Career Path > Nuclear Operator
Potential OPS Job for a Newbie - Advice Needed
Rennhack:
Answer the guys question, or leave him alone. He said "I’ve been reading as much as I can on this board".
Pat, shame on you for encourage the behavior.
"Use the search function" is a useless answer, and a waste of space and bandwith. If you don't want to answer the question, then don't. If he can't get you to answer, and he can't use the search function, then he is out of luck. How about making a "Read this first/FAQ" that has all the answers you keep telling people to search for?
robby:
As I stated up front, I've been reading the boards, and I've used the search function, repeatedly. Many of my questions were answered.
I'm not asking you to explain what SRO/RO/NLO stands for, or if an SRO is the same thing as an EOOW. (I'm well aware that there is no comparison.)
I don't think that I'm the savior of the civilian nuclear industry, and I realize that all of my prior experience was on a test source. :) I see that I evidently touched a nerve even mentioning my Navy quals, but my intention was simply to outline my background.
In any event, even after searching and reading, I still don't know the answers to the questions I posted. Not to mention that some of those threads go back a few years, and things change with time.
I guess I'm just trying to determine if this is a career path to even consider. I see the potential pros (excellent pay, interesting work), but if the potential cons (rotating shifts, mandatory overtime, and stress) make the typical OPS worker miserable, I'd like to know this upfront.
Even if you don't care to address any of my factual questions, I'd still very much appreciate any thoughts on the subjective ones at the end of my post.
Thanks again.
shayne:
It all depends on what you want to do. If shiftwork and overtime is something that you want (More $$$) and you enjoy the nuclear work, go for it. Other options are available within the nuclear industry once you are in also as you have mentioned. So movement throughout the facility or company is possible. If it really isn't something you want, try the other utility job. I would also look for your family (Wife/parents/etc.) to see how they feel...
I personally went from doing new construction startup/commissioning on combined cycle power plants (Lots of money, hours, and time away from family) to the nuclear industry. After a few years I still wasn't happy, so now I'm doing design and project management for utility and really enjoy it. However, I do miss the overtime $$$, but having the flexibility and working 4-10 (Monday-Thurs) makes up for it.
retired nuke:
You have a degree, a PE (I assume in Civil?) and you are looking in OPS?
Try design engineering at a utility that has not done fuel storage yet, or license extension. Most times D/E staff work days. Salaries are high (esp for PE) as many that are "engineers" don't have the paper, just a buttload of field experience.
If you have a family, rotating shift is a pain in the butt. It's also a pain if you have a non-nuclear social life.
With the current review of the nation's failing infrastructure, you should have plenty of challenges available that don't involve shift work. Of course, that would mean contiuing with the consulting.
While I'd love to see someone with your credentials in our industry, take a good look at everything - enjoy your interview, ask good questions, but you may be reaching too low.
B.PRESGROVE:
Hey Robby,
I dont know about you, but I would get into the engineering side of the nuke buisness and run. I know down here at most of the southern plants (mainly Votgle) you could get a job fast. So fast Im sure your head will spin. My dad is a linsenced PE, mechanical, and spent his life in the commercial field and loved it.
Dont get into ops unless you want to become an SRO and work shift work for a long time.
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