Operations Specialist 1-2
- Req. Number: IRC140774
- Organization : Weapons Facilities Operations Divisions
- City, State: Los Alamos, New Mexico
What You Will Do
The Weapons Facility Operations (WFO) Division is seeking an Operations Specialist to join our dynamic team. WFO is responsible for facilitating mission execution at DARHT (Accelerator Facility), the High Explosives (HE) Sciences, Firing and Detonator Facilities and at the Weapons Engineering Tritium Facility (WETF). The selected candidate will report to the Operations Manager.
This position will be filled at the Operations Specialist 1/2, 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.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements
Operations Specialist 1 ($59,200-$91,600)
Provide day-to-day operational support across multiple technical areas, ensuring alignment with LANL's mission and safety standards. Conduct routine facility and area walk-downs, inspections, and procedure reviews to ensure safe and efficient operations. Facilitate effective communication and coordination with facility personnel, program stakeholders, and support organizations. Support Integrated Work Management (IWM) processes and apply Conduct of Operations principles to routine work activities.
Assist with pre-job briefings, hazard analysis, and corrective action tracking to promote safe and compliant execution of work. Provide documentation, analysis, and recommendations in response to abnormal events, occurrences, and identified system deficiencies. Assure safety and security compliance by making safety an integral part of every task and stopping work when unsafe conditions are identified.
Additional Job Requirements for Operations Specialist 2:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
Operations Specialist 2 ($78,700-$125,100)
As an Operations Specialist 2 within the Weapons Facility Operations (WFO) portfolio, you will provide advanced operational expertise, coordination, and oversight to ensure the safe, secure, and compliant operation of facilities across multiple technical areas. You will function as a key integrator between facility operations, programmatic customers, and support organizations, balancing mission needs with strict safety, security, and regulatory requirements.
Education/Experience for Operations Specialist 1
Position requires an Associate's and 2 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
This position may be subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities. This DOE Order establishes entry-level requirements to ensure employees in the positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
Education/Experience for Operations Specialist 2
Position requires an associate's degree and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
This position may be subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities. This DOE Order establishes entry-level requirements to ensure employees in the positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
Desired Qualifications
Operations Specialist 1:
Operations Specialist 2:
Desired Qualifications for Operations Specialist 1 & Operations Specialist 2:
Note to Applicants:
Along with your resume, please include a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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:
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.
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.
The Weapons Facility Operations (WFO) Division is seeking an Operations Specialist to join our dynamic team. WFO is responsible for facilitating mission execution at DARHT (Accelerator Facility), the High Explosives (HE) Sciences, Firing and Detonator Facilities and at the Weapons Engineering Tritium Facility (WETF). The selected candidate will report to the Operations Manager.
This position will be filled at the Operations Specialist 1/2, 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.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements
Operations Specialist 1 ($59,200-$91,600)
Provide day-to-day operational support across multiple technical areas, ensuring alignment with LANL's mission and safety standards. Conduct routine facility and area walk-downs, inspections, and procedure reviews to ensure safe and efficient operations. Facilitate effective communication and coordination with facility personnel, program stakeholders, and support organizations. Support Integrated Work Management (IWM) processes and apply Conduct of Operations principles to routine work activities.
Assist with pre-job briefings, hazard analysis, and corrective action tracking to promote safe and compliant execution of work. Provide documentation, analysis, and recommendations in response to abnormal events, occurrences, and identified system deficiencies. Assure safety and security compliance by making safety an integral part of every task and stopping work when unsafe conditions are identified.
Additional Job Requirements for Operations Specialist 2:
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:
Operations Specialist 2 ($78,700-$125,100)
As an Operations Specialist 2 within the Weapons Facility Operations (WFO) portfolio, you will provide advanced operational expertise, coordination, and oversight to ensure the safe, secure, and compliant operation of facilities across multiple technical areas. You will function as a key integrator between facility operations, programmatic customers, and support organizations, balancing mission needs with strict safety, security, and regulatory requirements.
- Serve as the Point of Contact (POC) for programmatic equipment operations and maintenance, ensuring scope, schedule, budget, and compliance objectives are met.
- Prepare, review, and authorize facility work packages and work releases, ensuring compliance with facility guidelines and DOE regulations.
- Direct the safe execution of maintenance, shutdowns, upgrades, and return-to-service activities, coordinating across disciplines to minimize operational impact.
- Provide advanced operational input into planning, scheduling, and project execution, ensuring mission-critical activities are properly integrated and risks are mitigated.
- Assist in the development and implementation of safety, security, and environmental policies, ensuring compliance with Laboratory, DOE, and regulatory requirements.
- Mentor and provide direction to junior operations staff, support personnel, and facility tenants; develop and deliver training to ensure qualifications and operational readiness.
- Lead or participate in contingency coordinator roles, including emergency management, fire/security response, regulatory compliance, and nuclear material accountability.
- Develop and present detailed operations reports, effectively communicating technical and non-technical issues and contributing to resolution of complex operational challenges.
- Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that strengthens WFO's safety culture and operational integrity.
Education/Experience for Operations Specialist 1
Position requires an Associate's and 2 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
This position may be subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities. This DOE Order establishes entry-level requirements to ensure employees in the positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
Education/Experience for Operations Specialist 2
Position requires an associate's degree and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
This position may be subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities. This DOE Order establishes entry-level requirements to ensure employees in the positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.
Desired Qualifications
Operations Specialist 1:
- Familiarity with mechanical and electrical documents, blueprints, drawings, and schematics.
- Familiarity with developing work instructions in a formal maintenance program.
- Basic knowledge of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or work control systems.
- Ability to conceptualize and communicate elements of facility operations, processes, and equipment to both technical and non-technical personnel.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of Laboratory facility operations policies, practices, and procedures, with the ability to apply them to routine issues.
- Familiarity with legal requirements and environmental impacts affecting facility operations and administration.
Operations Specialist 2:
- Ability to interpret complex mechanical and electrical documents, blueprints, drawings, and schematics.
- Experience conducting research, investigating alternative solutions, and recommending effective resolutions to complex operational problems.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, applying sound judgment in dynamic operational environments.
- Advanced knowledge of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or work control systems to manage work activities.
- Demonstrated skill in preparing and presenting detailed operations reports, including technical and administrative content.
- Experience providing operational input into planning, scheduling, and project execution.
- Prior experience leading or supporting contingency coordination roles such as emergency management, fire/security response, environmental/regulatory compliance, or nuclear material accountability.
- Knowledge of DOE/Laboratory operations policies, practices, and procedures, with the ability to apply them to resolve complex operational and compliance issues.
- Ability to mentor, train, and provide guidance to junior staff or facility personnel to enhance operational readiness.
Desired Qualifications for Operations Specialist 1 & Operations Specialist 2:
- Explosives handing experience.
- Qualified Explosives Safety Officer.
- Working knowledge LANL indoor and outdoor explosives operations including, but not limited to, access control, assembly/disassembly, clearance patrol, firing site operations, and transportation.
- Exceptional knowledge of high explosives and applicable regulations, e.g., knowledge of DOE-STD-1212 and P101-8, Explosives Safety.
- Demonstrated knowledge in one or more of the following areas: explosive science or engineering, shock physics, dynamic material science, or engineering.
Note to Applicants:
Along with your resume, please include a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of the desired qualifications.
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (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 maternity and parental leave
- Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
- Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
- Flexible schedules and time off (paid sick, vacation, 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.
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.
