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Internship Nuclear Waste Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do internship nuclear waste jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship nuclear waste in the United States is $15.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a nuclear waste internship?

As a nuclear waste intern, you may assist with tasks such as data collection and analysis related to waste storage, reviewing safety protocols, supporting environmental monitoring, or participating in research on waste containment methods. You might also collaborate with engineers and scientists on site assessments or help develop documentation for regulatory compliance. The role often involves both fieldwork and office-based assignments, giving you exposure to various aspects of nuclear waste management and an understanding of industry best practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern in nuclear waste management, and why are they important?

To thrive as an intern in nuclear waste management, you typically need a background in engineering, environmental science, or a related field, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Familiarity with radiation detection equipment, waste tracking databases, and relevant safety certifications such as OSHA HAZWOPER are commonly expected. Attention to detail, strong communication, and a commitment to safety help interns excel in collaborative and highly regulated environments. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure compliance, minimize risks, and support safe, effective nuclear waste handling and disposal.

What is the difference between Internship Nuclear Waste vs Nuclear Waste Technician?

AspectInternship Nuclear WasteNuclear Waste Technician
CredentialsTypically students or entry-level, no certifications requiredRequires certifications like NRC or OSHA, relevant degrees
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, labs, or controlled facilitiesOperational facilities, waste storage sites, laboratories
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, internships with nuclear companiesNuclear power plants, waste management companies
Work ScopeLearning, assisting, observingHandling, monitoring, and managing nuclear waste

Internship Nuclear Waste positions are primarily educational, offering hands-on learning under supervision, while Nuclear Waste Technicians are trained professionals responsible for waste handling and safety compliance. Internships serve as entry points into the industry, whereas technicians perform ongoing operational tasks.

What is an internship in nuclear waste management?

An internship in nuclear waste management is a temporary position for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in handling, storing, and disposing of radioactive materials. Interns typically work with scientists and engineers to learn about regulatory requirements, safety protocols, and environmental impact assessments. These internships can involve laboratory work, data analysis, policy research, or field visits to nuclear facilities. The goal is to provide practical knowledge and skills relevant to careers in nuclear science, environmental protection, or public safety.
More about Internship Nuclear Waste jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Nuclear Waste jobs? Cities with the most Internship Nuclear Waste job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Waste jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Waste jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Nuclear Waste jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Nuclear Waste jobs include:
Infographic showing various Internship Nuclear Waste job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Internship, 56% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,333 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Nuclear Fuel Management, Recycling and Disposal Internships

Nuclear Fuel Management, Recycling and Disposal Internships

Idaho National Laboratory

Idaho Falls, ID • On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

Internship

Posted 29 days ago


Idaho National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Idaho National Laboratory University/College Internships-NUCLEAR Fuel Management, Recycling and Disposal INTERNSHIPS.
Typical Degree Programs Sought Include: (Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Radiochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Geology, Environmental Engineering, Nuclear Engineering)
Please note that if you are interested in other INL internship categories in addition to this one, you will need to complete the application for each of those categories as well. Most of the information you provide while completing the initial application carries over to your new applications. You will have to review your previously submitted information in each step, ensure it is complete and then click the submit button on the final step.
The Opportunity:
Internships at Idaho National Laboratory
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) hosts over 300 undergraduate and graduate students each year to support INL's mission. Opportunities for interns at INL range from nuclear engineering to cybersecurity and include non-scientific positions in various operations and business disciplines.
Join INL's team and find your exceptional educational experience in a real-world work environment. INL offers a unique opportunity to learn, collaborate, innovate and conduct research with top researchers and professionals.
The Deliverables:
Interns will spend the first week of their assignment working with their mentor to outline their work scope and to secure resources for a successful internship. For the next several weeks, the mentor will provide considerable program assistance and guidance to the intern. In addition to regular activities, interns are invited to attend weekly seminars, tours and community events designed with career development in mind. Completion of a final project is highly recommended and can be completed through a variety of mediums - a traditional poster, electronic presentation or video.
The Process:
Through this single application, you are considered for all internship projects related to Nuclear Fuel Management. Simply complete the application questions which will help us identify what knowledge and experience you already have that may be related to the preferred qualifications for each individual internship project. It is common for applicants to receive consideration for multiple projects at varying times throughout the process. Mentors will make direct contact with applicants who meet their project qualifications to share the specific details of the project. On average, INL plans for approximately 300 internships each year. Most internships provide flexibility with start and end dates to account for varying university term schedules. We encourage early applications to increase the number of opportunities available to you.
The Projects:
Internship projects will focus on system to develop robust waste forms for long-term disposal. They also are studying science and technology innovations for recovering fissionable materials from used fuel while improving proliferation resistance and long-term storage options. This work is a focus for the DOE-NE Fuel Cycle Research and Development Program. Some projects interns have participated in recently include:
--This internship opportunity will give the candidate valuable hands-on experience developing advanced separation methods related to the nuclear fuel cycle and critical materials supply chain. The candidate's work will support flowsheet design for solvent extraction technologies and fission product capture from off gas streams produced by the reprocessing of used nuclear fuel. The work shall primarily focus on conducting laboratory experiments under varying process conditions and applying analytical results to the practical design and implementation of separation processes.
--Work on a research project to understand the fundamental electrochemical behavior of the Rare Earth Oxides in chloride based molten salts. The fundamental electrochemical measurements shall help advance the ongoing studies pertaining to the preparation and/or refining of various Rare Earth metals/alloys from a suitable molten salt medium.
--Work in a radiochemistry laboratory including handling or radioactive samples (tracer concentrations) for measurement of distribution ratios and effects of radiation on solvent extraction. The work involves gamma irradiation of samples followed by LCMS identification of products and remaining parent compound. Responsibilities may include radiolysis of organic acids such as oxalic and glyoxylic acid in aqueous solution or radiation chemistry on a pilot scale, circulating the mixed phases through an irradiated test loop. Additional research interests include actinide solvent extraction, using similar organic metal complexing agents. This includes especially oxidation and batch contact extraction of higher oxidation states of Am. We will be doing small scale pilot tests in centrifugal contactor equipment, using conditions chosen based on the lab scale work. This involves the handling of alpha emitting radionuclide solutions.
--Participate in a research project whose objective is to quantify the effects of radiation damage to organic chemicals. The organics of interest in this project are used in nuclear fuel cycle separations, specifically for separating the minor actinides Am and Cm from U, Pu and the lanthanide elements. The research does not involve radioactive work, but does entail analytical measurements performed on solutions of organic complexant molecules that have been exposed to radiation fields, and have undergone radiolytic degradation reactions. The research will require the participant to learn high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and modern data reduction and interpretation.
Required Qualifications:
All Internship Candidates Must:
  • Have the ability to pass a background check
  • Possess a minimum overall 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA)
  • Complete this application, which is used to place students based on their academic interests, coursework, knowledge and communication skills
  • Enrolled full time student status at an accredited college or university (undergraduate, graduate, PhD).

Note: Many INL community college interns are hired through the U.S. Department of Energy's Community College Internship Program. We recommend you also apply to DOE's Internship Program at http://science.energy.gov/wdts/cci/
Helpful Tips to Prepare You for Your INL Internship Application:
  1. Current resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  2. Unofficial Transcripts (include current and completed degree programs)
  3. Current class schedule and number of credits

Recommendations:
  • Work with your career center to develop a resume or CV that is functional (this is your opportunity for a first impression)
  • Review the INL website and learn more about our business and research programs and how they could enrich your degree plan https://www.inl.gov/
  • Ask your professors if they have collaborated on INL research programs and seek their permission to list them as a reference
  • Review the INL Academic Partnerships web site for valuable information on our internship programs https://www.inl.gov/inl-initiatives/education/

Internship Programs Specialists:
Ali Josephson (ali.josephson@inl.gov) Brian Rucks (brian.rucks@inl.gov)
Delisa Rogers (delisa.rogers@inl.gov) Myken Johnson (myken.johnson@inl.gov) Thomas Steele (thomas.steele@inl.gov)
Equal Employment Opportunity
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

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About Idaho National Laboratory

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Idaho National Laboratory is a leading multi-disciplinary national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's missions in nuclear and energy research, science, and national defence. Located in Idaho Falls, ID, US, it operates under the management of Battelle Energy Alliance. Since its inception in 1949, the lab has remained at the forefront of nuclear energy innovations and advancements, providing critical scientific and technological inputs to support national priorities. Guided by its commitment to excellence, innovative research, collaborative partnerships, and integrity, the lab continues to play a vital role in driving America's nuclear and energy future.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Idaho Falls, ID, US

Year founded

1949

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