DOE-NRC Licensing Equivalency

[Dsprag]

I'm currently a DOE reactor operator and am looking into a commercial reactor job.  Is DOE reactor operator experience equivalent to NRC licensed operator experience for purposes of eligibility?  Has anyone used this experience to move to a commercial RO/SRO program from the ATR or HFIR?

[hamsamich]

I'm sure you would get hired as a non-licensed operator in a minute at most commercials, then do a couple years and get picked up for RO or even SRO.  It's possible you could come straight in as an instant RO/SRO but it really pays to be a NLO for a couple years to understand the plant.  Commercials are more complex.  The hiring for NLO is a pretty low bar but they want people who can come in and get a license so I'm thinking you are a shoe in after POS test.  Most plants don't have instant Reactor Operator (RO) paths, ie you need to be an equipment operator (EO/NLO/AO) for some time before although I've seen it posted once.  Many RO positions are union.  SRO not usually.  Some places bring you in as an NLO with every intention of getting you into Lic. Class ASAP and know how to get all the paperwork right after you have been an NLO for a required minimum.  Usually this is connected to SRO but RO is possible.  NRC regs are a good guideline but each plant's operating license should have priority.  So the short answer is, you have a great advantage but it would be a case by case basis depending upon the company and each plant.  So apply or call.  Honestly the more I know about ops and talk to other operators the more I would rather be an RO than an SRO at most places. So it probably pays to be an NLO for awhile to figure out the specific plant and if everyone hates being an SRO there, like seemed to be the case at Salem nuclear in the early 00s. I have only been an NLO at a BWR.  here is some stuff  https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML1910/ML19101A395.pdf   https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML2114/ML21144A141.pdf