What Do You Do?
Since I am still a relatively new hire my primary responsibility is to finish the qualification program, which takes about three and a half years to complete. I am responsible for performing maintenance evolutions on various instrumentation and control equipment (i.e., calibrations of gauges, switches, indicators, valve positioners, reactor protection logic tests, rod control calibrations, nuclear instrument calibrations, radiation monitor calibrations, etc.).
How’d you get that job?
As I was nearing the end of my Navy career, I worked with a counselor through the Power 4 Vets program, which I found through the Navy’s Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The counselor encouraged me to apply for the Nuclear Instrument Technician position that became available at Dominion. Excited about the opportunity to work at Surry Nuclear Power Station, I applied to the job online and prayed to be selected for an interview.
Coolest thing about your job?
I love my work schedule. I was used to having a very demanding and unpredictable schedule in the Navy, which I understood given the flexibility required of military personnel. I also love what I do. It is very satisfying to know that my daily maintenance activities affect the operability and sustainability of a nuclear power plant which contributes power to the grid so Dominion’s 2.4 million customers in Virginia and North Carolina have stable electricity.
Biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge about my job is ensuring that I maintain a high level of knowledge. There is so much to stay informed about to prevent errors and produce quality work. I need to be always studying and reviewing guidelines and manuals to be a great technician.
Did anything funny happen during your first days on the job?
I said “Yes, Sir” or “Yes, Ma’am” to a few people and got corrected to call them by their first name.