Savannah River site employment (Charleston, Aiken: buyers, contractors, to live in)

[~Pajama mama~]

I'm in the research phase for a job my husband is considering at SRS. It would be for one of the contractors. I saw there was a huge layoff in Sept. I know a little history of the site but would like more info on a local level. We have a family and if there is a good chance this would not be a permanent move due to a future layoff, we will pass. It would be a shame as Aiken sounds like a wonderful place to raise a family.

Any and all info would be appreciated.

[~Pajama mama~]

Thanks Green..his job here is stable. It's a bit of a different career path that he isn't really happy with and we don't just love the town we ended up in.

As far as SRS..can you tell me how it works? The contractors are awarded contracts each year from the government? So if the contractor he works for doesn't get the bid they are toast? What about the budget cuts Obama has made?

What is the future at SRS? I know there is a clean up going on..will it close when it's complete? I read somewhere that people out there doing that were working themselves out of a job.

Thanks for any input!

[IsNull]

What company? Is it with the Maint and Operations contractor?

[~Pajama mama~]

Originally Posted by IsNull

What company? Is it with the Maint and Operations contractor?

It's with SRNS.

[IsNull]

That's the M&O so as long as he has the right skill set he should be ok. The problem with SRS is a lack of mission. It has three things it's doing right now: clean up, MOX, and turning waste into glass. MOX is on shaky ground (over budget and no buyers). But it's being built separate from the site operations. NNSA still does Tritium reloads, but with arms reduction there's been long talk of moth balling the production facilities.

The contract is rebid every 5 years or so. The winner typically inherits the work force as trying to bring in the number of people with the years of experience to run the site is impossible. They'll replace senior management but keep most level 2s and below.

The continued reduction in budget has forced a majority of the layoffs.

I worked there for 13 years and both my parents are retirees there. Typically employees will live in Aiken, North Augusta, or Martinez, GA. We moved from Aiken to North Augusta as my wife worked in the Augusta hospitals. Aiken is a great town. In the end... we just wanted to live in Charleston so we made the move a few years ago while the kids are still young. But, I keep up with my old co-workers there. Talked to one on Friday as a matter of fact.

Good luck