Decontamination & Decommissioning (D&D) Worker
Start your career supporting cleanup, demolition, and hazard-reduction work at DOE sites with Atomic Technical Institute’s Decontamination & Decommissioning (D&D) Worker training program.
Located at 1835 Terminal Drive, Suite 130, Richland, WA 99354. This in-person, instructor-led course is designed for individuals pursuing careers in nuclear cleanup support, industrial demolition, and hazardous work environments.
At DOE Environmental Management sites like Hanford, Deactivation & Decommissioning (D&D) is the structured process of placing contaminated or excess facilities into a stable condition (deactivation) and then closing/disposing of the facility to an approved end state (decommissioning). This work includes removing hazardous and radioactive materials, stabilizing facilities, and supporting demolition/disposition activities.
Why Decontamination & Decommissioning?
Hanford is a long-term cleanup mission with many active projects involving facility cleanup, stabilization, and waste-related operations. Washington State’s Department of Ecology describes ongoing Hanford missions that include facilities like T Plant, which supports waste treatment/verification and repackaging of radioactive and hazardous waste—work that depends on trained, safety-focused teams.
D&D work offers:
Strong job stability tied to long-term cleanup missions
Competitive wages and overtime opportunities
Work across demolition, decon, waste handling, and industrial support roles
A safety-focused career path with advancement potential
Instructor-Led. Structured. Career-Focused.
Our approximately 3-month program combines:
Live, in-person instruction
Structured progression through D&D and hazardous work fundamentals
Guided exercises and knowledge checks
Practical emphasis on disciplined work practices, documentation, and hazard awareness
DOE also publishes training guidance for deactivation and decommissioning personnel (including continuing training expectations), which reinforces how important formal fundamentals are in this field.
What You’ll Learn (Highlights)
Students receive foundational knowledge and practical understanding in areas including:
D&D fundamentals: deactivation vs. decommissioning and typical work scope
Hazard recognition and safe work practices in regulated environments
Contamination control concepts and decontamination basics
Basic waste handling awareness and jobsite controls
PPE fundamentals and work-zone practices
Work package awareness: procedures, briefings, communications, and documentation basics
Recordkeeping and reporting habits that support safety and compliance
This training prepares you to understand not just what to do—but why disciplined cleanup work protects workers, the public, and the environment.
Course Details at a Glance
Start Date: March 2nd
Duration: Approximately 90 days
Location: 1835 Terminal Drive, Suite 130 Richland, WA 99354
Schedule Options: Daytime (TBD) and evening classes available
Included: Live instruction, guided review, and course materials
Seating is limited to maintain instructional quality.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideal for:
Individuals seeking entry into cleanup, industrial demolition, or environmental work
Career changers looking for long-term technical work
Veterans transitioning to civilian careers
Anyone interested in safety-focused, hands-on work in regulated environments
Requirements:
GED or high school diploma
No prior nuclear experience required
All adults and 11th and 12th grade high school students may enroll; a GED or diploma is required for employment.
Career Outlook & Earning Potential
D&D and cleanup-support roles can offer strong earning potential:
Entry-Level / Trainee: ~$30+ per hour
Experienced Worker: ~$45+ per hour
Actual pay varies by employer, location, shift, overtime, and experience. These figures are illustrative based on industry norms.
Completion & Career Advantage
Upon successful completion, students receive:
ATI Course Completion Certificate
Eligibility for regionally accredited college credit through Columbia Southern University (CSU)
This course can help demonstrate foundational readiness and seriousness to employers supporting cleanup, demolition, and environmental work.
