Female RSOs/HPs/Rad Techs/etc.

[Vidya]

Thanks for this helpful and informative site.

I have a few questions about getting into the nuclear industry, which I hope some experienced people can answer.

About me:  I have a B.S. in Physics and have completed all class/research requirements for my masters in Health and Medical Physics at an accredited university.  I only needed to have defended my thesis, which unfortunately will not happen due to personal/financial reasons.  I have worked as a research assistant in radiation particle dispersion and at a cancer clinic doing radiation surveys in controlled and uncontrolled areas/QA testing of linear accelerators, isotope testing with well chambers and a whole bunch of other random radiation-related things which are all included in my resume.  Graduate level classes are in radiation interactions and transport, detection and instrumentation, protection and exposure evaluation, radiation shielding (which I loved), radiation biology and other medical physics-related courses.
   
I've applied with Entergy for a number of positions (Auxiliary Operator, Radiation Protection Supervisor and Radiation Protection Tech) but have not been selected (no reason given) or the position was put on hold.  I've also applied for positions elsewhere.  I wait months for feedback until I finally learn the outcome of my application.  Meanwhile the gap between my recent work experience and now is steadily growing wider.

A few years ago I was asked to take the POSS test for the AO position and was in a room full of former navy nuc guys and a few "college-types."  I never heard anything back.  I studied for the EEI Tech test but the Rad Tech position I applied for was put on hold indefinitely.

Questions:
1)  Am I even qualified to work in this industry in some capacity?  I want to eventually become a certified HP but not sure that is possible if I did not complete my Masters.  

2)  How do I even go about getting my foot in the door if I have no connections?  I can't get a real person to get back to me about my applications.  It's all computer-generated emails.  This would be my ideal career and I would work very hard to know everything I needed and even study in my free time if necessary.  How can I communicate that to an employer if they won't even contact me for an interview?

3)  Is there an inherent bias when it comes to hiring females in the nuclear industry?  Are they afraid we'll freak out if we decide to get pregnant and quit our jobs for fear of working with radiation?  Because I can tell you, if I am doing my job correctly there is no risk of any harm.  I'm in my early 30s and maybe I'll start a family, maybe not, but I don't want my gender to impact anyone's hiring decision.  My observation is that things are tough right now for everyone--male or female.
I have no chip on my shoulder, I just want a chance to prove I can be good at this type of job compared to ANYONE.

Thanks for any helpful feedback!

[nukewood]

Have you considered calling Joey at Bartlett. Perhaps he could get you into an outage this Winter as a Junior HP ? Then keep your ears to the tracks as you build up commercial experience. It may only be a few weeks, but it would be a start. 800-225-0385

[UncaBuffalo]

I've applied with Entergy for a number of positions (Auxiliary Operator, Radiation Protection Supervisor and Radiation Protection Tech) but have not been selected (no reason given) or the position was put on hold.  I wait months for feedback until I finally learn the outcome of my application.  Meanwhile the gap between my recent work experience and now is steadily growing wider.

Entergy had a company-wide hiring freeze on about a year ago...you may have run afoul of it.  I think it is loosening up now, so...keep an eye on their website & keep applying for jobs that interest you.
 
Are you only interested in one specific plant?  If so, you may have to wait a long time.  You increase your chances of finding a job if you are willing to re-locate.

I would concentrate my search on jobs that will lead towards being a CHP, if that's what interests you.  You are over-educated for AO & RP tech jobs and that might be scaring potential employers off.  Stick with applying for jobs that lead directly to the position you actually desire, but broaden the number of locales where you are willing to work.  I would think this would get you an offer somewhere....esp. if you look at commercial, DOE, universities, etc...


Good luck!  

[Vidya]

Have you considered calling Joey at Bartlett. Perhaps he could get you into an outage this Winter as a Junior HP ? Then keep your ears to the tracks as you build up commercial experience. It may only be a few weeks, but it would be a start. 800-225-0385

I didn't know about this.  Thanks for the great lead!  I will let you know what I find out.

Your lack of experience is a hurdle, how well are you doing on the various tests you are taking?

I don't know the results of my POSS test, only that I did not receive a call back for an interview.  I did well on the practice Tech tests I took after knowing what to expect.

On the various tests you have mentioned the ability to quickly project the question into a physical image and apply practical and theoretical knowledge to develop the best answer in the shortest time is key to doing well.

I have no problem with spatial reasoning, but I admit I cannot do it at lightning speed.  It comes with practice I suppose.

You seem to be focusing on commercial, perhaps your best foot in the door is government; NRC, DOE, Homeland Security. The affirmative hiring practices are to your advantage there.
Once you rectify your experience deficiency the commercial side will be much more accessible.

I have looked into the NRC and received a lot of helpful information from them.  Unfortunately their entry level professional development program is only open to those who have or will receive a masters degree within a few months after their program begins.  I've applied a lot of health physics-related jobs at usajobs.gov that include the departments you listed.  It's like sending your resume into a blackhole because nothing ever comes back, .  But I will keep at it.  It only takes one person to decide to give you a chance.

You are butting your head against the experience wall. You'll have to chip away at it like anyone else, bachelors degrees are a dime a dozen in the 30YO age group.

Very true.  A B.S. now is like a high school diploma.

[Vidya]

Entergy had a company-wide hiring freeze on about a year ago...you may have run afoul of it.  I think it is loosening up now, so...keep an eye on their website & keep applying for jobs that interest you.
 
Are you only interested in one specific plant?  If so, you may have to wait a long time.  You increase your chances of finding a job if you are willing to re-locate.

I would concentrate my search on jobs that will lead towards being a CHP, if that's what interests you.  You are over-educated for AO & RP tech jobs and that might be scaring potential employers off.  Stick with applying for jobs that lead directly to the position you actually desire, but broaden the number of locales where you are willing to work.  I would think this would get you an offer somewhere....esp. if you look at commercial, DOE, universities, etc...


Good luck!  

I have been checking Entergy's career site very regularly and it's slim pickins.  I suspect they're still trying to recover, especially since the Rad Tech job was put on hold.

Would you suggest editing my resume for AO/RP Tech jobs?  I just want to make the best impression possible and if I appear over-qualified they might think I'd scoot on out at the next opportunity.

The problem with applying to Health Physics positions is they ALL want a masters degree with at least five years experience.  Also most positions open now are for Supervisor roles which is 10 + years experience.  Seems like I'm stuck in a sort of experience/education purgatory with too much on one side and not enough for the other!  I'd gladly take a position I'm over-qualified for education-wise if it means I can get experience to use as leverage to wedge that door open a little more.

[Incline]

Try for Health Physics Specialist position. I believe our plant will be looking for a few in a year or so....but that doesn't put food on the table now. Until then, i agree with nukewood, give Bartlett or Atlantic a call. It will give you some plant experience, put some money in your pocket, and give you some very valuable contacts in the form of supervisors and managers in case you need a reference at that plant or others. It's a small world in that manner.

[grantime]

The nuclear power area is only one of several to look at. Even if you don't complete your medical physics master, consider the hospitals. Health physics is a bigger area than most of us realize.  Don't narrow your scope -- apply for anything.    There are companies that specialize in shielding.  There are the companies that are making the medical devices themselves.  There are companies that specialize in sources or radiopharmacuticals. Make sure they all have your resume.   Google can be your friend...

Consider joining website linkedin.com.  Kind of like facebook but with emphasis on business connections.  I've gotten several headhunter calls from that.   Most of all don't give up.

Good luck

[jason]

I suggest you try Progress Energy. I know for a fact that Brunswick which is a Progress Energy plant is  a great place to work at,even a contractor RP and they were looking to hire inexperienced Techs with Degrees.
Good Luck!!

[tselby]

try this one on for size

https://knollslab.tms.hrdepartment.com/cgi-bin/a/highlightjob.cgi?jobid=1777&lcid=en-US

[Mike_Koehler]

Keep checking here.....

http://jobs.pnl.gov/

Mike

[Vidya]

try this one on for size

https://knollslab.tms.hrdepartment.com/cgi-bin/a/highlightjob.cgi?jobid=1777&lcid=en-US

Wow New York.  Never been there.  Seems like a foreign and exotic land, haha.  I'd be a fish out of water but it won't hurt to apply.    Thanks, Liquid_fuel.

I suggest you try Progress Energy. I know for a fact that Brunswick which is a Progress Energy plant is  a great place to work at,even a contractor RP and they were looking to hire inexperienced Techs with Degrees.
Good Luck!!

Thank you, Jason.  I'd applied with them before and heard nothing.  I will keep trying.  Honestly I'd completely forgotten about them.

Mike_Koehler,  I did not know that place existed.  I found an awesome looking job for Post Bachelors RA - Nuclear Engineering/Physics but you had to have gotten your degree within 18 months.  Mine is from 2005.  Crap.

I am getting so many great leads and tips on this forum.  Thank you thank you.

[Sun Dog]

Try visiting the NPUA web site...they often have links to positions that females would like and may even be qualified for (lighten up, you started it with the thread title! ).

http://www.npua.org/jobs.htm

[Sapp Associates]

Check out this company they train and staff alot of jobs across the US.  (www.sappassociates.com)

[tselby]

another bit of advice even if you dont meet the exact requirements of the posting (but meet most) go ahead and apply anyway it does not hurt.....

Try Try Try

[Laundry Man]

I can't believe they are telling you that a masters is required.  My previous Manager and the RPM at my last commercial site (Exelon, I was a house Rad Engineer) didn't have degrees, ex-navy nukes.  Have to say my previous manager and my current are both great!  I went to Lowell a billion years ago.  Of course 24 years on the road including many management positions didn't hurt. Keep up the fight.
LM

[Mike_Koehler]

Mike_Koehler,  I did not know that place existed.  I found an awesome looking job for Post Bachelors RA - Nuclear Engineering/Physics but you had to have gotten your degree within 18 months.  Mine is from 2005.  Crap.

I am getting so many great leads and tips on this forum.  Thank you thank you.

Try anyway..... you might find that they slide a little (not sure about 3 1/2 years though) in the requirements.

One more tip...... If you have any issues that might be a problem with a clearance, get them resolved before applying. We lost a very good candidate due to credit report.......

Mike

[mwdavis]

I am pretty sure that Energy Solutions in Utah is hiring HP's.

[Vidya]

Try anyway..... you might find that they slide a little (not sure about 3 1/2 years though) in the requirements.

One more tip...... If you have any issues that might be a problem with a clearance, get them resolved before applying. We lost a very good candidate due to credit report.......

Mike

A credit report?  That's so sad...people with bad credit are the ones who need jobs the most, I would think.  In this economy, losing your job or a new grad being out of work for awhile can wreck havoc on one's credit, with student loans and other debt piling up fast as the money dries up.  Even if you had great credit for years, being out of work can blemish that credit you've worked so hard to build.  
Luckily, several states are or have already enacted legislation limiting an employer's hiring decision based on one's credit.  It's been a necessary step in this economic downturn and I think it's a great one.  
I need to take a look at my credit report. I have an awful lot of student loan debt nearing the end of its grace period.  I don't think anything else would hold me back from getting clearance other than credit.

I am pretty sure that Energy Solutions in Utah is hiring HP's.

Thanks for the tip, mwdavis.  I am making a list of all these employers' websites from the great leads I've gotten here.

One question: There is a company near me hiring a Radiochemistry Countroom Technician.  This job would be great because it's close, though it might not lead to being a certified HP.  Their ideal candidate is a graduate from the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program.  I'd love to have this job but I find myself often competing with these Navy Nuke guys.  What experience do they have under their belt so that I can sift through all my past job experiences, internships and class projects to see if I have done some of the same things?  (er, the whole being on a submarine thing notwithstanding). 

[Sun Dog]

 
Luckily, several states are or have already enacted legislation limiting an employer's hiring decision based on one's credit.
 

Forcing employers to hire persons with less than stellar credit may seem like a great idea to you, but hiring and obtaining UA are apples and oranges. 

[Vidya]

Forcing employers to hire persons with less than stellar credit may seem like a great idea to you, but hiring and obtaining UA are apples and oranges.  

What is UA?  I've googled about UA clearance and had several hits but no site telling me what it stands for.  I'm not hip to the lingo yet.

[Nuclear NASCAR]

Unescorted Access.

[Sun Dog]

What is UA?  I've googled about UA clearance and had several hits but no site telling me what it stands for.  I'm not hip to the lingo yet.

Vidya - - - - check your PMs.

[tselby]

Vydia this just posted on progress energy's webpage
______________________________________________

1521BR
Posting Title Radiation Control Technician III-Nuclear (Entry Level)
Geographic Location SC-Hartsville
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Standard Job Details Job Details: Duties include PWR radiation protection, health physics surveillance and sampling, operations in field shift support, health physics support for in-plant work activities, health physics activities to include instrument calibration, radioactive material shipping, dosimetry, respiratory protection, ALARA Planning, and emergency response.

Job Description: Responsible for providing assistance with the development and administration of an effective
(Duties and radiation control program for the generation facilities of Progress Energy.
Responsibilities) The responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Knowledgeable of all Radiation Control related regulatory requirements and their basis
- Prepare routine and special reports
- Provide Radiation Control Job Coverage for work activities associated with Power Plant
operation
- Updates and implements radiation protection and control procedures
- Performs and analyzes routine and special radiological surveys as directed
- Controls receipt and shipment of radioactive material
- Directs the activities of decontamination personnel
- Assists in the training of less experienced or new technicians
- Issues Radiation Work Permits and dosimetry devices
- Maintains plant records
- Assists in implementing the plant Respiratory Protection Program
- Operates and understands the function of all survey equipment
- Performs periodic surveillances on emergency kits
- Calibrates portable and non-portable survey instruments
- Tests other Radiation Control Equipment to determine operating efficiency, calibrates
equipment
- Qualify and maintain ability to wear necessary respiratory protection as required for work in
a power plant
- Qualify for the Emergency Response Organization as an SCBA user and live in the
emergency response area
- Able to work in a team environment and as a self directed individual

Skills and Abilities: - Familiar with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
- Ability to meet ANSI 3.1 requirements after 2 years.

Physical Effort: - Must be able to walk, climb and any other physical exertion applicable to power plants.
- Must be able to carry 50 lbs.

Working Conditions: Various chemical and decontamination agents, radiation/radioactive materials and other
hazards of working in a power plant.

Work Hours: Must be able to work nightshift, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required. Must be able to be on call for emergencies. Some overnight and short duration travel will be required to support shared resource needs at other Progress Energy Nuclear Plants.
Basic Qualifications - Position requires an AAS degree in chemistry, radiation protection, related scientific/technical education, or equivalent military training.
- Two years of like-work experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
Preferred Qualifications Preferred Experience Experience(not required):
- NRRPT Registration desired
- BS degree in physical science or engineering
Travel Percentage <=25%
EEO Statement Progress Energy is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, disabled veteran, or Vietnam Era Veteran status.
FMLA Statement The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requires FMLA covered employers to post a notice of employee rights and responsibilities under the Act. Progress Energy is a covered employer and provides FMLA leave to eligible, qualifying employees. For additional details, click here.

Nuclear Access Statement Progress Energy's mission is to provide a safe, secure working environment for personnel in the plants. The selected candidate may be required to obtain U.S. Nuclear Power Plant Unescorted Access and will participate in the company's Fitness-for-Duty Program. Selected candidates may also be required to maintain qualifications and on-call responsibilities in support of the plant Emergency Response Organization (ERO), which means you are expected to arrive at your ERO duty station within the prescribed response times and fit for duty when on-call. Emergency response times are based on the distance in miles and the associated travel time from your residence to the plant emergency response facility that you are assigned. 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.

[Vidya]

Thank you Liquid_fuel!  That's right it's Wednesday, huh?  Time for job updates!

[illegalsmile]

Keep an eye on www.usajobs.opm.gov
Search the "Health Physicist" job series. They periodically open up internship positions that you are well qualified for.