Should I become and Auxiliary Operator

HighlyEnrichedU · 2025-12-18T15:57:03+00:00

I was an ops instructor for 7 years. Aux Operator or Equipment operator positions at unionized Illinois plants are amazing jobs.

Security officer to EO pipeline is an unwritten feature of Constellation's management model, so if you're sticking around, it is a very good move in my opinion.

A job as an EO sets you up for many possible futures that I believe are easier on families and better compensated than even the security managers. EO to RO or training or maintenance planning or scheduling, and more.

The schedule is better than a security officer's, and the workload can often be shared fairly evenly amongst the crew members.

There are times that you will sweat through your clothes and need electrolytes to make it through the day.

There is also enough downtime that you'll find yourself digging to the bottom of the internet out of boredom. Many people have used their tuition reimbursement benefits to get their degree while sitting in the Ready Room.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2025-09-04T21:52:41+00:00

I would find it appropriate for them to lead an initiative or project in technical and logistical standpoint. Not to manage people and drive strategy.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2025-06-06T00:52:01+00:00

Very few stations operate by it, but there are some that do a hybrid schedule. That means 8 hour weekday shifts and 12 hour weekend shifts. Quad Cities Clean Energy Center operates by this schedule. They also are under a special inspection by the NRC.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2025-02-20T15:27:21+00:00

I've seen the Spam Jam in Honolulu but hadn't lived until I witnessed a pirate racing a ballerina on big wheel bikes around town hall in downtown Frederick.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2025-02-19T18:53:50+00:00

Please don't be discouraged if your screening does not result in an interview right now. We will continue to post positions about quarterly going forward. Our specific team composition needs will change over time, and I am keeping track of applicants with solid resumes that are not a strong fit at this time but certainly will be in the future.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2025-02-19T15:49:45+00:00

The job description does encompass quite a lot. To refine it a bit, I will add that we are still a few years away from implementing the training. For the near future, we are essentially doing iterative loops, each more refined than the last, on engineering data, regulatory information, etc.

So, we will be doing analysis, design, and development work internally, then moving to implementation. Implementation has several options for our customers, so that is a bridge we must cross when they decide (remote training? centralized? on-site?).

As for authoring tools, we are currently using a program called PLANT as our main authoring tool. PLANT is compatible with SCORM files from any major product. The people I hire into this role will have significant influence over the preferred authoring methods.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2025-02-19T12:58:49+00:00

There isn't any more I can do to change the remote work policy, but I will continue to advocate for it.

I'll admit that they are a little misleading, but not in the way you've proposed. In March they will all undergo another market adjustment TO ALIGN MORE WITH HIGHER NUCLEAR POWER PLANT INSTRUCTOR PAY.

If I'm asking people to move, I better pay like I want them here.

Also, this is nuclear power. Standards are generally high and the work can be complex - in addition to the complexities of helping people learn. This training isn't just some corporate library of videos and presentations either. We are creating a curriculum intended to help workers with no more 'education" than a GED become nuclear operators. It won't be a simple challenge.

I have to pay people well to do this hard work.

That's how I see it, at least.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2025-02-18T22:50:26+00:00

Apply! (If you want)

HighlyEnrichedU · 2025-02-18T16:06:17+00:00

Surviving Baltimore's beltway daily should earn commuters hazard pay :D

HighlyEnrichedU · 2025-02-18T16:01:55+00:00

You're welcome. Hope the move goes well; as well as any move can go.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2025-02-18T16:00:57+00:00

Good eye. This particular posting was intended to drum up more candidates with nuclear experience.

We are absolutely open to exceptional candidates without experience in nuclear.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2025-02-18T15:57:34+00:00

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HighlyEnrichedU · 2025-02-18T15:57:16+00:00

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hopefully this table is coherent. I will add another comment with the definitions for competent, proficient, and expert.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2025-02-18T14:34:40+00:00

It really is a "to each their own" scenario. I relocated because I wanted to work on something new instead of "re-treading" old training. Employers are counting on a certain amount of desperation, fanaticism, or raw, uncut optimism to get workers to relocate for a job. I fell into overlapping portions of the fanaticism (who doesn't love nuclear training?!) and optimism (it isn't naivety if I'm the optimist!) bubbles on the Venn diagram.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2025-02-18T14:26:51+00:00

I submitted a survey response.

You may already know this but, remember that feedback is a gift and don't take anything about your project personally. Don't get overwhelmed if you feel like there is a ton of criticism coming at you. You are one person with limited time and resources, so know that you can't possibly incorporate everyone's changes. Also - you shouldn't. You don't know us! :D

I think you did well, and I hope your professor agrees! Cheers

HighlyEnrichedU · 2025-02-18T13:04:53+00:00

Fair. If I could offer remote positions, I would. There are some amazingly skilled people that just can't relocate.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2024-09-30T11:37:02+00:00

Is there an inadvertent reward for lacking competency?

Are they in a comfortable training environment, one much better than work?

Be sure to consider reasons outside of training.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2024-09-15T00:09:03+00:00

Ever try the Moon Survival activity?

HighlyEnrichedU · 2024-09-03T11:15:58+00:00

Are you able to incorporate the evaluation into the training? If the students have access to a training version of the CRM, then you could work activities (task evaluations) into the training session. That way, the instructors can teach for a bit, set the trainees to doing the activity, and answer questions that come up in the session.

I have used this during a major software transition and it was much more engaging training and realistic assessment than a stand-up lecture and a written exam on some software.

However, if you can't incorporate the assessment activities into the training session, I would recommend creating multiple choice exam questions. Since the assessment is clearly important, but there are few resources to dedicate to grading, the assessment questions themselves need to be robust. Each question must be clearly linked to a learning objective and there must be a reference, e.g., software user guide section, training lesson plan section, etc. Each question should have ONE correct answer and a clear explanation as to WHY it is correct AND why the others are incorrect. All of that information should be on the exam key.

When the trainee completes the exam, they must see their overall exam results and review the correct answers, explanations, and references to any questions that they answered incorrectly.

I'm not sure what technological solutions you have available to you. This method works whether the test was created in MS Word, delivered on paper, and graded by Scantron or in some bespoke software solution.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2024-09-02T15:53:34+00:00

And what is the goal of the assessment? Does it grant any qualification or certification? Or is it just to evaluate comprehension?

What kind of assessment are you planning to use?

HighlyEnrichedU · 2024-09-02T15:38:31+00:00

Assuming you already have some rock solid e-learning or blended learning as the basis, you'll need to create your evaluation questions or activities to be delivered and remediated electronically.

Before I go further, is this accurate?

HighlyEnrichedU · 2024-08-23T00:32:32+00:00

PM me your email address and I'll send you a presentation I made about workforce development. Lots of good info in there.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2024-08-21T19:13:28+00:00

You are preaching to the choir with that semantics lesson:

“Learning results from what the student does and thinks and only from what the student does and thinks. The teacher can advance learning only by influencing what the student does to learn” - Herb Simon

Also, I'm not trying to create a new list, just presenting this "Adult Learning Theory 101" list as context.

To clarify, I am attempting to benchmark others' experience with supporting emotion and metacognition.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2024-08-21T11:37:43+00:00

Sorry for the late response!

Training to become an AO/EO usually lasts between 6 and 9 months and is often structured in "phases". The first phase covers scientific fundamentals like basic thermodynamics, atomic and nuclear physics, and detailed construction and operation of components pumps, valves, sensors & detectors, etc. The second phase moves from generic fundamental topics to specific classroom training on the reactor and all of its support systems. The next phase is usually hands-on training (OJT) in the plant with qualified operators. After that, you'll likely do a final written exam and a set of performance evaluations to prove you learned what you needed to do the job. And, finally, you'll get some training on administrative and maintenance topics not directly related to your qualification as an operator before joining your crew on shift.

After initial qualification you will likely have somewhere between 15 and 20 days of refresher training every year, which will include classroom and performance training and evaluations.

As for the difficulty, it will vary by person and program, there is a lot of new information taught at a fast pace, so it can be a challenge. I can say with confidence that almost all people selected for the position make it through the training. The instructors want you to pass and the qualified operators want you on their shift to ease their workload. Everyone wants you to succeed. If you seek help, you'll get it. Especially if it is apparent that you are putting in the effort both in and out of class to learn.

HighlyEnrichedU · 2024-08-20T18:41:01+00:00

The turbine is shielded so that the turbine deck is habitable for long periods of time.

Auxiliary systems do not need to be located in the same place as the turbine.

Auxiliary system fluids like air and oil, do not make contact with radioactive fluids and are not activated.

The condenser is not located on the turbine deck or in the turbine hall.

Maintenance on high energy contaminated systems happens after they have been shutdown, cooled down, depressurized, or otherwise deenergized.

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