– Managers with EM Richland Operations Office (RL) contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) noted a pattern of successful hiring over the last three years.
Office of Environmental Management
July 25, 2023
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Pictured here is a small portion of the staffers who help maintain the entire Hanford Site as part of the custodial services team with contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions. Since 2020, more than 40 custodial employees have accepted positions in other fields on the Hanford Site after growing their skills with this team.
RICHLAND, Wash. – Managers with EM Richland Operations Office (RL) contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) noted a pattern of successful hiring over the last three years. They found many who start in entry-level custodial services positions often remain dedicated to the One Hanford mission and build their knowledge, skills and abilities to later fill other openings elsewhere.
HMIS noticed the custodial “workforce pipeline” growing and documented more than 40 staff members who went through the training process and accepted new roles at locations throughout the Hanford Site. The most common transitions included moving into positions as a nuclear chemical operator or health physics technician.
“The Hanford Site offers an array of challenging, interesting and highly skilled positions across many disciplines,” said Brian Harkins, EM assistant manager for Mission Support. “We are continually proud of our ability to attract quality candidates and capitalize on their strengths to benefit the cleanup mission with their dedicated contributions.”
Tamara Balch, a member of the custodial services team for contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS), helps with upkeep for a building on the Hanford Site. HMIS recently noticed a “workforce pipeline” within this team and documented dozens of custodial services employees who accepted new positions elsewhere on the Hanford Site.
Each time a team member accepts a new job onsite, whether within their department or elsewhere, a manager needs to hire and train someone new to replace them. However, Hanford leaders recognize that constant development of the workforce benefits the whole site.
“As a manager, you never want to lose good workers,” said Joel Ah Yat, manager of HMIS Custodial Services. “On the other hand, one of the biggest gratifications is seeing an employee move up the ranks to take on new roles.”
Career opportunities available to custodial services employees after going through training also include positions such as instrument technicians, safety representatives and material coordinators.
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