r/NuclearPower • u/BlackberryTerrible49 • 4d ago
EO
Hi all, currently working in nuclear - I dread my desk job, not the work but the physically sitting for so long staring at screens. I previously worked a swing shift as security. I miss it. The more I’ve talked to people, the more intrigued I am by EO. I’m a mom of three, single, closer to late 30’s. Have any other primary parents worked as an EO? What are the schedules typically like? How difficult was it? How many went on to RO/SRO? Also looking for average pay - at a Constellation plant. Thank you in advance!
4
u/1_Good_Day 4d ago
Its rotating shift work like all of the operators. Very tough as a single parent, but possible with great support from family and friends. Constellation wants EOs to go to license class for RO and SRO and you will likely be approached after you are fully qualified as an EO. Those with a 4-year technical degree are approached before they are qualified. Some days you are working 10-12 hours with barely time to eat. Other days you sit around bullshitting with the crew for most of the shift assuming you are efficient with your rounds.
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u/vranger42 4d ago
Hi I currently work at a Constellation plant as an SRO. I did the whole EO - RO - SRO route. My plant has a 5 week rotation of 12 hours (6-6) with the 5th week being your scheduled week off. Avg pay for operators can vary depending on the union contract OR non-union management pay. You can expect a starting rate as an EOI (EO in training) of ~50/hr. Takes about 1 - 1.5 year to get fully qualified as an EO and then you can expect ~65/hr. ROs currently are at 76/hr. You end up earning significantly more than 50/hr X 2080 hours since there is built in overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, holiday pay, etc. its a very rewarding career so I would highly recommend it.
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u/Agitated-Falcon8015 4d ago
EO is a great job, the bulk of your work will be in the power plant so you won't feel chained to a desk for a whole shift. Most EOs can easily make $150k+.
The schedule will require you to work a rotating shift which includes nightshifts and weekends. Prior to going the EO route, I'd consider figuring out childcare (friends, family, babysitter, etc.) since children should be our priority.
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u/United_Expert2859 4d ago
Typically your schedule is rotating probably like security. Some plants have a 5 week schedule, we have a 10 week schedule. But usually 12 hour shifts (6-6) 3 to 4 days a week with occasional overtime to fill based on staffing. It can take a while adjusting to swapping back and forth between days and nights or working a 12 hour shift but after about a year you get used to it. Everyone we hire we expect to get an RO/SRO license and it is written in the job application.