Refueling Services Technician - Level I

About the Role

This entry-level position reports to the Refueling Services Supervisor and provides transfer system operation. The Level 1 Technician performs basic activities during Head Area Maintenance in support of Reactor Vessel Disassembly and Reassembly, as well as basic in-vessel maintenance such as underwater camera work to support Level 2 and 3 technicians. Candidates are expected to progress through various positions within Vistra up to and including Refueling Services Level 3 Technician within a specified timeline. This role can be based at any one of our four nuclear sites.

Responsibilities

• Operate the Transfer System at Westinghouse and B&W style PWRs, as well as the Inclined Fuel Transfer System at Perry.
• Move fuel in-vessel at PWR and BWR Spent Fuel Pools.
• Perform underwater camera work and support Level 2 and 3 technicians with poles as a Level 1 In-Vessel Technician.
• Conduct rigging and lifting in the reactor cavity, operate tensioners, remove and install reactor head components, and operate nut runners as a Level 1 Head Area Maintenance Technician.
• Work safely and error-free, participating in post-outage critiques to provide feedback on improvement opportunities and lessons learned.
• Achieve Vistra-established transfer system operation movement rates to meet outage milestones safely and error-free.
• Participate in work control coordination, scheduling, and engineering meetings to ensure assigned work is properly planned and ready.
• Actively engage in Vistra processes, including training, surveillance, and CAP programs to ensure effective work practices.
• Support the Site Refueling Services Management Team in identifying and implementing improvement opportunities.
• Maintain fuel handling equipment, including PM schedules, corrective maintenance tracking, and upgrade implementation.
• Perform maintenance on reactor services tooling, including PM schedules, corrective maintenance, upgrades, and replacements.
• Identify and report equipment issues to ensure reliable performance of head area maintenance and underwater tooling.
• Provide input for plans, specifications, and work order planning for site Refueling Services.
• Collaborate with the fleet team to evaluate Reactor Services activities and recommend improvements for performance, cost reduction, design corrections, or worker safety.
• Support Dry Cask equipment setup and New Fuel Receipt.
• Assist with reviewing the Refueling Services outage schedule.
• Travel as assigned to other Vistra Nuclear Plants to support maintenance, operational activities, outages, dry cask storage, and outage preparation.
• Perform additional job assignments as approved by the Site Refueling Services Manager.

Requirements

• Nuclear utility worker with technical/mechanical job skills and 2 years of experience, OR
• Completed trade school in boiler maker, iron worker, pipe fitter, or other mechanical craft, OR
• Military veteran with technical/mechanical job skills and 2 years of work experience.
• Capable of passing a respirator physical.
• Ability to work in radiological protective clothing while wearing a PAPR for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Knowledge of refueling tooling and advanced knowledge of hand tools.
• Willingness and availability for high travel to support all Vistra Refueling Outages, including planned and unplanned outages, pre-outage preparations, dry cask storage, operational performance initiatives, training, and other fleet needs. Travel may require short notice.

Preferred Qualifications

• OEM training in Refueling Services.
• Knowledge of Lifting, Rigging, and Material Handling Industry Standards.

Schedule

Anticipated start date: January 2027. This role involves high travel, including mandatory travel to support refueling outages and other operational needs. Technicians will be compensated for travel time and expenses in accordance with company policies.

Key Metrics

• Safety Excellence
• Continuous Improvement
• Problem Solving / Decision Making
• Results Orientation