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Facility & Company Information => Region II (South East) => Oak Ridge => Topic started by: Rennhack on Jan 20, 2005, 10:57

Title: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Rennhack on Jan 20, 2005, 10:57
Talk About Oak Ridge: X-10
Title: Re: Oak Ridge: X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Jan 25, 2005, 10:09
There isn't a whole lot of "major" work going on here right now. We are doing Core Drilling and Well Monitoring around the "campus" area. We will be cleaning out wells in the world-renowned "Cesium Garden" later on this spring. The Kelly technicians work for SEC supervisors. There are Lead RCT and Supervisor opportunities popping up weekly, so there is a chance to move up. We do routines in the old Isotope Production Facilities. Special filter change jobs come up every so often. Other than that, we are chugging and plugging and trying to dry the sweat off our brows, when possible.

Peace Out, all my Rad Brothers and Sisters :-*
Title: Re: Oak Ridge: X-10
Post by: TN-Man on Feb 08, 2005, 12:05
Chances are if you sign on with Kelly right now you will end up in Melton Valley. Not a bad place to be, but the hours are long and the work is boring. We have complained so much that Kelly is now saying the hours could be 32+ hours of OT. This project is going to 7 days in the spring. I don't know how they are going to work that kind of schedule.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge: X-10
Post by: merlin_the_wizard on Feb 08, 2005, 12:49
Thanks for all the insight, Summerdazed.  Much obliged.  Is the 32 hours of overtime on a per week basis?  Do you not get completely bored with the job?  I am now at a R & D lab and it's never boring.  But, I want to go back to the SE.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge: X-10
Post by: TN-Man on Feb 10, 2005, 01:00
Merlin, Actually right now I'm working 45-50 hours per week. We have been told that the work will increase to 60 -72 hours this spring. If you want the money it is great. East TN is a great place to live and there is no state income tax. Boring as hell. Today I have spent hours watching two laborers deconning a track hoe while it is snowing!!!! There is a lot of interesting things here at ORNL, but I just have not worked my way into a better job.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge: X-10
Post by: merlin_the_wizard on Feb 10, 2005, 02:33
Summerdazed,  do you know if those 20-30 hours of OT are going to be a requirement?  Or do you have the option of working whatever OT you want?  Do any of these long term positions lead to direct hire?
Title: Re: Oak Ridge: X-10
Post by: TN-Man on Feb 10, 2005, 04:59
They say all OT is optional, but understand if you don't pull your share your co-workers will not be happy. I work as little OT as I can. My supervisor has been good to me in that respect. No, these jobs wil not lead to a permanent position. You do have to ability to find permanent work once you are here or before you get here. Check this site for employers in the Oak Ridge area. There are a few companies that don't list here, such as Duratek and Pangea.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge: X-10
Post by: dawgs on Feb 10, 2006, 02:03
I here another lay-off is not far off. Has anyone heard anything about it?
Title: Re: Oak Ridge: X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Feb 13, 2006, 02:54
Wednesday, they announced the lay off of 10 people from Melton Valley and 4 people from K-25. The "word on the street" is that there will be another layoff in May or June. Someone today said there is a rumor that there will be only 10 technicians at ORNL in June. Far fetched? Maybe and maybe not. The bottom line is that there are layoffs in the clouds and the rain is starting to fall. This isn't the best time to call SEC or Kelly for a HP job in Oak Ridge, but it never hurts to try.

Just keeping it real, dawgs....
Title: Re: Oak Ridge: X-10
Post by: halflifer on Feb 13, 2006, 03:10
Wow, and all this time we'uns been thinkin' those projects were the Nirvana Black Holes of the Nuclear World (techs go in but they don't come out....just live happily ever after on d'river). I guess it just showstagoya that there ain't no promised land for us.  :( (So why is Dave smilin'?) :-X ;)
Title: Re: Oak Ridge: X-10
Post by: alphadude on Feb 13, 2006, 03:46
theres shortage of RCTs at LANL-
Title: Re: Oak Ridge: X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Feb 14, 2006, 10:00
Halflifer,
           The reason I'm still smiling is because I still get something in my checking account every Wednesday. Watch for a new picture, because you never know when I'll be joining you on that great nuclear road... ::) You never know when the "white slip" is coming your way. The separation notice that the laid-off technicians received is white, and no longer pink. My, how times change, huh? We are all just looking for an open seat on the Titanic right now.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge: X-10
Post by: Rennhack on Feb 14, 2006, 11:42
Bartlett just called me and told me they need L-cleared techs in KY.  So if people in Oak Ridge are losing their jobs, and don't mind a little traveling, there are jobs out there.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge: X-10
Post by: halflifer on Feb 14, 2006, 01:04
Halflifer,
           The reason I'm still smiling is because I still get something in my checking account every Wednesday.
I think the reason Dave is smilin' is even simpler than that.....Life is good. :)
Title: Re: Oak Ridge: X-10
Post by: Last Call on Feb 16, 2006, 02:26
Naa, he probably just circulated a few resumes and got a hit on ever one!
Title: Re: Oak Ridge: X-10
Post by: Hobber on Feb 16, 2006, 09:37
Someone today said there is a rumor that there will be only 10 technicians at ORNL in June. Far fetched? Maybe and maybe not.
Just keeping it real, dawgs....

Hey Dave,

    I would have to discount that rumor seeing that we have 9 of them at MSRE and there is little chance of escaping the MiSERy in the next year.

Hobber
Title: Re: Oak Ridge: X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Feb 17, 2006, 07:27
I think what needs to be defined is this: My undisclosed source (i.e. rumor-monger) did not define "ORNL". That could mean just Melton Valley techs. That could mean anybody. Who knows right now? I can say with a good amount of confidence that there will be 15-20 laid off in May-June timeframe. That seems to be the consensus around these parts. One source said that there would be 36 more layoffs by the end of the year. At this point, you have to wait until you get the tap on the shoulder, or get a phone number followed by 911 on your pager.... >:(
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Jul 31, 2006, 09:58
You get direct deposit right away, and you don't have to work 1000 hours to be eligible. The area is great. You have loads of things to do in Knoxville. The weather is great. You have numerous contractors involved at the site, so if you have a layoff, you can talk to other companies about staying there. It is almost a retirement home for HP's.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Rennhack on Jul 31, 2006, 12:54
You get direct deposit right away, and you don't have to work 1000 hours to be eligible. The area is great. You have loads of things to do in Knoxville. The weather is great. You have numerous contractors involved at the site, so if you have a layoff, you can talk to other companies about staying there. It is almost a retirement home for HP's.

Dave,

You are suposed to tell people that it is a bad place, so they will shy away.  Then you and I will have our pick of the slots.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Jul 31, 2006, 01:39
Like I said, this is the worst place to work, ever!!!.... :-X
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: alphadude on Aug 01, 2006, 12:33
ohhh dave you will just love Los Alamos.... its heaven on earth or MT Olympus.. the PhDs are sooooo friendly and never look down on you for being just normal. so why dont you just come out here and then....
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Aug 01, 2006, 01:11
About the time the snow falls up here in Ashtabula, I will seriously think about it......Then, it's me and alphadude in full effect...
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: alphadude on Aug 01, 2006, 01:50
oooooo watch the glow...nice blue aint it dave
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: illegalsmile on Aug 02, 2006, 05:42
but Dave, didn't you just leave Oak Ridge to go to Ashtabula? ??? ???
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Aug 02, 2006, 07:30
Yes, but just for a summer job....... :P
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Rennhack on Aug 02, 2006, 10:52
Remind me again what the topic is?
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Aug 02, 2006, 11:11
Yes, Mike, I know, I know........

So, what is the scoop on the mass layoff rumor at Melton Valley, which happens to be part of X-10?

Did it already happen, and how many?
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: RAD-GHOST on Aug 03, 2006, 03:41
Dave,

Man you missed a good hit!  They managed to turn X-10 into a ghost town, but most of the techs slid over to some cushy jobs.  I heard most we're promoted to specialist or leads, k-25, scrap yard, ect.  I heard a couple managed to edge their way into the TRU project.  Probably just rumor!

RG
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: DecommMan on Mar 17, 2007, 02:31
Like everything in "Federal budgets land" these days - cuts to support other critical programs.  I've seen it happen many times in the last several years now.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Mar 18, 2007, 03:02
From most of the people I have talked to that work there now, the common emotion is fear.
Whether its BJC or SEC or whoever, X-10 seems to be waiting on this big bundle of money that sits at the end of the current administration's rainbow.
Whether it ever shows up is a guess. Like you said DecommMan, other critical programs.......fill in your own blanks here.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: alphadude on Mar 19, 2007, 10:30
WMD = critical program?
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Mar 21, 2007, 09:43
Did we ever find the stuff we went looking for over there?
They were supposed to bring it back to X-10 and store it in a warehouse..... :-X
Word is that Halliburton will be hiring soon, and this is a no-bid contract.... :-X
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Paladin on Mar 22, 2007, 12:04
I'm sorry to hear that the feds are still messing with the X-10 budget. I was a health physicist on Melton Valley D&D project when they pulled $16 million out of our budget in 2005. One day management threw a party because things were moving along great, the next day a bunch of us were laid off.  The office trailer complex that was built for us was indeed turned into a ghost town. I believe it was on the north side of Melton Valley Road not far from the HFIR turn off. I had relocated to the area less than 3 months earlier.

I still have nothing to do with that employer. DOE projects leave me squeemish.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Jun 07, 2007, 02:19
Well, we know ORNL.gov has posted 40 jobs since April 18th.
And Energy Solutions has posted 6 jobs in the last 14 days.
Is this the beginning of a rebirth in the Oak Ridge job market, or just timing?
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: illegalsmile on Jun 07, 2007, 06:06
The jobs have all been "L or Q cleared only"......and while there have been jobs posted, did these jobs actually exist or were the companies just building a resume base to support proposals that may or may not ever come to fuition? Does anybody actually know anyone whose started work there? Was it a new project or were they backfilling?
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: REllis on Jun 08, 2007, 01:43
I am going to be starting their at the melton valley project in July. I was supposed to start last monday but I had it moved back.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: diliigaf on Jun 08, 2007, 02:59
I am going to be starting their at the melton valley project in July. I was supposed to start last monday but I had it moved back.
                   ???    I'm curious, what project are you referring to??? Is it the Misery project??? that's the only project I know of...  (They are still having problems starting it...)
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: illegalsmile on Jun 10, 2007, 07:23
I am going to be starting their at the melton valley project in July. I was supposed to start last monday but I had it moved back.
Who will you be working for? Is this part of a large-scale hire or just a couple? Let us know if it actually happens.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Jun 12, 2007, 07:31
For all of you who would like to come out and see the old crew, we are having a get-together at Bailey's. It is this Friday at 7:00 PM. I have seating set up under my name. There should be around 20 of us there. Come enjoy the company of Mike Rennhack and myself. We will be there as soon as we ace our shipping class.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: radwst on Jun 13, 2007, 12:34
We actually had over 200 resumes for our jobs that was posted about a month and a half ago here at ORNL.  from what I have been told they are looking to hire the 4 technicians here sometime soon or just at the start of fiscal year.  They also posted 2 more CSD tech posions I was told.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: feathersmoke on Jun 13, 2007, 12:22
Are ya'll talking about the TRU Waste Processing Facility being built?
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Eric_Bartlett on Jun 13, 2007, 12:37
Who will you be working for? Is this part of a large-scale hire or just a couple? Let us know if it actually happens.

If REllis is who i think it is the answers to your questions are 1. Bartlett 2. small scale ramp-up just a few.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Marlin on Jun 13, 2007, 02:19
For all of you who would like to come out and see the old crew, we are having a get-together at Bailey's. It is this Friday at 7:00 PM. I have seating set up under my name. There should be around 20 of us there. Come enjoy the company of Mike Rennhack and myself. We will be there as soon as we ace our shipping class.

Dave I should be in town, I'll see you there. Starship and The Oakridge Boys will be doing concerts that weekend in conjunction with the Secret City festival. Saturday 1000 to 1200 my SubVets group will be doing a "Tolling of the Boats Ceremony" at the Freindship bell provided you have recovered from Friday come on by.

Marlin
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Jun 18, 2007, 03:55
I want to thank everyone who showed up at the party at Bailey's on Friday night. We had about 40 people show up and reminisce about the old days.

The highlight of my week in Tennessee was sitting next to Rennhack in the shipping class.
Good to see ya again, Mike.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Rennhack on Jun 19, 2007, 08:37
It's good to be seen.  Golf was fun too.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Jun 19, 2007, 08:43
ORNL.gov just posted an RCT job.
Who's in line to get that one?
illegalsmile, you may be in running for that one, ya better jump on it!

Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: feathersmoke on Jun 19, 2007, 03:44
QUOTE:

{The highlight of my week in Tennessee was sitting next to Rennhack in the shipping class.
Good to see ya again, Mike.}


GOOD LORD!  You must have have had a s*****y week for Rennhack to be the "highlight" of it!
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: kaveman32 on Jun 19, 2007, 05:08
WOW! that was a slap in the face....hope your joking.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Rennhack on Jun 19, 2007, 05:30
WOW! that was a slap in the face....hope your joking.

FEAtheRsmoke shared an office with me for part of a year... guess it was as good for him, as it was for me, ;)
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Jun 19, 2007, 06:26
Hey, Mike brought in mocha latte's, bagels, and trinkets.
He wasn't all bad......
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: feathersmoke on Jun 20, 2007, 09:34
You don't get Karma like this by joking...   :P

Rennhack knows I love him.  He just wishes we shared an office with 15 other people again - such lovely conditions.  It NEVER smelled bad in there... :'(

Glad he was useful to you Dave.  At least he brought food.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: roadhard on Jun 20, 2007, 10:04
Hey, Mike brought in mocha latte's, bagels, and trinkets.
He wasn't all bad......

MOCHA LATTE'S!!!!! BAGELS!!!!!!! TRINKETS!!!!!!! CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!! I should never have taken this house job.  :'(

I miss you guys :'(

Even you FEAtheRsmoke :'(
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: alphadude on Jun 20, 2007, 10:20
house job ... ewwwwww

get all the training they offer and any advancement programs you can.. then bail. the one thing utilities can do is increase your worth.. even though they will not pay you more.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: feathersmoke on Jun 20, 2007, 11:34
 :D
OMG!
Someone even let Roadhard out of his cage!  I told them that cage would never hold you... :P

It's funny how we can laugh about that job now; 3 years ago, I would not have been able to do so.

Good to hear from you boys.  Maybe we should create a thread for an online reunion...
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: TN-Man on Oct 12, 2007, 05:04
What's the deal?? I'm seeing signs around ORNL/Y-12 about unionizing HP/RCTs. Who does this apply to and what is the beef. Just curious.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Aug 11, 2008, 07:57
The Multiple Reason Party is Saturday, August 16th, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Bailey's Sports Grille
250 Seven Oaks Drive
North Knoxville, TN 37922
Phone: (865) 531- 2644

(http://www.baileyssportsgrille.com/images/logos.jpg)

Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: raider on Aug 13, 2008, 07:10
fourty three, wow! hope you dont expect presents.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Aug 13, 2008, 10:40
No presents required.
But from you, I expect a shot of Patron', or 6....You remember how it was back in the day....actually just last year.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Rennhack on Aug 13, 2008, 11:50
The Multiple Reason Party is Saturday, August 16th, 2008 at 7:00 PMBailey's Sports Grille

Dave, I'll try to make it to say goodby to everyone, as I'm moving to Michigan.  So you can add that to the list!
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: stownsend on Aug 13, 2008, 12:50
Dave, I'll try to make it to say goodby to everyone, as I'm moving to Michigan.  So you can add that to the list!
No longer Blueberry lane? Good luck.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Aug 13, 2008, 01:12
The Multiple Reason Party is Saturday, August 16th, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Bailey's Sports Grille
250 Seven Oaks Drive
North Knoxville, TN 37922
Phone: (865) 531- 2644

(http://www.baileyssportsgrille.com/images/logos.jpg)

  • Former Fernald Reunion Party
  • Former X-10 Reunion Party
  • My 43rd Birthday Party
  • A Reason To Drink Party
  • Rennhack Going Away
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Marlin on Aug 13, 2008, 05:59


I can add one to that, after four years I finally got my Q Clarence. It must have been your interview with the investigators.  ;)

I will see you there, I could use a couple of drinks, all three kids with spouses, seven grand kids and two nephews have been visiting all week. Glad to see 'em come and glad to see 'em go.
Title: Re: Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) X-10
Post by: Dave Warren on Aug 13, 2008, 06:57
Nice job, Marlin.
I told the FBI that you were never a person of interest, and your bomb-making skills weren't very good.
They said "Aw, Hell, we'll give him a Q"
Congratulations!