Are you looking for a challenging role where you can lead others and make a meaningful impact on facility operations and the environment? Our Universal Cells team in Chalk River is seeking a Nuclear Operator 1 (NO‑1) to support the safe, efficient operation of the facility and provide guidance to NO‑2 staff. The NO‑1 is responsible for assigning work, providing instruction, conducting surveillance, responding to alarms, and ensuring that all tasks are completed safely and in accordance with procedures. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, apply today!
What will you be doing!
- Handling radioactive materials remotely in shielded hot‑cell environments.
- Operating overhead cranes, hoists, lift trucks, and material‑handling equipment (up to 30‑ton capacity).
- Operating and monitoring facility systems, recording readings, and reporting abnormalities.
- Working safely in isolation rooms and confined spaces.
- Responding to alarms and upset conditions.
- Assisting with designing, constructing, and commissioning new or modified equipment and processes.
- Leading by ensuring Operators understand and follow all rules, regulations, and safety requirements.
- Maintaining an equitable overtime list and coordinating staffing for daily and upcoming activities.
- Arranging on‑site transportation of shielded flasks and equipment, and acting as Transportation of Dangerous Goods(TDG) shipper/receiver.
- Verifying documentation for all incoming and outgoing transfer flasks.
- Retrieving, installing, testing, cleaning, decontaminating, packaging, and storing in‑cell equipment for Post‑Irradiation Examination.
- Decontaminating in‑cell surfaces and preparing waste for disposal in approved containers.
- Preparing chemical solutions, performing sampling, and operating chemical processing equipment.
- Recording instrument readings accurately and keeping supervision informed of system status.
- Operating pumps, valves, fans, compressors, overhead cranes, rigging slings, and lifting tackle.
- Making piping and valving changes as directed.
- Assisting with the routine maintenance of facility process systems.
- Troubleshooting operating issues and implementing corrective actions under direction.
- Following all company policies and safety procedures, including required bioassay submissions.
- Maintaining strong housekeeping standards and securing the facility at the end of the shift.
- Performing crane pre‑use inspections.
- Coordinating customer needs and staffing requirements with supervision.
- Assigning routine inspection and testing responsibilities to Nuclear Operators.
- Using master-slave manipulators, operating in-cell equipment such as machine tools, metal-working tools, power tools, handheld tools, measurement devices, optical and video inspection equipment, and process equipment. Other duties as assigned by your manager.
What we are looking for:
- Education
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with credits in Mathematics (MCB4U), Chemistry (SCH3U), Physics (SPH3U) and English (ENG4U), OR a minimum of Ontario Grade 12 advanced level plus 4 Ontario Academic Credits is Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and English, or the equivalent in education and/or experience.
- A passing grade of 70% for the Universal Cells specific knowledge examination.
- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Must be qualified to perform the listed duties under the terms of the Universal Cells Operator training program.
- Must be willing and able to learn and must have demonstrated initiative for self-study.
- Must have good judgement, skill and dexterity in the handling of master-slave manipulators, tools and equipment and must pass a depth perception test.
- Must be reliable, observant, safety-conscious and capable of handling the physical aspects of the position.
- Must be mentally alert and capable of carrying out written and verbal instructions accurately, possess a sense of responsibility and the ability to work without direct supervision.
- Must be capable of understanding and mastering operating procedures, equipment and design drawings during normal training.
- Must be capable of interpreting design drawings and design descriptions and writing commissioning, operating and maintenance procedures for new and existing equipment and systems.
- Must demonstrate a good working attitude and function as part of a team dedicated to a quality operation in a customer-oriented environment.
- Must be able to communicate effectively and provide leadership to encourage participation of team members in a quality operation to meet branch and company goals.
- Must be capable of monitoring radiation fields and have knowledge of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles. Must be qualified in radiation protection to the extent of awareness and self-protection.
- Must have a working knowledge of performance-based training methods, leadership and supervisory skills.
- Must possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of the work of the Nuclear Operator classification in a hot cell facility.
- Must be knowledgeable of facility working procedures and able to cooperate with trades to complete work safely, efficiently, and effectively.
- Must be knowledgeable of emergency procedures, possess good judgement and be able to respond effectively to emergency situations.
- Security Clearance Eligibility Required
- Level 2 Secret requires a minimum of 7 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's “Standard on Security Screening” and the “Policy on Government Security.”
Working Conditions:
- Working schedule: Five (5) days per week, eight (8) hours per day for a forty (40) hour work week.
- This position is part of the CR Nuclear Operator Power Workers (NO)union and is governed by the terms and conditions outlined in the their Collective Agreement. As a member of this bargaining unit, you’ll benefit from clear expectations around hours of work, wages, vacation, and other conditions that support a fair and consistent working environment.
- Wearing PPE, moderate radiation hazard environments where personal protective equipment is required.
- Working in numerous indoor and outdoor environments ranging from control room/office work to field work in conditions ranging from outdoor climate to cramped areas where industrial and radiological conditions exist.
- Environment demands high vigilance to alarms, lights, and signals as a safety requirement.
Why CNL?
Does the idea of working with a dynamic team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world excite you? At CNL, we’re reinventing ourselves to be industry leaders—pioneering solutions to the problems that matter most.
From building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy technologies, to developing targeted cancer treatments, to continuing our global leadership in environmental remediation—we are driven by impact, innovation, and purpose.
What We Offer: A Total Rewards Package
We believe in taking care of our people. Here’s what you can expect as part of our team:
- Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and floater days
- Benefits effective Day One – no waiting period
- Tuition support to help you keep learning and growing
- A defined-benefit pension plan or a defined-contribution pension plan, depending on your employee group, to support your long‑term financial security
Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?
- Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow
- Restoring and protecting the environment
- Contributing to the health of Canadians
If so, you’ll feel right at home at CNL!
Location: Onsite
Located in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, our Chalk River site offers a beautiful natural setting with forests, lakes, and wildlife, right at your doorstep. Surrounded by welcoming communities such as Deep River, Petawawa, and Pembroke, you’ll have access to unparalleled outdoor adventures and a fantastic work-life balance.
Please note: This is a fully on-site position based at our Chalk River Laboratory in Ontario.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
At CNL, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome employees, stakeholders, and partners of all backgrounds and identities. Click here to read all about it!
We are proud to uphold a workplace culture grounded in our Core Values:
- Respect
- Teamwork
- Accountability
- Safety
- Integrity
- Excellence
These values drive our employment practices and ensure meaningful career development opportunities and accommodations for all employees.
CNL is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during any phase of the hiring process, please let us know via jobs@cnl.ca. All requests will be handled with confidentiality.
CNL operates on sites located on the traditional lands, waterways and ceded and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples. CNL recognizes and affirms all First Nations, Métis communities and Inuit in this land we now know as Canada. We acknowledge, respect and seek to better understand Indigenous history, rights and title on the lands where we work and develop projects. We honour and respect the importance of the relationship between Indigenous peoples and their lands, waters and territories.
