Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32Meet Brian Kajganich, a nuclear facility operator/nuclear technician at INL Education background: Bachelor’s degree in business administration: management and operations from Idaho State University Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Idaho State University Job description: As a nuclear facility operator at INL’s Hot Fuel Examination Facility (HFEF), I routinely perform remote-handling operations of special nuclear and irradiated materials from within a shielded hot-cell environment. I operate equipment and systems responsible for assisting with research that further develops nuclear fuel and material technologies. This includes the preparation and examination of irradiated experiments in support of numerous programs. What led you to become a nuclear facility operator/nuclear technician? The hobbies and interests that led me to my career include: metal welding/fabrication, machine work, working on cars and motorcycles, building and creating things. I enjoy anything that requires me to use my mind and my hands to figure things out. I am a do-it-yourself kind of guy and am always fiddling around with the latest project in my shop. Some of the high school classes that helped prepare me for my career included all mathematical classes (geometry, trigonometry, algebra); all science- based classes (chemistry, physics); welding; small engine repair; and wood shop. What do you love about your job? As a nuclear operator, I am responsible for handling multimillion dollar projects and equipment. This in itself is remarkable! We use specialized remote-handling equipment that drives innovative research in the nuclear field aimed at domestic and worldwide use. Every time we touch a robotic manipulator, crane, cask or any piece of in-cell equipment, it is a new experience. No two jobs are alike. We are trained to appreciate and have a healthy respect for everything we handle inside and outside of the hot cells. Why is your work important to the mission of INL and the world? Research and testing performed in our facility allows us to develop technologies that support the advancement of exotic nuclear fuels and materials that power new generation reactors all over the world. This includes reactors operated not only in federal laboratories, but also reactors in the commercial and academic realm. As a front-line operator, we work in concert with many groups to accomplish this mission on a daily basis. Without technicians there to operate, troubleshoot or even repair in-cell equipment for the programs, advancements would falter. What advice do you have for future nuclear facility operators/ nuclear technicians? My advice is to engross yourself in core curriculum surrounding science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This will supply you with a basic level of knowledge necessary to perform the functions/ duties of a nuclear operator. There are a variety of classes and programs out there geared toward preparing students for becoming nuclear technicians. Specifically, colleges and specialty trade schools offer programs dedicated to these specialized areas. $50,125 AVERAGE STARTING SALARY 27