Seasonal Nuclear Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview

At PNNL,our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

The Earth Systems Science Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, provides leadership and solutions that advance Earth system opportunities for energy systems and national security. We are a multidisciplinary division connected by a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate towards solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system.

Responsibilities

Studies the geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and/or interactions of these systems with human activities. Uses scientific principles, instrument measurements, computer models, data analysis, and knowledge of policy and regulatory drivers to study the environment and/or develop solutions to environmental problems. Leverages knowledge and tools from fields such as ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, geochemistry, soil science, geology, hydrology, atmospheric science, economics, and/or integrated assessment.

Be a part of a large interdisciplinary team that researches the effects of hydropower operations on passage and survival of juvenile salmon and Pacific lamprey throughout the Columbia, Snake, Willamette, and other river systems across the Pacific Northwest. As an Earth Scientist 2, the position applies S&E principles and develops technical approaches to solve challenges, while taking on greater independence and leadership in field operations and data collection.

These studies involve deploying, retrieving, maintaining, and testing acoustic and radio telemetry equipment; leading and overseeing tagging or assisting with surgical implantation of transmitters in fish; and coordinating transport and release of live tagged fish according to detailed project schedules. Project responsibilities include defining and leading project tasks, independently managing logistics, overseeing and ensuring the quality of field data collection, conducting data analysis, and leading the drafting of report sections or full reports.

This position also includes significant boating responsibilities. The role frequently operates boats to deploy and maintain telemetry equipment, support field deployments, and manage associated logistics and field equipment. Boat operations may include operating 18–26‑foot single‑prop and dual‑prop outboard boats, as well as jet boats, on large river systems throughout the Pacific Northwest with potentially strong currents and variable weather conditions. The position contributes to safe and efficient boating activities during changing field conditions or schedule demands, supporting PNNL’s safety culture. Seasonal fieldwork may require frequent travel within the region.

Duties Include:

• Contribute to research activities by supporting study design, field data collection, data management, and assisting with technical reporting.
• Support proposal development by providing operational insights from fieldwork, contributing technical content, and helping shape concepts for new research opportunities.
• Frequent operation of research boats (18–26 ft single‑prop, dual‑prop, and jet boats) on large river systems with strong currents and variable weather conditions.
• Deploying, maintaining, and retrieving acoustic and radio telemetry equipment from boats and shore‑based locations.
• Supporting boat‑based fieldwork and equipment deployment, including assisting with field crew operations.
• Managing boating logistics such as equipment transport, maintenance planning, vessel readiness, and coordinating launch/recovery activities.
• Assisting with field scheduling, coordination, and communication with research staff, visiting researchers, and crafts personnel involved in boating operations.
• Helping ensure boating activities remain safe and efficient under changing field conditions, adhering to DOE and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Monitoring field conditions, identifying operational needs, and recommending improvements related to boating safety and efficiency.
• Keeping detailed records and writing reports related to field deployments, boating operations, and telemetry work.
• Supporting tagging activities or assisting with surgical implantation of transmitters in fish and ensuring safe boat‑based transport and release schedules.

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA -OR-
• PhD

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to contribute to scientific products such as technical reports, publications, or well‑documented data summaries.
• Background supporting proposal development through technical input and methods contributions.
• Experience leading field sampling crews with increasing independence.
• Maintenance and analyses of large lab‑and‑field-based datasets (MS Excel, R Programming, GIS).
• Ability to interpret complex data and communicate results to diverse audiences.
• Strong written and presentation skills.
• Understanding of energy and natural resource issues in the region.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to build networks locally.
• Familiarity with telemetry study design and maintenance.
• Experience operating boats on rivers or large water bodies (3+ years).
• Basic knowledge of boat maintenance.
• Experience supporting boat‑based fieldwork and equipment deployment.
• Experience supporting field crews in aquatic or outdoor research environments.
• Knowledge of fish species inhabiting the Pacific Northwest.
• Other desirable characteristics include attention to detail, the ability to work independently and as a team member, possession of a strong work ethic, and a willingness to work extra hours when warranted to achieve project goals.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Long hours for field work, inclement weather, industrial hydroelectric projects, work on water, heavy lifting.

Additional Information

This position involves access to sensitive systems and information. U.S. Citizenship is required. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is subject to the Department of Energy Unclassified Foreign Visits & Assignments Program site, information, technologies, and equipment access requirements.

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world‑class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug‑free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession,or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three‑year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

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Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job‑related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited‑term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $100,100.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $150,200.00/Yr.