Laboratory Shift Superintendent

Date: Apr 30, 2026

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 16155 

 

Overview:

We are seeking qualified applicants for the position of Laboratory Shift Superintendent (LSS). This position involves making critical decisions under route and emergency conditions to support Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) operations. This role requires a high level of collaboration and communication, often under periods of stress, to resolve issues and ensure continuity of laboratory operations. This position resides in the LSS Office in the Program Management Group, Laboratory Protection Division, Facilities & Operations Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • This position will require assignment to a regular 12-hour rotating shift schedule and the candidate will perform their supervisory duties within the Laboratory Emergency Response Center (LERC).
  • Act as ORNL Management’s representative and director during emergency situations.
  • Serve as Senior Management after hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Evaluate, classify, and communicate incidents quickly and accurately.
  • Monitor campus safety and operations, escalate concerns when needed.
  • Coordinate with, and support, shift staff.
  • Direct and supervise Control Center Assistants to ensure smooth shift operations, including managing performance and coaching. Set clear expectations, give feedback, and address any issues as needed.
  • Maintain thorough knowledge of site layout, safety, procedures, and security.
  • Handle issues related to ORNL Waste and Radioactive Material shipments; understand Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
  • Participate in ongoing training and emergency exercises and drills.
  • Manage multi-line telephone system for emergency and non-emergency calls.
  • Respond to facility, fire, radiation, and utility alarms.
  • Communicate via radios, phones, email, and business platforms.
  • Operate monitors and systems related to LERC functions.
  • Use systems for emergency notifications and key announcements.
  • Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 

Basic Qualifications:

  • A BS degree in emergency management, tactical operations or other relevant discipline.
  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in an emergency management or tactical operations environment. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • Must have a valid Tennessee Driver’s license.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity, including overseeing staff, evaluating performance, and making critical decisions under pressure.
  • Training or experience in emergency management or first responder roles. 
  • Highly organized and able to prioritize and schedule multiple activities. 
  • Ability to effectively communicate with senior management, staff at all levels, and federal, state, and local agencies.

 

Special Requirements:

  • Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • Q clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

 

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

 

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

 

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

 

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

 

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

 

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


Nearest Major Market: Knoxville