NukeWorker Forum

Career Path => Nuclear Operator => Topic started by: heavymetal atom on Jan 28, 2009, 04:48

Title: Associate Plant Operator = Auxiliary Operator (AO)?
Post by: heavymetal atom on Jan 28, 2009, 04:48
Well the title pretty much says it all.  Is an "Associate Plant Operator" all that different than an "Auxiliary Operator"?  I recently applied for 4 jobs through Constellation, 3 of which were Aux Operator positions and one of which was an Associate Plant Operator position.  I've been applying almost solely to AO/NLO positions at various sites, so thats what I am looking to get into.  However, the Associate Plant Operator listing seemed very similar to the other 3 and since it's at a nuke plant I thought it might be basically the same thing, or close to it.  However, it spoke of advancement to Plant Operator, when I'm used to seeing advancement to RO.  Maybe it's merely the wording of the app, which is slightly confusing, or maybe it's my own lack of understanding.   

I'll be taking the POSS test and interviewing with them on Monday so I'll find out if there is a significant difference soon enough.  I'm not even sure if I'll be wanted for the "Associate Plant Operator" position as the HR person who called to set up my interview mentioned Aux Op.  However, I wondered if one of the experienced nukes on here could possibly clarify this a bit, and maybe expose my lack of knowledge  :P  It would be nice to have a better grasp of what the difference is before the interview.  Thanks in advance!               
Title: Re: Associate Plant Operator = Auxiliary Operator (AO)?
Post by: Bleyse on Jan 28, 2009, 05:55
Auxilliary Operator (AO) = Assistant Unit Operator (AUO) = Non Licensed Operator (NLO)

Reactor Operator (RO) = Unit Operator (UO)

I've never heard them called "Assistant Plant Operator" or "Plant Operator" before, but I'd be willing to bet APO goes on the top line and PO goes on the bottom line.  Each utility has it's own nomenclature.
Title: Re: Associate Plant Operator = Auxiliary Operator (AO)?
Post by: Nuclear NASCAR on Jan 28, 2009, 06:47
I'd bet that the Associate Plant Operator is the hire-in job which advances to Plant Operator after finishing training & quals. 
Title: Re: Associate Plant Operator = Auxiliary Operator (AO)?
Post by: heavymetal atom on Jan 28, 2009, 07:28
Auxilliary Operator (AO) = Assistant Unit Operator (AUO) = Non Licensed Operator (NLO)

Reactor Operator (RO) = Unit Operator (UO)

I've never heard them called "Assistant Plant Operator" or "Plant Operator" before, but I'd be willing to bet APO goes on the top line and PO goes on the bottom line.  Each utility has it's own nomenclature.
 

Thank you both for the info!  This is basically what I was thinking.   
Title: Re: Associate Plant Operator = Auxiliary Operator (AO)?
Post by: underpar3535 on Jan 29, 2009, 12:09
What utility are you looking at?
Title: Re: Associate Plant Operator = Auxiliary Operator (AO)?
Post by: dagiffy on Feb 01, 2009, 12:07
Auxilliary Operator (AO) = Assistant Unit Operator (AUO) = Non Licensed Operator (NLO)

Reactor Operator (RO) = Unit Operator (UO)

I've never heard them called "Assistant Plant Operator" or "Plant Operator" before, but I'd be willing to bet APO goes on the top line and PO goes on the bottom line.  Each utility has it's own nomenclature.

Assistant Plant Operator is what the job posting for Nine Mile Point called the position. In addition, when the HR person called me concerning my application, she referred to the position by the same name. Someone I've talked to that works there in house told me it was actually called Auxiliary Operator. APO must be what HR calls it, while Aux Op is what it really is.