Looking for SE Region Info

[War Eagle]

Hello All,
I'm a nuke-O considering retirement and I would like to talk to anyone with experience at Oconee or Vogtle. I'm interested in basic shift-work schedules, starting pay compared to the average, and any info on instant SRO programs they may offer.

Thanks,
Joe

[bbishop]

I'm a Chief getting out next month.  I talked to the Operations recruiter at Oconee, Rick Robinson, a few weeks ago. He said they no longer have an instant SRO program.  He said all that he could offer was NLEO which starts at around $25/hr.  FPL and Progress are looking for instants.  FPL has classes starting soon at St. Lucie and Turkey Point.  Progress is looking for instants at Crystal River and Hartsville.  You can post your resume on their websites.  FPL's instant SRO position is posted under Unit Supervisor.  I'm not sure about Votgle.  I haven't seen any postings for that plant on Southern Company's webpage.  I don't think they do instant classes either.  Most plants do 12 hour shiftwork but you only work more than 4 days in a week if your in a shutdown.  Starting pay for instant SRO is around $90K.

[Fermi2]

I'm a Chief getting out next month.  I talked to the Operations recruiter at Oconee, Rick Robinson, a few weeks ago. He said they no longer have an instant SRO program.  He said all that he could offer was NLEO which starts at around $25/hr.  FPL and Progress are looking for instants.  FPL has classes starting soon at St. Lucie and Turkey Point.  Progress is looking for instants at Crystal River and Hartsville.  You can post your resume on their websites.  FPL's instant SRO position is posted under Unit Supervisor.  I'm not sure about Votgle.  I haven't seen any postings for that plant on Southern Company's webpage.  I don't think they do instant classes either.  Most plants do 12 hour shiftwork but you only work more than 4 days in a week if your in a shutdown.  Starting pay for instant SRO is around $90K.

TRUST me on this one, if you're an SRO you'll work plenty of weeks longer than 4 days even when you aren't shutdown.

Mike

[War Eagle]

Thanks for the replies.  I'm 2.5 years away from retirement and highly desire a job in that area.  I'm not ready to talk with Duke, but what would be the best way to get a foot in the door at Oconee? A little about me; I'm a former RO who went officer and served as a submarine new construction engineer most recently.  My vision is to start in ops and work my way to management.

[shayne]

I would also consider that if Operations is your long-term goal, do not feel too proud to start at a NLO level.  The money is good, but it will help with an operational background of commercial nuclear power plant. 
I imagine that with your previous RO experience it made you a better officer.  Also, in some cases any job opening that is offered outside the company is a good foot in the door.  Many of the better company jobs are filled from within.

[Fermi2]

Well since Duke doesn't seem to be making the mistake of hiring Instants directly out of the Navy here's what I'd do.

Hire in as an NLO. Go to NLO school and qualify as an NLO. About the time you're done with this you'll meet the experience requirement to be selected for SRO, plus you'll have much of the training and ground level knowledge you'll need.

Then when an SRO bid comes up bid it, you'll already have your degree, you'll be retired military and you'll have in plant experience which gets you a LOT of respect, provided you don't try to apply the Navy brand of "Leadership"

If the cards play our right it might take you 2 years, 3 at the most.

War Eagle or SMISH, you are both welcome to call me at my house. If you desire to do so just PM me, I'll give you my phone number.

Mike

[War Eagle]

Broadzilla,
I can't thank you enough for the help and advice you gave me offline.  If you're ever in New York, let me know; I owe you a beer or two.

Joe

[Fermi2]

Anytime man, I enjoyed the conversation. You have my number, feel free to use it! WE'll have to hook up for that beer.

Mike