Nuclear Tech Job

I've been in the field for nearly 30 years, and have been involved with submarines, commercial nuclear power generation, weapons, environmental remediation, and regulatory.  I just can't seem to keep a job! 

While the events in Japan have certainly cast a shadow on the future of commercial nuclear power, I think there will be plenty of opportunities for health physics technicians for a long time.  Most commercial nuclear plants in this country have had their licences extended for another 20 years.  So, you will see the existing plants in this country to continue to operate for the next 30 years, possibly even longer.  Even when they eventually shut down and decommission, the need for health physics tech will still be there while they clean up the site.

There a lots of opportunites in the medical field.  Imaging is one area.  The safe control, oversight and administration of nuclear pharmaceuticals is another.  Industry requires nuclear physics techs as well.  They manage the control of sources, or might be involved in food or medical equipment irradiation.  Industrial radiography is another potential field.

There are lots of opportunities available outside of the Navy and I certainly think there's a future for someone so inclined.  Generally, pay and benefits for Rad Techs are very good to excellent.  However, being a Navy vet, I think it certainly is good experience and worthwhile to serve your country.  You could potentially be a civilian working at one of the Navy facilities as well if you're not the type to go to sea on a submarine or a carrier. 

If you are talking about radiation control technician for nuclear powered ships in Navy shipyards during shore maintenance, those jobs are going to be around for a while.  There is similar work at nuclear powered electrical generating plants.  It is a good job.  You do surveys, wipes, etc for monitoring contamination.  Depending on level of qualification, you could also do radiation work permits which specify the protection and monitoring requirements for the job.  There are lots of federal regulation for compliance on theses.  I don't know anything about pay scales or the training requirements that go with them.

TW

Nuclear isnt going anywhere anytime soon. I dont know how the outlook is for power plants, or working for a private company that keeps the health care side of things up to snuff with government regulations. I do know that the local Nuc plant had a force out  recently, although Im not sure whether that was engineers or techs or both. As far as working as a  rad/nuc/ct/pet tech in a hospital..it would require different cross training and more school...and honestly not worth going through the schooling at this point in time...there are very limited job openings in most modalities...Ive been in the field for 28yrs and its my experiance that this is usually cyclical..

I know that we post jobs all the time for Physical Science positions on USAJOBS.gov  

Mike

I could relate to some of the questions here.

If you saw what the trends are after the earthquake in Japan, then you noticed that a lot of countries are taking drastic measurements toward nuclear safety. Some of them are trying to stop completely the use of nuclear energy.

Nonetheless, nuclear is one of the most efficient methods in providing electricity comparatively.

There are two things would follows; there would be a common agreement among countries to banned the use of nuclear reactor-of which less likely to succeed, or there would be a surge in needs of experts to improve the system.

I think nuclear professionals are niche, competition is not as demanding as in the other fields. Nonetheless, you need a solid understanding of the basic subject, acquire enough time in the field, and build network between similar profession.

Probably you would play it safe with the government employment, while gradually specialized your skill before you fly solo.

I hope this helps.