Plant Operator

The expected hiring range for this position is:

$28.30-$34.51.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance, referral bonus program and sponsorship assistance.

About the role:

The APS/TD Cryogenics Operations Group is involved in the support of active particle accelerators and in the development of future high-energy physics machines. The Operations Group manages six cryogenic test stands. The two major accelerator technologies that the Operations Group supports are magnets (conventional and superconducting) and Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) cavities for use at Fermilab and in collaborations worldwide.

The successful candidate will work with a team of engineers, designers, and technicians to contribute to the operation, installation and commissioning of cryogenic equipment as well as other mechanical systems. The candidate will function as a cryogenic operator in the Magnet Test Facility (MTF) and the Vertical Cavity Test Facility (VCTF) supporting measurement, test activities and cryogenic operations in Industrial Building 1 (IB1).

What your day-to-day as a Plant Operator at Fermilab will look like:

• You will operate and complete maintenance of the helium refrigerator and associated test stands.
• You will work on the assembly, installation of / removal from service, and maintenance of a variety of mechanical devices, plus documentation of work done.
• You will construct components and work on assembly of experimental and test support equipment.
• We are looking for someone who will respect, understand and value individual differences that embody the principles of diversity.
• Abiding by all environmental, safety and health regulations.
  
  

Skills and Attributes for Success:

• HS degree (or technical certificate or equivalent)
• 5 years of extensive related experience or 3 years’ experience at a DOE laboratory or in a technical skill of strategic importance to the Lab’s mission (e.g., cryo, radio frequency, radiation protection, clean room, etc.).
• Experience working in a DOE laboratory environment is preferred.
• Self-motivated and eager to learn.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, flow schematics, and manufacturers' manuals (or similar documents).
• Demonstrated ability to work with a team of technicians and engineers to perform operational and maintenance activities associated with the mechanical aspects of a cryogenic system and magnet testing facility.
• Ability and willingness to work overtime and weekends as required.
• Must be available to respond to operational and emergency issues which may require overtime work on short notice and on weekends.
• Experience with hand tools.
• Experience and ability to use rigging equipment (e.g., cranes, fork-lifts and scissor lifts)
• Good oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Knowledge of cryogenics and the refrigeration process is desirable.
  
  

Physical Activity and Work Conditions:

• Human Factors: Heavy Lifting, Mental Concentration, Sitting, Standing, Tight Work Schedule, Repetitive Motion, Visually Demanding
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Working at heights
• Stairs, ladders, and stand for up to 4-hours per day
• Working on or near vibrating equipment
• Occasionally work outdoors
• Occasionally work in hot environments
• Ability to legally operate cars and light trucks
• Ability to work mandatory overtime, rotating shift work, and call-ins.
• Physical Factors: High Voltage and Oxygen Deficiency Hazard
• Ability to meet Oxygen Deficiency Hazard (ODH) and radiation worker requirements
• Chemical Factors: Chemicals, Solvents, Dust, Epoxies, Fumes, Pesticides, Welding, Combustion
• Ability to work with epoxies, solvents, glues, and other chemicals
• Personal Protective Equipment: Eye/Face Protection, Foot Protection, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Respirators (dust masks)
  
  

Work Arrangement:

Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.
  
  

Benefits/Perks:

• Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance
• Retirement benefits
• Onsite day care
  
  

Why Fermilab:

Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Pre-Employment Screening:

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

HSPD-12

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Foreign Government Sponsored Activities

Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus

Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.