Reactor Operator/Senior Reactor Operator License Class Candidate

Location:  

Brownville, NE, US, 68321-0098

Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has an immediate opening for a Reactor Operator/Senior Reactor Operator License Class Candidate located at Cooper Nuclear Station in Brownville, Nebraska.  Position closes July 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time or until class is filled. 

Position Summary

Now hiring for a class of up to 16 individuals for Initial License Training (ILT) Class for Reactor Operator and Senior Reactor Operator. Initial License Training Class is scheduled to begin November 2025. We are looking for qualified individuals that can start employment immediately up through July 2025 due to class pre-requisite requirements.

The incumbent is responsible for the operation of the reactor and station equipment ensuring safe and efficient operation of Cooper Nuclear Station (CNS) in accordance with State and Federal Regulations, Plant Operating License, and Station Procedures while meeting the electrical power needs of NPPD.

Candidates for these positions should understand that if selected, that after qualifying for their Reactor Operator (RO) or Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) licenses, it is expected they will remain in assigned positions in the Operations Department for a minimum of three years and maintain their licenses in good standing during that time.

May be assigned to a position within the Emergency Response Organization (ERO) that requires response to the station when an emergency is declared. Assignment to one of these positions and a condition of continued employment will be the ability to arrive at the station to perform ERO responsibilities within 45 minutes of notification of an emergency.

This position requires respiratory protection qualifications including the donning of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). This position will require shift rotation work.

Education, Training and Experience

RO Education and Experience Eligibility Requirements

Education

The candidate possesses a high school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

The candidate has at least three years of power plant experience. Up to 18 months of this experience may be credited by academic equivalence as defined in the most recent version of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) ACAD that provides guidelines for initial license candidate's eligibility. The candidate must also have at least six months at CNS.

Additionally, operations experience is required, as defined below:

6 months performing plant operational duties as a Non-Licensed Operator (NLO) on site.

OR

12 months performing plant operational duties as a NLO at another Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) facility.

OR

6 months performing plant operational duties as an ACTIVE licensed RO at another BWR facility.

OR

24 months in position equivalent to the RO position at a military reactor. Equivalent military positions are defined as one of the following: RO, Engineering Watch Supervisor (EWS)/Engineering Officer Of the Watch (EOOW), Propulsion Plant Watch Officer (PPWO)/Propulsion Plant Watch Supervisor (PPWS).

SRO Education and Experience Eligibility Requirements

Education

The candidate possesses a high school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

The candidate must have at least six months on site at CNS. Further eligibility requirements require meeting one of four general categories:

Individuals with one or more years of experience as licensed RO at CNS are eligible as RO upgrade candidates.

Individuals with equivalent experience as licensed RO at another commercial reactor facility (greater than or equal to 1.5 years) or military reactors (greater than or equal to two years) are eligible as direct SRO candidates. Military experience must be in one of the following positions: RO/EOOW/EWS/PPWO/PPWS.

Individuals with Bachelor of Science (BS) degree or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or related science and who have responsible nuclear power plant experience as power plant staff and/or qualified non-licensed operators (greater than or equal to 1.5 years) are eligible as direct SRO candidates.

Individuals who have significant experience as SRO certified instructors involved in the training and evaluation of licensed operators at commercial nuclear plants (greater than or equal to four years) are eligible as direct SRO candidates.

The incumbent must be able to meet Regulatory Guide 1.8 (Revision 3) and ACAD 10-001.

Shift Technical Engineer (STE) Requirements

Education

The dedicated STE shall have a BS in engineering from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited school. The dual role SRO/STE shall have a BS in engineering technology or physical science from an ABET accredited school with an SRO License.

Experience

Nuclear power plant experience, one year which shall include on-site six months. The incumbent must be able to meet Reg Guide 1.8 (Revision 3), ANSI 3.1 (1993) and ACAD 14-002 requirements.

Licenses and/or Certifications

None

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The SRO directs the activities of other Control Room Operators (CRO) and NLOs in response to normal, abnormal, and emergency conditions. The SRO is also responsible to meet all CRO functions.

The CRO directs the activities of NLOs in response to normal, abnormal, and emergency conditions.

The CRO is responsible for performing all Control Room manipulations necessary for operation of CNS in accordance with State and Federal Regulations, Plant Operating License, and Station Procedures.

The CRO shall always be alert and attentive to Control Room panel indications and alarms and ensures that all challenges and distractions are minimized.

The CRO is responsible to keep comprehensive, accurate Control Room logs.

The CRO is responsible to operate equipment outside the main Control Room in accordance with Plant Emergency Procedures.

The CRO is responsible for one of three positions as assigned by the SRO assigned as Control Room Supervisor (CRS).

The CRO is responsible to notify the CRS or Shift Manager (SM) of any unexpected situations encountered in monitoring the main control boards.

Accountable for other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

Customer Focus

Employees & Teamwork/Diversity & Inclusion

Integrity/Excellence

Public Service/Environmental Stewardship

Safety

Salary Information - Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth. In addition to the base salary range listed below, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range.  Successful applicants will be provided more information regarding the incentive program at the time of an interview.

License Class Candidates are eligible for milestone bonuses up to $27,000 for Reactor Operator and $31,000 for Senior Reactor Operator. Upon successfully obtaining a NRC license, individuals may be eligible for additional incentives and bonuses.

Pay Grade - 15 Hourly

Typical Pay Grade Starting Salary Range: $51.28  - $65.38

Eligible for overtime based upon needs of the station.

This position is eligible for relocation if criteria is met.

Travel Required: Up to 25% (With no or minimal overnight stays, less than 3 per month, typically within state of Nebraska)  Travel required may fluctuate by business need. This is an estimate and will be discussed further with candidates that receive an interview.

Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary and an excellent benefits package including medical and dental insurance, 401K retirement plan, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid medical, training opportunities and more.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at Nebraska Public Power District.

Nebraska Public Power District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer who values the contributions of its diverse work force. We are only legally able to hire persons who are 1) a United States citizen or national, 2) a lawful permanent resident of the United States, or 3) an alien legally authorized to work in the United States.