working at Idaho national Lab (Boise, Idaho Falls: real estate, property taxes, travel)

[Greybear]

I'm curious about working at INL.

Usual questions: salary, benefits, work schedule etc.

what is the criterion for hire: drug tests, background checks, security clearance, brain washing ??

Thanks in advance

[twinprism]

There is the whole range of jobs and salaries at INL, as well as work schedules from weekdays to rotating shifts depending on where you are at. Many rotating shifts work a 4on4off schedule. May daytime workers have every other Friday off and work an extra hour or so each day..

Most places there drug tests, background checks, and security clearance are required, brain washing is recommended.

All this varies by location and contractor you are working for. Check INL - Careers for more.


Salaries are typically better than most in the area, but you have a commute, and all of the above to contend with.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Greybear,

There is already a thread here about INL. You might want to find it and read the links and different views.

Also, I'm sure you know that INL has various sub-contractors and companies working at the facility. I think Twin Prism gave you a good general reference. I don't know what you do, but I'd encourage you to read about the different companies and their missions at INL. (www.inl.gov).

Like every other business, each of those who have contracts at INL have their own benefit packages and pay scale.

It's probably worthwhile to keep in mind that former INL scientists have created some very successful and large (as well as those that are just starting to see success), spinoff companies. You may want to read more about some of the spin offs like Northern Winds, International Isotopes - which is now on the stock exchange and others.

Finally, when you look at the INL site, I'd encourage you to write questions of what companies are doing what type of work.

Good luck!

MSR

[Mtn. States Resident]

Greybear,

I wanted to make sure you were aware that Idaho Falls (now, thanks to the Legislature and Gov. Otter) is one of about 5 sites French-owned, Areva is looking at building a $2 Billion dollar plant.

They are smart not committing to any state until after they see what each respective state will give them. Also, in Idaho, if Areva builds in Idaho, they will be closer to Idaho Falls than INL.

Per chance you haven't heard about it, this is a clip from a local news-station. I apologize for posting the print, but several users have complained of video problems currently. Maybe this will be helpful to someone - I hope.

I believe it is a good piece, as it looks at the last two companies the state of Idaho gave tax breaks and other special considerations to, and how both are moving jobs out-of-state. That isn't to say Areva would or wouldn't. The decision hasn't been made yet. It's just another part of attracting new investors to Idaho, given a skilled work force.

From KIFI - Channel 8 in Idaho Falls:

"Lawmakers Working to Bring in Billion Dollar Uranium Company"

Posted: Feb 27, 2008 07:06 PM MST

Updated: Feb 28, 2008 11:45 AM MST


By: Bridget Shanahan

"A company that could dramatically boost the economy in Eastern Idaho, if it decides to build here, is the big topic in the legislature this week.

"Tomorrow lawmakers will begin to decide if French uranium company Areva will get tax breaks if it opens a facility in Bonneville County.

"The company worth $2.5 billion could bring hundreds of millions to the economy over the years...an economic stimulus that the state of Idaho has never seen.

"Areva is considering building their next facility in the desert between Idaho Falls and the Idaho National Lab.

"A spot that wouldn't require much additional access and the lay of the land provides a perfect space for development.

"'I'm really not used to talking in billions,'" Grow Idaho Falls Executive Director Linda Martin said.

"'And we're talking a big ‘B' there,'" Rexburg Republican Senator Brent Hill said.

"Besides money and yellow-cake uranium, Areva is looking to bring a lot to the area.

"Let's talk jobs -- the company itself will create between 200 and 250.

"But with building the facility and other businesses that local economists say are sure to follow, the total is closer to 2500."

"'Your dry cleaners, your banks, your automobile dealers, your real estate agents, your restaurants,'" Martin added."

"These jobs and businesses will eventually pump fuel into our local and state economy."

"'Economic stimulus is what it's all about. From the technology that we've been able to develop at the INL it's created businesses throughout Eastern Idaho, and I think this Areva project is going to be a very similar thing," Senator Hill said."

"But with the growth comes incentive.

"Idaho isn't Areva's only option.

"In fact, we're one of at least five states vying for a chance.

"To put us on the board, lawmakers are considering major tax breaks including capping property taxes for the facility at four hundred million--which would boost Bonneville County's tax base by ten percent.

"On top of that, Areva could potentially see sales tax breaks.

"It would be similar to incentives given to Boise's Micron, only the breaks would come before Areva does."

"'We'd love to have them come in and pay taxes on a billion dollars, but I can tell you right now that's not going to happen. So we'll look at the next best,'" Blackfoot Representative Dennis Lake said."

"Those who support the tax breaks say it's similar to the discount you get when you buy things in bulk. Like this 12 pack of water, this will run you just two dollars for all twelve bottles, but, if you bought one single bottle, it'd be a dollar.

"'The cost of producing the goods and services that the city and county are going to produce and provide for this plan is going to be much less than the revenues brought in,'" Senator Hill added."

"If Areva does move to an empty chunk of land in the desert, it along with the INL would help establish a nuclear corridor in Idaho.

"Not everyone is onboard with another nuclear facility.

"Some lawmakers worry about the transportation of nuclear fuel and its disposal in our state.

"Others believe tax breaks will take away from Bonneville County's potential economic gain.

"Tomorrow (Thursday) both the property and sales tax bills will be debated in the House Revenue and Tax committee, if they pass, they'll be set for first reading on the House floor.

"Snake River Alliance is a non-profit nuclear watchdog group, which fiercely opposes Areva's addition to the community.

"A statement from the group's president alleges, "'The last time the legislature showered taxpayer money on two corporations - Micron and Albertson's - the taxpayers were burned. They won't tolerate it again, particularly for something as dangerous as this.'"


All 3 Idaho Falls area television stations, KIFI Channel 8, KIDK and KPVI all have several new stories about Areva.

I thought some may find them interesting as they contemplate working at INL.

[wingnut96]

Oh this is a great idea and post. I'll have to look at the other threads. A hopeful employer that can use a security clearance.

[Mtn. States Resident]

There are a fair amount of threads about INL here. Additionally, the spin offs, additional companies, CAES all have been mentioned, I think, in various threads.

There is nothing wrong with this thread, it is just hard to remember all the information that may have been written elsewhere.

One key piece about INL, is it isn't just BAE. There are several contractors performing different duties. And as mentioned previously, many spin offs (who work in Idaho Falls, not at the lab).

Some people are confused too thinking "the lab" - INL is a central location. I'd encourage anyone thinking of working at INL, to research the various companies and what work they are doing. Some may be surprised to find that the lead nuclear lab for the U.S. has also been given the mission of Cyberspace Security as well as other assignments.

"The Lab" is a very large area - I believe most would be shocked. It's not exactly a 5 acre work location. Different companies work at different locations. Depending on your training/interests, I'd check out the various companies to see which might be the best fit for you. Also, many of the sub-contractors have offices in Idaho Falls. Some INL employees don't travel to the desert to work daily, some do and some have a mixture of where they work.

The INL.Gov website is probably still the best place to start to learn more.