Radiation Control Technician 3 – Nuclear Facilities
Location: Los Alamos, NM (100% Onsite) Compensation: $37–$43/hr + Shift Differential
Schedule: Full-time | Rotating shifts including nights and weekends Clearance: Ability to obtain DOE Q Clearance
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship Required
WHY THIS ROLE
Los Alamos National Laboratory is one of the most consequential scientific and national security facilities on the planet - and the RCT 3 is the person who makes sure the people working there go home safe every day. This isn't a monitoring role. It's a skilled, high-visibility position where your judgment directly protects workers, protects the facility, and keeps the mission moving.
The base rate is $37–$43/hr depending on experience, and shift differential pay is available for qualifying assignments - bringing your total compensation meaningfully higher for non-standard hours. LANL is also one of the few facilities where RCT work directly intersects with weapons programs, nuclear materials processing, and classified operations. That experience has long-term career value that few other postings can match.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
- Provide radiological and operational health physics support across LANL facilities and high-hazard areas - including direct responsibility for high-hazard radiological jobs
- Conduct workplace surveillance, interpret radiological data, and ensure compliance with 10CFR835 and all applicable radiation protection procedures
- Review radiological work for proper controls, posting, and compliance with Laboratory requirements; provide design input for facility radiation protection
- Support and write Radiation Work Permits (RWPs); ensure accurate posting and procedural compliance across assigned areas
- Mentor and train junior RCTs in contamination control, external exposure control, emergency response, and procedural compliance - you set the standard
- Respond to radiological emergencies involving radiation or radioactive material; work directly with health physicists to determine re-entry requirements
- Direct other RCTs during field assignments and emergency situations as needed; assume field management responsibility on an as-needed basis
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Required
- S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a DOE Q Clearance
- High school diploma and 3+ years of RCT experience in a DOE, nuclear power, or equivalent regulated environment - or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Strong working knowledge of 10CFR835, radiation work permits, ALARA principles, and radiological survey techniques
- Experience with radiological instrumentation, contamination control, and external exposure management
- Ability and willingness to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and non-standard hours
- Physical ability to meet job demands lift 50 lbs, carry 35 lbs, wear full PPE including respirators, work at heights up to 6 feet, perform stair and ladder climbing
Preferred
- Current or prior experience at LANL, NNSA, or a DOE national laboratory facility
- Navy nuclear or military health physics technician background - highly valued
- Active DOE Core Card and/or National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT) certification
- Experience with radiological emergency response and re-entry coordination
- Prior supervisory or field lead experience directing other RCTs
- Additional training, certification, or education in radiological sciences or health physics
COMPENSATION & SCHEDULE
Base pay is $37–$43/hr commensurate with experience. Shift differential pay is available for qualifying non-standard shift assignments and is applied at manager discretion - experienced candidates working nights or weekends can expect their effective hourly rate to increase accordingly. This position provides 24/7 rotating coverage; specific shift assignments will be determined based on operational need.