Operations Specialist

What You Will Do

The Weapons Facility Operations (WFO) Division is seeking an Operations Specialist to join our dynamic team. WFO is responsible for facilitating mission execution at DARHT (Accelerator Facility), the High Explosives (HE) Sciences, Firing and Detonator Facilities and at the Weapons Engineering Tritium Facility (WETF). The selected candidate will report to the Operations Manager.

This position will be filled at the Operations Specialist 1/2, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Operations Specialist 1 ($59,200-$91,600)

Provide day-to-day operational support across multiple technical areas, ensuring alignment with LANL's mission and safety standards. Conduct routine facility and area walk-downs, inspections, and procedure reviews to ensure safe and efficient operations. Facilitate effective communication and coordination with facility personnel, program stakeholders, and support organizations. Support Integrated Work Management (IWM) processes and apply Conduct of Operations principles to routine work activities.

Assist with pre-job briefings, hazard analysis, and corrective action tracking to promote safe and compliant execution of work. Provide documentation, analysis, and recommendations in response to abnormal events, occurrences, and identified system deficiencies. Assure safety and security compliance by making safety an integral part of every task and stopping work when unsafe conditions are identified.

Additional Job Requirements for Operations Specialist 2:

Operations Specialist 2 ($78,700-$125,100)

As an Operations Specialist 2 within the Weapons Facility Operations (WFO) portfolio, you will provide advanced operational expertise, coordination, and oversight to ensure the safe, secure, and compliant operation of facilities across multiple technical areas. You will function as a key integrator between facility operations, programmatic customers, and support organizations, balancing mission needs with strict safety, security, and regulatory requirements.

• Serve as the Point of Contact (POC) for programmatic equipment operations and maintenance, ensuring scope, schedule, budget, and compliance objectives are met.
• Prepare, review, and authorize facility work packages and work releases, ensuring compliance with facility guidelines and DOE regulations.
• Direct the safe execution of maintenance, shutdowns, upgrades, and return-to-service activities, coordinating across disciplines to minimize operational impact.
• Provide advanced operational input into planning, scheduling, and project execution, ensuring mission-critical activities are properly integrated and risks are mitigated.
• Assist in the development and implementation of safety, security, and environmental policies, ensuring compliance with Laboratory, DOE, and regulatory requirements.
• Mentor and provide direction to junior operations staff, support personnel, and facility tenants; develop and deliver training to ensure qualifications and operational readiness.
• Lead or participate in contingency coordinator roles, including emergency management, fire/security response, regulatory compliance, and nuclear material accountability.
• Develop and present detailed operations reports, effectively communicating technical and non-technical issues and contributing to resolution of complex operational challenges.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that strengthens WFO's safety culture and operational integrity.

Education/Experience for Operations Specialist 1

Position requires an Associate's and 2 years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

This position may be subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities. This DOE Order establishes entry-level requirements to ensure employees in the positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

Education/Experience for Operations Specialist 2

Position requires an associate's degree and 4 years of related experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

This position may be subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, and Qualification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities. This DOE Order establishes entry-level requirements to ensure employees in the positions can successfully perform the requirements of the job.

Desired Qualifications

Operations Specialist 1:

• Familiarity with mechanical and electrical documents, blueprints, drawings, and schematics.
• Familiarity with developing work instructions in a formal maintenance program.
• Basic knowledge of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or work control systems.
• Ability to conceptualize and communicate elements of facility operations, processes, and…