Respiratory Protection Technician (Health & Safety Tec 3/4) | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Respiratory Protection Technician (Health & Safety Tec 3/4)

What You Will Do

This position will be filled at either the Health and Safety Tec 3 or 4 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 Occupational Safety and Health - Industrial Safety and Hygiene (OSH-ISH) group is seeking skilled and motivated technicians to support the Respiratory Protection Program (RPP) within the Occupational Safety and Health Division. The OSH-ISH group is a key component of the OSH Division, within the Environment, Safety, Health, and Quality (ESHQ) Associate Laboratory Directorate.

The Respiratory Protection Technician (RPP Tech) will support the RPP team in maintaining, issuing, and tracking all forms of respiratory protection equipment used across the Laboratory. This includes managing inventory of air-purifying respirators (APRs), powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), cartridges, and related components; maintaining sanitation and cleaning processes for all respirator models; and providing user training and fit-testing assistance to Laboratory personnel.

The selected candidate will be expected to perform work in an office and laboratory setting, supporting the RPP program's equipment maintenance and fit-testing operations. Duties will include maintaining meticulous electronic records, ensuring equipment traceability, preparing respirators for reuse, and assisting with hands-on instruction to employees on proper donning, doffing, inspection, and care of respiratory protection devices.

Respiratory Protection Technician 3 ($59,200 - $91,600)

At this level, the technician will perform duties under general supervision and focus on operational and support activities for the Respiratory Protection Program.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Maintain organized respirator and cartridge inventories in accordance with RPP and LANL procedures.
  • Perform routine respirator cleaning, sanitation, and maintenance following established protocols.
  • Support the scheduling of fit-testing and training sessions for LANL personnel.
  • Prepare respirators, hoods, and PAPRs for issuance and ensure traceability through the equipment tracking system.
  • Assist with fit-testing and training demonstrations under supervision while building proficiency toward independent instruction
  • Accurately record fit-test data, training completions, and inventory transactions.
  • Uphold quality and safety standards while working in a team-oriented, customer-focused environment.


Respiratory Protection Technician 4 ($64,700 - $101,400)

In addition to the duties outlined above, the RPP Tech 4 will perform with greater independence and technical responsibility.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Lead or co-lead respirator fit testing and user training sessions.
  • Administer and update respirator inventory and tracking databases.
  • Oversee cleaning and maintenance processes to ensure compliance with LANL sanitation and readiness requirements.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvement and implement inventory or data-tracking efficiencies.
  • Mentor and train junior RPP technicians on procedures, recordkeeping, and training delivery.
  • Coordinate with procurement and logistics personnel to maintain stock levels and anticipate demand.



What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:


  • Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills, with attention to accuracy and completeness.
  • Proficiency with computer systems and standard software applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team and provide excellent customer service.
  • Capability to follow established protocols for equipment sanitation and handling.
  • Strong communication skills for providing clear instructions and demonstrating respirator use.
  • Ability to maintain composure and professionalism while assisting large groups of personnel.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE "Q" level clearance.

In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

  • Proficiency in managing and updating database management systems.
  • Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating technical operations such as equipment maintenance or training programs.
  • Ability to independently conduct fit-testing or respirator user training in accordance with RPP standards.
  • Strong mentoring, coordination, and troubleshooting skills.


Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a High School Diploma and 2-4 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Technical institute graduate or associate's degree may be preferred.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a High School Diploma and 4-6 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. At this level, additional training, certification, and/or education may be expected, including associate's degrees and graduation from technical institutions.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of occupational safety and health sampling equipment and media.
  • Experience performing industrial air monitoring and collecting bulk samples
  • Capacity to comprehend DOE and LANL occupational safety and health requirements, as they pertain to programs
  • Asbestos awareness regarding asbestos-containing materials and sampling techniques
  • Awareness level experience with a respiratory protection program; to possibly include fit-testing, respirator selection and respirator protection program administration

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation): Depth perception, binocular vision, reading vision, ability to speak, ability to discriminate speech, ability to hear in a normal range (500 to 3000 hz), standing, walking, use stairs, fixed ladders and ladders up to six feet, ability to lift 50 pounds and carry 35 pounds.

Work Environment: Ability to wear respiratory/protective equipment.

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: This position may occasionally require support for off-shift operations or employees to ensure program continuity.

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 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 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.