Power Plant Security Clearance

[chem boy]

I am getting ready to get out of the Navy as an ELT and want to work in commercial nuclear power.  I am leaving the Navy with my government security clearance.  My concern is that my wife and I filed for bankruptcy in 2001.  Will this prevent me from working in commercial nuclear power?  Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

[RP Instructor]

A credit check will be performed as part of your background investigation, should you be asked to interview for a position. Will it prevent you from working in commercial nuclear power? Not likely. I seriously doubt the issue will be addressed during your interview. I definitely wouldn't volunteer the information (during the interview), but be prepared with an explanation should the issue come up.

[Melissa White]

It will not stop you from getting a security clearance, but it is a security issue.  Keep a copy of your bankruptcy discharge documentation, and provide full disclosure in any security paper work that you fill out.  You don't have to mention it during an interview..That's normally not what human resources is looking for.

In the security world, a person with financial problems is considered a security risk because they may be subject to coersion (sp-5?).  Once the bankruptcy is discharged, the threat goes with it.

It's security who'll usually ask you what lead to the bankruptcy in the first place.  Commonly it's: "too many bills, not enough bucks". 

[Already Gone]

Actually Chem Boy, You won't be leaving with your security clearance.  It's going to go away the second you are discharged.  But, not to fear. It is totally useless out here anyway.  DOE has completely different clearances and commercial plants are required to do their own.  What you will have is your FBI file, conviction record, and credit report.  You're also going to have to keep filling those little plastic bottles, so keep off the grass.
You're going to need your DD-214 for the first go-round.
I wouldn't sweat the bankruptcy.  It would be more of a problem if you still had big debts.  Just be sure to keep up whatever payments you have now.
So, when are you getting out, and where do you want to work?  We really need some fresh meat out here.

[chem boy]

Beer Court,
     I will be getting out around the middle of April.  I want and need to work in NC due to family reasons.  If you have any contacts in NC, I would greatly appreciate it.

[Roll Tide]

Try Bartlett, they have the HP outage contract for Duke. Duke has 2 plants near Charlotte, and one near Clemson. I think Bartlett has the CP&L contract also, if you need to be nearer the coast.

Best of luck to you.

[RP Instructor]

"www.duke-energy.com"
"www.progress-energy.com"

.....should you choose to apply for a house tech position.

Duke Power: McGuire and Catawba outside Charlotte; Oconee in Seneca, SC (western part of the state, near Georgia)

CP&L (Progress Energy): Shearon Harris, outside Raleigh, NC; Brunswick, in Southport, NC (near Wilmington); HB Robinson, near Hartsville, SC (south-central part of the state).

I too wish you the best in your job search. It'll be frustrating, but keep at it. The Law of Averages says you'll hit pay-dirt.

[chem boy]

Thank all of you very much for your information and advice, I really appreciate it.  It is pretty scary going out into the civilian world after spending all my time in the military.  Thanks again.

[bodyburden]

As a house mouse, I can tell you that you should disclose ANYTHING that might show up on a credit report, criminal record, whatever.  The NRC issued new security orders in January 2003, that basically makes them look for EVERYTHING now.  If you have a bankrupcy, disclose it.  They probably won't bother you about it if you admit it up front, but trust me, they will find out if you try to hide it.  We've had career folks get dragged in to security to explain things they "forgot" about, and even things that happened years ago.  For the old dogs who've been employed by a utility for 20 years they will do some forgiving, but a new employee?  Not very likely.  Human Resources could care less.  Their only concern is making an offer or not.  Those people aren't doing the background checks anyway.  If you are military, it will be easier for a background check, but expect to provide a 10 YEAR HISTORY.  Things have changed remarkably in the industry since September 11.  Good Luck!!!

[Roll Tide]

Chem boy,
Without restating all the info the canoe club should be giving you, don't forget about the unemployment side of the house. Transition assistance should be able to tell you unemployment rates in your general area and prospective home. You can file in ANY state you choose, so choose well. I believe MA has the highest rate, with IL and WA having good rates also. Dischargees in CT find it advantageous to file in MA. The internet can tell you current unemployment rates, just make sure you compare YOUR prospective rates, not Max rates. Max rates may require 10 kids still living at home.

Once you register, check in with your local unemployment office or distance check in as allowed by your filing state. $500 a week should keep you going long enough to find a good nuclear job. Remember that all your job search expenses qualify as job expenses as long as it's the same field. I find the "Power Plant Worker" title lets me deduct any expense for any job I seek. Keep a log of trips and activities for unemployment / IRS, a dayplanner is enough with locations and distances as long as you use IRS per diem and mileage rates.

I know it is an exciting time for you. I went active duty three weeks after high school, and couldn't stand it when I was unemployed for the first time in my life. When I work outages and draw unemployment in between outage seasons, I have learned to relax more and enjoy that time with my family. Fair winds and following seas (with better pay). 

[harleygirl]

In reference to your name chemboy I work at Shearon Harris and they have posted a chem tech spot on the website if you want to check it out.

[Prowler]

Here's my 2 cents on the background clearance. HR doesn't have anything to do with backgrounds. However, Security does. Be forthright, declare everything, DO NOT try to hide anything! Burdenbody is right, they will find out. If you're clean everywhere else the money problems will be discounted. Credit history only counts against you when you have problems with other things, i.e. criminal history, references, and so forth. Credit history in of itself is not enough to deny unescorted access.

[Buckeye Fan]

Hello,

I am a new member to this board and a security at officer at a nuke plant.  "Trustworthy & Reliable" is what they are looking for, just explain your situation and accessing should have no problem and you should be able to get badged. 

Buckeye Fan

[JCwhitney]

Disclose the bankruptcy on your Personnel History Questionnaire and you will absolutlely never hear about it again and never have a problem aquiring UA.

[Bri111]

What about DUI's?  I have 2 prior's, one as a teenager and one shortly after turning twenty-one.  I have been perfectly clean since then(about 4 years), but realistically, will this stop me from getting hired as an NLO?

[Nuclear NASCAR]

What about DUI's?  I have 2 prior's, one as a teenager and one shortly after turning twenty-one.  I have been perfectly clean since then(about 4 years), but realistically, will this stop me from getting hired as an NLO?

If you've been clean for 4 years that shouldn't stand in the way of your clearance.  As has been stated many times, Don't hide anything!!  Be completely honest all the way through. 

[LIEUTENANT321]

     Actually the security clearence that you had in the navy will help you out.  It does not provide you with one out here but if you passed the background there (depending on your level)you should have no problem out here.  The other postings are correct as well as far as any DUIs or other issues that might come up.  The most important thing is to be honest.  When it comes time for a re-check (it can occur at any time and is random in nature) if a lie is discovered then you will have problems.