Packaging Specialist 2/3

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at the Packaging Specialist 2/3 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.

The Isotope Program (IP) in the Inorganic Isotope & Actinide Chemistry group (C-IIAC) produces and purifies radionuclides for medical and industrial applications as well as for fundamental research. We are looking for an experienced shipper to join the team and direct all aspects of logistics with respect to shipping and transporting materials at our production (Isotope Production Facility - IPF) and processing sites (Hot Cells wing). Our shipping team facilitates the transfer of highly active targets among accelerator, radiological and nuclear facilities on campus as well as off-site laboratories, ships our isotope products to customers all over the world, and the receipt of materials from external laboratories to our facilities for processing and R&D activities. These materials are used for cutting edge medical treatments, imaging for cancer and heart disease, industrial uses such as oil and gas exploration, and in national security and government applications. More information about the National program can be found at the National Isotope Development Center (NIDC) website at www.isotopes.gov.

The successful candidate is expected to execute a program focused on the safe and timely transport/shipment of radioactive materials to and from our facilities. The candidate is also expected to develop modern methods and strategies for streamlining shipping and documentation processes as the team looks forward to growth opportunities in the isotopes community. Finally, the successful candidate is expected to contribute to the mission readiness of the team, and work collaboratively with other sub-units of the Isotope team.

Packaging Specialist 2 $71,200 - $112,900
Packaging Specialist 3 $85,900 - $139,900


Activities and responsibilities of the successful candidate will include the following:
  • Oversee and ensure safe and compliant packaging and/or transportation of any and all classes of radioactive material relevant to the Isotope Program.
  • Maintain all required training certifications, including: DOT 49 CFR (Ground), IATA (Air), LANL Hazardous Materials Packaging and Transportation (HMPT), LANL Authorized shipper.
  • Maintain compliance with safety, security, and environmental regulations.
  • Provide regular reports and communications on relevant shipping activities.
  • Maintain existing and develop new work-authorizing documents that support the team's work.
  • Proactively respond to recommendations and requests by line and program management.
  • Support audits with respect to shipping activities.
  • Actively participate in professional societies and Isotope National working groups.


What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Ability to successfully work with limited oversight, demonstrate appropriate initiative, and make informed decisions.
  • Experience preparing and submitting documentation for the labelling and shipping/transport of radioactive, hazardous, and/or radioactive materials.
  • Ability to communicate findings and make recommendations. Experience using effective methods to track and convey information to a variety of customers and stakeholders.
  • Ability to work effectively, conscientiously, and professionally, both independently and in a team environment.
  • Capability to utilize computer programs and web-based applications to facilitate workflow processes.
  • Ability to obtain DOE Q clearance (usually requires U.S. citizenship).
In addition to what is outlined above, the Packaging Specialist 3 will require:
  • Ability to proactively work to assist others in achieving the organization's objectives.
  • Experience in in written and verbal communication with customers in a customer service-related setting.
  • High attention to detail including analytical thinking, observational skills, and problem-solving ability.
  • Ability to use professional concepts and Laboratory resources to resolve complex HMPT issues in creative and effective ways.
  • Ability to contribute to the resolutions of complex HMPT problems that require the frequent use of creativity and where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.

Education at lower level: requires an Associate Degree and 5 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Education at higher level: requires an Associate Degree and 8 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level, post graduate course work may be desirable.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Currently qualified or ability to qualify as an LANL Authorized Shipper.
  • Hands on experience with RAN submissions, LAN/MAS, and Atlas systems
  • Experience implementing phased change in a workflow to improve efficiency, safety, reporting, and/or documentation.
  • Experience working with NPI, Logistics, MPV.
  • HAZMAT CDL
Work Environment: Primarily office based, but expected to have comfort working in a facility near sources of ionizing radiation. The work location for this position is fully 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: For full consideration, your application must include a cover letter that addresses how you meet the job requirements, and a resume/CV. While the posted salary range for this position is broad, it is highly unusual for selected applicants to be hired at the top end of the range and more common for selected candidates to grown into the full salary band over time.

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 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 (PTO)
  • 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.

No Clearance: Position does not require a security clearance. Selected candidates will be subject to drug testing and other pre-employment background checks.

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 Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.

Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, 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 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 1-505-665-4444 option 1.