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 32$41,000 AVERAGE STARTING SALARY Meet Jana Crow, an R&D technician at INL Education background: Certification of Applied Science in radiation safety from Eastern Idaho Technical College (EITC) Job description: I perform analysis of irradiated and unirradiated fuels and samples for nuclear reactor research. I prep the dissolved material in the hot cells, using the manipulators. The samples are transferred to hoods for further dilutions and preparations. I then perform measurements and analysis on the samples by ICP-MS, an instrument capable of measuring trace components of a solution. What led you to become an R&D technician? I enjoyed studying science and math in high school and knew I wanted a career in a technical field, but I was not sure exactly what career. I took many STEM-type classes—chemistry, biology, physics, algebra, geometry and trigonometry. I moved to Idaho after completing high school and became interested in working in the nuclear industry after learning about INL. I completed the Radiation Safety Program offered at EITC and was offered a job at Argonne National Laboratory as a health physics technician. I really enjoyed this job, but after 22 years I was ready to learn something new. After working at the Analytical Laboratory, I became interested in the work that the chemistry employees were performing. When I learned of an opening for an R&D technician, I decided to apply for it. I was given the opportunity to change careers and learn about more aspects of the nuclear industry. What do you love about your job? I enjoy the challenge of preparing the samples precisely. Each sample is different, and requires different preparations. I get great satisfaction when I have prepared the samples properly and the analysis comes up perfect. The scientists put a great deal of effort and research into producing the samples that I am asked to analyze. It is very rewarding to provide the scientists with precise and accurate measurements that will help them with their research. Why is your work important to the mission of INL and the world? I perform analysis for new types of nuclear fuel and for the proper dispositions of older fuels. It is important to give accurate results to the scientists that are performing this research. What advice do you have for future R&D technicians? Take math and science classes. If you are not planning on attending college, look into the programs offered at vocational schools. Check into programs that offer job-related training geared toward nuclear and chemical industries. The Radiation Safety Program offered at EITC is an excellent program, and a good way to get into the nuclear industry. Then when you get a job, learn as much as you can from the experienced people you work with. They have a lot of knowledge, and they will gladly share it with someone who is interested. Work hard and be willing to help your co-workers, and you will gain a good reputation among your peers and supervisors. 29 “I get great satisfaction when I have prepared the samples properly and the analysis comes up perfect.”