Operator 2/3

What You Will Do
This position will be filled at either the Operator 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Science & Technology Operations (STO) is one of the largest facility operations directorates at LANL and we oversee 2.2 million square feet of facilities where low to moderate hazard scientific work is performed. We are seeking an Operator 2/3 to join our STO-BGO group.

Operator 2 ($53,700 - $82,500)

Operate and monitor facility systems of electronic digital computers under the instruction of a qualified operator. Perform technical tasks in support of operations, maintenance, science or engineering activities. Provide direct support in operations, specification, construction, and/or design of facility mechanical, electrical, and/or chemical systems. Check and inspect operation against predetermined standards. Follow process sheets or written/verbal directions. Observe equipment and control panels for operator messages or error indicators. Set up and run diagnostic test and reacts appropriately to the messages and reports errors or machine malfunctions as required. Interface between the facility operations organization and the programmatic tenants. Provide general direction, guidance, and operational support to a facility to ensure the implementation of Operational and programmatic functions. Responds to facility emergencies and abnormal events, along with after hour call outs as directed. Provide facility support to all personnel, tenants, and visitors.

Operator 3 ($64,700 - $101,400)
In addition to the Operator 2 duties, the Operator 3 will troubleshoot and make recommendations regarding facility operating equipment and/or systems. Become thoroughly familiar with operating characteristics of all plant equipment. Serve as point of contact for any equipment-related issues. Perform routine facility or area walk-downs, procedure reviews, inspections and/or evaluations to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the facility related to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and/or computing systems. Ensure lockout points are defined in work instructions. Is considered the system owner for lockout tag out and applies locks or ensures equipment is correctly isolated and locked out.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Maintenance & Facility Operations: Ability to understand and identify work hazards, safety practices, operating configuration, and experience with lock-out/tag-out of hazardous energy. Ability to understand and interpret various physical, mechanical, and electrical documents, blueprints, drawings, and schematics. Basic knowledge and experience in a wide variety of facility maintenance activities including, but not limited to, mechanical, electrical, HVAC, or chemical processing systems.

Communication & Teamwork: Basic skill in conducting research, investigating alternative solutions, and recommending solutions on facility equipment. Basic skill in the preparation and presentation of facility status. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Technology: Working knowledge of a building automation systems. Working knowledge of basic computer skills and word processors

Additional Job Requirements for Operator 3:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

Maintenance & Facility Operations: Proficient knowledge and experience in a wide variety of facility operations and maintenance activities including, but not limited to, mechanical, electrical, computing, or chemical processing systems. Ability to independently conceptualize and communicate major elements of facility equipment, maintenance, and/or upgrade activities. Thorough understanding of Lock out Tag out and the importance of building system configuration.

Communication & Teamwork: Working knowledge of an abnormal event and a coordinated response. Understanding of and experience facilitating plan of the day/week meetings.

Technology: Proficient knowledge with facility work, control computerized work management systems, and Integrated Work Management principles.

Training/Certifications: Training to become Forklift operator certified, LO/TO trained, and be a certified Duty Officer is preferred.

Education/Experience at Operator 2 level: Position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and at least 3 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at Operator 3 level: Position requires an Associated Degree and 3 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Ability to hear high-pitched sounds, ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 htz), climbing stairs, climbing ladders, bending, lifting 30 pounds, and carrying 20 to 30 pounds.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Forklift operator certified
  • Lockout/Tagout Trained

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position Commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:


  • Position may require serving in an on-call capacity.
  • Applicants should submit a comprehensive cover letter addressing the requirements of the position.
  • Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular Position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants:
Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity: 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 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 such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947 opt. 3.