Overview:
At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.
Rockstar Rewards:
Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
- Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
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Responsibilities:
The Physical Sciences Facility (PSF) complex, a part of NSD, houses critical laboratories and a large number of the staff within two divisions. This position is to provide operations support to group leads, team leads, cognizant space managers, and research staff in the PSF.
This Operations Specialist role is responsible for performing various support functions, including mentoring junior staff, overseeing space operations, managing the relocation of materials, equipment, laboratories and staff, dispositioning legacy materials and equipment and providing day-to-day support. The incumbent will work closely with other NSD Operations Specialists, Facilities & Infrastructure staff, including bargaining unit staff, as well as Environment, Safety, Health, Quality and Security subject matter experts.
Additional Responsibilities include:
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Identifying and resolving all aspects of operations for multiple project managers and technical staff
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Working with Environment, Safety, Health, Quality and Security subject matter experts, Field Services Representatives, Radiation Protection Technicians, Transportation, Property staff, etc., to ensure appropriate controls (permits, procedures, etc.) are in place to maintain a safe and secure work environment, while following PNNL policies and procedures.
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Identifying needs, coordinating with Facilities and Infrastructure Operations systems, research management and supervising the work force to ensure provided systems and services meet project requirements.
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Managing the disposition of materials and equipment while working with subject matter experts such as export control and hazard material transportation officers.
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Overseeing bargaining unit staff members during movement of sensitive equipment and materials.
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Providing guidance on operational issues to individual project managers and numerous technical staff.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
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BS/BA and 5 years of relevant experience -OR-
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MS/MA or higher and 3 years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
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Proven ability to operate effectively in a highly politically sensitive environment, including interactions with senior laboratory leadership and external partner organizations.
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Strong task management and relationship experience, with excellent customer service skills and a commitment to responsive, high-quality support.
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Demonstrated organizational ability to prioritize competing demands, proactively engage stakeholders, and adapt schedules as requirements change.
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Experience supporting national security applications, with direct involvement in NNSA and other government programs; demonstrated understanding of NNSA’s mission, goals, and operating environment.
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Demonstrated initiative and a proactive approach to addressing complex project needs and operational challenges.
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Working knowledge of PNNL operational and acquisition systems.
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Experience applying project management methods to plan, manage, and control tasks, scope, schedule, and resources.
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Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
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Constructive leadership, collaboration, and teaming skills.
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Ability to prepare and deliver clear, concise reports that communicate operational status, progress toward goals, risks/issues, and recommended actions.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment:
Work is performed in a complex research laboratory environment where hazardous materials and equipment are used by others in the vicinity. The position does not involve hands-on handling of hazardous chemicals or radiological materials; however, the employee works in close proximity to areas where corrosive/toxic/flammable chemicals may be in use and where radiological materials or radiation-producing equipment may be present. Potential exposures are incidental and are minimized through facility controls (e.g., fume hoods/ventilation, shielding, interlocks, posted boundaries) and established laboratory safety procedures. The work area may also include energized electrical equipment and research instruments (line/high voltage components), compressed gas cylinders, vacuum/pressurized systems, and other typical laboratory physical hazards (heat/cold sources, sharps/broken glass). The employee must remain aware of posted hazards, follow access restrictions, and comply with required safety training and PPE policies as applicable.
Additional Information:
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.
Requirements:
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U.S. Citizenship
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Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
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Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.
Testing Designated Position (TDP):
This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.
About PNNL:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity:
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at
[email protected].
Drug Free Workplace:
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement:
As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
