulsion plant operators for both the nuclear submarine and nuclear surface ship operational and support programs.

Basically to qualify for the NF program you must meet regular enlistment eligibility plus have a “traditional” state-accredited high school diploma, have successfully completed one year of high school or college level algebra, be a United States citizen and be younger than 25 years of age by your shipping date to recruiting training. You must also meet the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)/Navy Advanced Program testing requirements.  Prior drug usage and police involvement, where not necessarily disqualifying, will make entering the program difficult – see your Recruiter as some things can be waived for outstanding candidates.

Once your time in the Delayed Entry Program is completed expect to experience the NF pipeline, moving from one phase of training to the next without undue delay. The normal training cycle is:

1. Recruit Training (Great Lakes, IL).
2. NF Class “A” School (Charleston, SC).
3. Basic Nuclear Power Course at Nuclear Power School (Charleston, SC).
4. Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator Course at Nuclear Power Training Unit (Ballston Spa, NY or Charleston, SC). Selected graduates of mechanical operator training are given additional training as Engineering Laboratory Technicians (ELT) or Propulsion Plant Operator Welders.
5. Duty Assignment. After prototype training, nuclear propulsion plant operators are assigned to duty per the needs of the Navy.

You will enter the Navy as an E-3 and be automatically promoted to E-4 (Third Class Petty Officer) at the completion of your “A” school phase. Promotion to E-4 requires you sign an enlistment extension – the NF program is a six year obligation basically broken down as; four years of a basic enlistment PLUS one year extension for the amount of schooling and a sixth year for the promotion to E-4 (hope that makes sense). Navy Nukes also receive special duty assignment pay which can range from $150 to $450 a month, proficiency pay up to $150 a month and not to mention sea pay while stationed on a sea going command (plus submarine pay if you decide to go on boats that sink on purpose ). My little pay snap shot does not include housing and allowance for subsistence which you may also be eligible for.

With a renewed drive towards establishing new nuclear power plants in the United States over the foreseeable future the demand for nuclear qualified technicians and operators is sure to rise. Below is an example of just one of the many current opportunities available for application.

Senior Reactor Operator Initial License Class Candidates (a.k.a. Direct SRO Candidate) Location: Southern Company- Plant Hatch

Salary Range: $60,000 – $85,000, plus incentive pay (bonus) and other compensation related benefits, i.e. pension, medical plan, 401K employee savings plan, stock options (grade level 6 & above), etc.

Job Description:
Selected candidate will perform Operations staff functions for plant familiarization to prepare for an upcoming NRC Hot License Class. Candidate must successfully complete plant-provided systems and fundamentals training on reactor operation, heat transfer, fluid flow, and thermodynamics and pass initial screening and annual medical requirements for acquiring and maintaining industrial fire brigade duties.

Upon successful completion of Hot License Class and attaining NRC Operating License, the SRO candidate will direct operating shift personnel in the performance of plant duties. This will include standing watch currently on rotating 12-hour shifts and coordination and directing the operation of the nuclear power plant’s systems. Shift work, continuous training with periodic examinations, respirator qualification, and maintaining qualification as a member of the plant Fire Brigade are all requirements of this position.

Requirements:
· Shall have two years of power plant experience of which a minimum of one year shall be nuclear power plant experience.
· Preferred candidates will have four or more years experience in Nuclear Plant Operations (eg, Nuclear Navy, or commercial power plant) including previous NRC RO or SRO license or military equivalent.
· Demonstrated leadership, preferably at the supervisor level or above, along with excellent oral and written skills.
· Solid analytical thinking and strong mechanical aptitude a must.
· Shall have a high school diploma or equivalent and possess a high degree of manual dexterity and mature judgment.
· Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field preferred.

Other Requirements:
· The selected candidate will be required to obtain U.S. Nuclear Power Plant Unescorted Access and will participate in the company’s Fitness-for-Duty Program.
· Candidates may also be required to maintain qualifications and on-call responsibilities in support of the plant Emergency Response Organization.
· In order to obtain unescorted access, the selected candidate will be required to complete a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ).
· Information from this form will be used to conduct an extensive background investigation as required by Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
· It is unlikely you will be granted access if (1) you have had a positive drug or alcohol test within the past five years, (2) you have used or possessed drugs in the past five years, (3) you have a felony conviction in the past five years, (4) you have recent misdemeanor convictions, (5) you falsify or omit information or fail to fully cooperate during the investigation process. This list is not inclusive.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a super-regional energy company with 4.3 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity in the Southeast. It is one of the largest producers of electricity in the U.S. Southern Company is the parent firm of Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, Southern Power, Southern Nuclear, SouthernLINC Wireless, and Southern Telecom. Southern Company brands are synonymous with excellent customer service, high reliability, and prices that are 15 percent below the national average. We offer a competitive compensation package. Equal Opportunity Employer.

With the lure of well paying jobs beckoning those with Navy nuclear power training you can image that keeping the ratings manned up can be a challenge. The Navy, in order to entice Sailors to stay in past their initial enlistment normally provides a reenlistment bonus to be a Navy Nuke. Got what it takes?

Read Comments (2)