Facility Operator (Operator 4/5)
Facility Operator (Operator 4/5)
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos, NM
Los Alamos National
Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in
science and engineering on behalf of national security. The Transuranic Liquid
Waste (TLW) facility supports critical waste processing operations essential to
the Laboratory’s environmental and safety mission. We are seeking a Facility
Operator to support TLW operations, to be filled at either Operator 4 or
Operator 5 depending on the skills and experience of the selected candidate.
This is a regular, onsite role in Los Alamos, NM, with salary ranges as
follows:
● Operator 4: $72,800 – $115,400
● Operator 5: $87,800 – $143,000
Responsibilities for Operator 4:
●
Operate and monitor TLW liquid
waste processing systems, including micro-filters, reverse osmosis units,
evaporators, ion exchange systems, clarifiers, chemical feed systems, and
solids handling equipment, ensuring safe and compliant operations
●
Perform technical tasks supporting
operations, maintenance, and engineering activities, including executing safety
basis surveillances, interpreting process data, running diagnostics, and
responding to system alarms or malfunctions
●
Conduct
inspections and verify operations against established standards, following
procedures, process sheets, and work controls while identifying hazards and
maintaining proper configuration management
●
Support
facility systems (mechanical, electrical, chemical), including pressurized
water/air systems and handling of concentrated acids and bases, while utilizing
SCADA systems for monitoring and control
●
Complete
administrative duties such as work document reviews, engineering design
reviews, procurement tracking, and maintaining compliance with environmental
regulations (including NPDES discharge requirements)
●
Ensure
adherence to safety protocols including lock-out/tag-out, confined space entry,
respirator use, crane and forklift operations, and proper sampling procedures,
while demonstrating strong communication and teamwork
Additional Responsibilities for Operator 5:
●
Serve as facility lead on
off-shifts, making technical decisions to ensure safe and compliant operation
of nuclear and wastewater systems
●
Provide advanced technical support
across operations, maintenance, engineering, and system design, acting as a
subject matter expert in wastewater facility processes and equipment
●
Lead and ensure compliance with
procedure adherence, hazard analysis, configuration management, and formal work
control processes
●
Perform and review operator rounds
and inspections, ensuring operational excellence and regulatory compliance
across multiple systems
●
Oversee and troubleshoot complex
system operations, diagnostics, and safety systems while guiding operational
decision-making
●
Mentor and support less
experienced staff, reinforcing best practices in safety, operations, and
regulatory compliance
Qualifications for Operator 4:
●
Associate’s degree and 5+ years of
related experience (or equivalent), along with a New Mexico Wastewater Level
I/II license or 3–5 years of wastewater operations experience
●
Working knowledge of wastewater
treatment systems and equipment, including filtration systems, reverse osmosis,
evaporative boilers, ion exchange, chemical processes/cleaning, clarifiers,
solids handling, and SCADA systems
●
Experience with facility
operations including hazard identification, safety practices, lock-out/tag-out,
configuration management, and compliance with environmental and regulatory
requirements
●
Ability to
perform inspections, sampling, and system monitoring while operating within
formal work control and safety procedures
●
Certifications or experience with
confined space entry, respirator use, and operation of cranes and forklifts
●
Strong
interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with demonstrated
reliability and teamwork
Additional Qualifications for Operator 5:
●
Associate’s degree and 7+ years of
related experience (or equivalent), along with a New Mexico Wastewater Level
III/IV license or 10 years of wastewater operations experience
●
Expert knowledge of wastewater
facility operations, including advanced understanding of treatment systems,
safety systems, and regulatory compliance requirements
●
Extensive experience in procedure
compliance, hazard analysis, configuration management, and formal work control
processes
●
Expertise
in conducting and reviewing operator rounds and inspections, ensuring high
standards of operational performance
●
Advanced troubleshooting and
diagnostic capabilities across multiple complex systems, including SCADA and
safety-critical equipment
●
Strong leadership and
communication skills, including mentoring staff and supporting technical
decision-making
We Are Delivering Scientific Excellence
Los Alamos National
Laboratory is more than a place to work. It is a catalyst for discovery,
innovation and achievement. It’s one of the reasons we attract world-class
talent who contribute greatly to our outstanding culture. Professional
development and work/life balance foster lasting career satisfaction. Our
onsite cafeterias and medical, fitness and breastfeeding facilities, education
assistance and generous compensation and benefits reflect our commitment to
providing our people with all they need for personal and professional growth.
Northern New Mexico offers an abundance of wildlife, culture and adventures,
including hiking trails and nearby ski resorts. Learn why Los Alamos has been
rated #3 in the Best Counties to Live in the USA.
(IRC142715)
Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All
employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to
protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion,
age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal
affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy,
status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the
limits imposed by applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. The
Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals
with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for
individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request a
disability accommodation, email applyhelp@lanl.gov or call
(505) 664-6947, opt. 3.