Nuclear Power Plant Security

[T202]

Company name: WACKENHUT CORPORATION

Job title: Armed Security Officer
Job type: Full Time
Hours per week: 40
Job(s) available: 8

Job location: Covert, Michigan

Salary: From $ 14.54 To $ 19.00 per hour.

Benefits: dental insurance, medical insurance, optical insurance, paid sick leave, paid vacation
Other Benefit: After probation periods
https://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/pkg_jobs.ViewJobOrder?an_Orders_ID=2787238&as_FromSearchResult=TRUE&as_view_type=PRINT

[Tsalla Apopka]

Also, if this is the kind of work you seek.
Securitas is looking for people for a 9 month temp armed gig at the Crystal River Energy Complex in Florida. The pay is similar. Apply via their website.
They are however, more interested in your physical abilities than your ability to do the job. The Securitas Team Lead has been there for many years and has built a paramilitary organization and wants only more of the same. Not a bad thing, just be aware when you apply that your ability to run and climb ladders is going to be the most important thing.
Anybody know if the Wackenhut Nuclear Plant folks are the same????

[Tsalla Apopka]

The link for the Wackenhut job goes to a message that the job has been removed from the job board. May be full or withdrawn. don't know.

[Chucky]

Is that the plant the wack job mentioned in a town meeting from the caves of Afghanistan a few months ago? He had specifically mentioned a Nuke plant in Mich as one of their next targets among a few other places.

[gixxer32404]

Also, if this is the kind of work you seek.
Securitas is looking for people for a 9 month temp armed gig at the Crystal River Energy Complex in Florida. The pay is similar. Apply via their website.
They are however, more interested in your physical abilities than your ability to do the job. The Securitas Team Lead has been there for many years and has built a paramilitary organization and wants only more of the same. Not a bad thing, just be aware when you apply that your ability to run and climb ladders is going to be the most important thing.
Anybody know if the Wackenhut Nuclear Plant folks are the same????
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wonder why only 9 months?? Also they have been advertising but then refer you to securitas website which doesn't show the job as being opened. Also wish the states/ sites were either sorted by states or Alphabetical order.

[Tsalla Apopka]

The plant is getting ready for an "outage" - which means they are making construction changes to the plant - construction means construction workers and more workers on site means more security. The outage should be complete in 6 to 9 months.
Application is open from 5/3 for only about a week. It was advertised in the Citrus Chronicle today so should be open on the website now.
Temp people usually have first shot as permanent jobs open after outage since they are already trained.
Zip code in area is 34465 - enter that at website.....

[gixxer32404]

The plant is getting ready for an "outage" - which means they are making construction changes to the plant - construction means construction workers and more workers on site means more security. The outage should be complete in 6 to 9 months.
Application is open from 5/3 for only about a week. It was advertised in the Citrus Chronicle today so should be open on the website now.
Temp people usually have first shot as permanent jobs open after outage since they are already trained.
Zip code in area is 34465 - enter that at website.....

My gf's family lives down there. I was told it was in Chronicle by gf. I already knew about it but it wasn't available on company site. It's showing available atlunch time. But who's going to leave a nuclear security site?? It shows it starts in June. But thanks for update. It's a temp position. As expected Application has many questions.

[mike booth]

Nuclear Security is a growth field. There are still a lot of "growing pains" ahead, but look for better pay, better training, better opportunities and better performance. Getting it right is going to be a bottom line issue for Private Security. Nuclear isn't the only industry in the US subject to terrorist attack. My two cents.

[Tsalla Apopka]

Mike Booth has a very good point. This is a growth industry and skills learned and experience gained in Nuclear Plant Security will be a very useful career move for a young person.
I know this plant advertises for new permanent security people every few months AND MOST IMPORTANTLY there is a new 2 nuke plant facility going in just a few miles up the road that will need a lot of security in the near future.
On top of all that the area is nice with a low cost of living and fishing, scuba and boating in fresh and salt water 12 months a year.
All of that makes me even sadder that they wouldn't even consider my old overweight butt for one of the temp jobs. I think I got 10 minutes into the interview and they sent me packin.................

[II Captain II]

I work for Wackenhut, I do know that the Officers they use at Nuclear sites and similar usually require you have have had a security clearance with the DOD before. Usually these guys/girls are former military or federal level employee. An average "guard" would probably not make it too far in the application process and if they do, they would be in a low percentile.

I would think that your physical strength is a big part of the requirement, LOL No one wants to place an over weight or out-of-shape person on a site where he/she may have to run, jump,dive,crawl, climb all while engaging a threat with a m-14 :D

[Tsalla Apopka]

You're mostly correct II Captain II, the physical requirements are significant in this job and they will look at people that already have clearances first.
Also important is experience with the AR15 or similar weaponry .
I think the problem at Crystal River is that the physical aspects are blown out of proportion to the point they will hire some young guy/gal that's dumb as a box of ball ping hammers but can do 100 push-ups. They get an older person that can only do 15 or 20 push-ups and only run a 10 minute mile but is smart and they pass on that person because they're 15 pounds overweight. They end up with an extremely high turn-over rate and team members that can't think.
You'd think that the need for a bunch of temps would give them an opportunity to try out some of the smarter guys/gals

[JohnTriton]

Ya, you gotta have a good resume for the Nuke Job, We had over 600 apply last month to our Monticello plant. Only looking to fill 20 positions.

[Sierra 1]

10 CFR Part 73 (Rules and Regs that govern commercial nuclear security) does not require any specific physical standards for security officers at nuclear power stations. Each utility sets its own standard after NRC approval is obtained. For the most part, most commercial sites implement some type of "tactical" firearms stress course that must be completed annually (in addition to the standard NRA approved handgun/rifle/shotgun qualification).

It sounds like Crystal River has decided to exceed the "standard" physical qualifications for all INITIAL applicants. There are obvious pros and cons associated with this type of requirement.

Security clearances are also not a requirement at commercial nuclear facilities (or power plants). Security officers are required to obtain/maintain unescorted access at their assigned facility. Unescorted access is granted after the officer completes initial general employee training and a background investigation (fingerprinting, criminal and credit history, psychological assessment). Unescorted access can be obtained in about 2-3 days, and unlike a security clearance, unescorted access does not allow the individual to have access to any classified information.

Tsalla Apopka-

I agree, maturity and work experience should (at times) also be considered just as important as a younger officer's physical abilities. Especially when you consider the ACTUAL mission of the security force assigned to commercial nuclear facilities.

[gixxer32404]

Crystal River tempposition required online application. I don't recall a place to submit actual resume. JT Monticello where?What state.

[Sierra 1]

Monticello, MN...................

[gixxer32404]

oh kool maybe I can apply there tommorrow......LOL.

[Sierra 1]

If Crystal River is Securitas, the initial application is completed online: http://www.securitas.com/us/en/Career/

The initial application process includes an assessment of your current abilities/qualifications. Those who do not meet the basic requirements for the job will be eliminated from the process (based on the results of the assessment).

[gixxer32404]

I would assume I meet their basic requirements. What are the basic requirements, a armed and unarmed license? or does it require military and or LE experience? I've read that security clearances are not even necessary just a background check which enables unescorted entrance and u are good to go.


Primary Responsibilities:

Controls access to assigned Energy Services client site; observes and reports activities and incidents, providing for the security and safety of client property and personnel.
Responds to unusual or emergency situations at client’s site using the appropriate escalation of force level up to and including armed response by following established protocol.
Maintains proficiency in the use of all assigned protective equipment, restraint devices and weapons.
Makes periodic tours to check for irregularities and to inspect protection devices.
Preserves order and may act to enforce regulations and directives within the scope of authority for the site pertaining to personnel, visitors, and premises.
Monitors entrances and exits; acts to prevent unapproved or unlawful entry.
Patrols assigned site on foot or in vehicle; checks for unsafe conditions, hazards, unlocked doors, etc.
Acts to ensure that all property removal is conducted within appropriate policy requirements and in accord with client standards.
Protects evidence or scene of incident in the event of accidents, emergencies, or security investigations.

Physical & Mental Requirements:

Must be 21 years of age.
Must possess and maintain a current state driver's license.
High School Diploma or G.E.D. (must have one or the other at time of application).
Must be able to meet and continue to meet any applicable federal, state, county and municipal licensing and permit requirements for Security Officers and armed security work and specific protective device and weapons qualifications.
No felony convictions or other disqualifying criminal history.
Works in environments and under conditions that require carrying authorized weapons and ammunition, the use of protective gear and devices, and awareness of personal safety and safety of others.
Able to meet and maintain the requirements of the US NRC 10 CFR 73, Appendix B. Knowledge of all site security requirements.
Must pass physical examination prior to employment and annually thereafter, including hearing, vision and a physical agility test within the required time limits in accordance with the site defensive strategy.
Must satisfactorily complete psychological evaluation and testing.
Must be capable of annually qualifying with all site issued weaponry.


http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part073/index.html

[Sierra 1]

Military, law enforcement, and armed security experience is a plus. But the initial screening (application) is also designed to identify those individuals who may have a problem with obtaining unescorted access (bad credit, negative work history, arrests, and civil court issues, etc.).

[Tsalla Apopka]

IMHO it's as much about what they don't want as what they do want.
The Team Lead has been there for over 15 years and has a firm idea of what he wants and doesn't want. If I had to guess, I'd say if you're under 35, in very good physical condition, can pass physical, security, drug and credit checks then you'd have a good chance.
A paramilitary background (military or law emforcement) and good physical conditon can get you past the initial interview and if you pass the personal opinion of the Team Lead then they will get your info and do the checks. Having the licenses is not an issue one way or the other.
I made it to the personal interview and something struck him as "WRONG" so the interview was nicely but radically cut short. I'd really like to know what happened but never will I'm afraid............

[gixxer32404]

Persistence may be the key.....keep applying.

[Tsalla Apopka]

Securitas has a process where you have to use the internet site to apply and you can only do so every 6 months.
They apparently just get sooooooooo many applications they can pick and choose.
Good for them - bad for us.........

[Nukednative]

Got the Tshirt. Well, maybe not the tshirt, but.. either way..

Worked for a site south of the listed plant, for 7 years as a Supervisor. Recently through an unexpected twist found myself unemployed from there... Worked a short time for the new Project Manager up there at Pallisades, was a great guy. At least honest and straight forward. Was quite a change from what I had dealt with for the prior years. I also know of a Captain who went up there during the change from AEP DC COOK Plant giving up their contract with Wackenhut. (also during this time the patches or "companies with contract" included G4S which was after the sleeping guard video went public, Securitas as well as a few others..)

Nuclear Security is a great field, but NOT for those who think it's just gonna be a 9-5 and a simple pay check. Training is mandated by the NRC, Loose physical requirements are outlined in 10 CFR however each site will have a "physical endurance" testing system during and after training. They are not military, however they are not easy for everyone. They pride themselves as being a "paramilitary force" however due to public relations reasons have to just be referred to as a "guard force".

These people spend the majority of their time with each other at work, or during training, and are ready and willing to do what is needed when the time comes. There are those that will, and openly admit to it, turn and walk away if it came to a gun fight. But those people are known for what they are. NO DOD clearance is needed, however background checks/credit checks happen frequently. Do not smudge either, or you can be deemed an 'at risk' employee.

All sorts of training constantly happening. The hours are regulated after 9/11 happened and we were working 6 12 hour shifts a week and fatigue hit the groups hard, but they still find ways to make your weeks longer. This is NOT a bad thing. Just be prepared.

A wide variety of people work there in the positions, so be willing to deal with a huge assortment of "lifestyles" and levels of "cleanliness".... Working in this field you do tend to get close to some of your co-workers quite a bit, so be prepared for someone who doesn't have the highest regard for cleanliness to be the person you follow on tour.. :)

Be prepared to fire a LOT of rounds of ammo.. Be prepared also to get familiar with body armor and stairs.. You'll be wearing in excess of 70 additional pounds of gear and "loving" the stairs.. Those plants don't run on nuclear energy.. It's all guard power..

I'm new to this site, and most of the info I have is restricted, but if you have a question, ask.. I don't know if there is an email link, but use it, until I'm better with this site..

Again.. It's a great job.. They over pay you but expect you to be ready to work all of the time. You live to work, and after 7 years I learned that I would rather work to live..

[gixxer32404]

I have still not heard from securitas as of date. Thanks for the insight.

[gixxer32404]

Securitas has a process where you have to use the internet site to apply and you can only do so every 6 months.
They apparently just get sooooooooo many applications they can pick and choose.
Good for them - bad for us.........

Wasn't the crystal river job starting june 01, 2009? Have you heard anything? I have not even received a phone call as of date.

[Tsalla Apopka]

My understanding was they were doing the hiring for the temp jobs in 3 or 4 phases. I made the interview in the first one and was given very short shift. They then had another one advertised in the local paper few weeks ago before I left Florida on this job. They said applicants that don't get chosen in one iteration may be called for a later one.

Interestingly, the government is considering new rules right now that will require even more security for nuke facilities.

[gixxer32404]

I haven't heard anything from securitas as of date.