Starting as a RCT at Hanford

[dennis00]

I am interested in working at Hanford as a RCT.  The only problem is that I'm not a US citizen right now but am working on becoming one.  I've lived in the States since 1985, been in the Navy for five years and I have a four year degree.  So my question is, what are my chances of getting in a RCT training class if I don't citizenship but have all the paperwork turned in?



thank you

[milo124]

I don't know how being a US citizen would make a difference (other than getting deported before you finish the class).  I would say it depends on if there's an opening, who you know (politics - because everyone wants their brother/sister, cousin, 2nd cousin, etc to get a job as an RCT), and of course - can you pay for it.  Also, there's around 700 RCTs here already and when the 'stimulus' money is gone the RCTs with the least 'seniority' will be looking for work.  Not trying to steer you in a different direction, but for around $3600 bucks you could get three weeks of training (including Advanced Mixed Waste Training) as a Waste Shipper which is also in demand at Hanford.  Just make sure when you do get your citizenship that you keep a copy of it and your previous work history because you'll need it everytime you apply for a nuclear related job.  Hope this helps and good luck.

[Marlin]

You may not be eligible to even get a site badge until you get your citizenship. I was a company Site Manager at a DOE site where we brought in a technician who had been 20 years in the US, eleven years in the United States Air Force and was married to an American citizen but during in processing he was declined access by security and there were no requirements for Q or L clearances just a site access badge.

[milo124]

I'm not sure what the process is for getting a site access badge, but I do know that a site employee here at Hanford (been working here for awhile) was recently recognized for receiving his US citizenship.

[Marlin]

I'm not sure what the process is for getting a site access badge, but I do know that a site employee here at Hanford (been working here for awhile) was recently recognized for receiving his US citizenship.

Thanks that's good info, but it would be best to check on the specifics, especially if the rad techs are subcontractors and not employed by the main contractor on site.

[Mike_Koehler]

Job posting from Nukeworker.com states the requirement "be able to get unescorted access to the Hanford Site".....

http://www.nukeworker.com/job/job/srct-and-rct-temporary-contract-or-regular-full-time-positions/11047/

And I know of many legal aliens who are working at Hanford with unescorted access.
 

Mike

[retread]

Good info Mike!  Don't let anyone dismay you (talking to original poster) when it comes to working at Hanford.  Yeah, when the stimulus money goes, so does the job.  In the days of three week outages, a good six to eleven months at the same location is a treat.  I'm at Hanford and we do get three weeks training at over a grand a week.  Enjoy it when you can get it.