Y-12er spotlight: Jamie P.
Photo: YPH‑25‑1196376.jpg Subcontract Technical Representative Jamie P. shares her thoughts on teamwork as part of a series of Y‑12 stories highlighting our Construction team.
The Y‑12er spotlight shines on one of our own, Jamie P., Y‑12 subcontract technical representative. It takes all Y‑12 employees to make the mission happen successfully and safely. All views and opinions are the employee’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNS.
When Jamie P. stepped into the area she was assigned to at Y‑12, she didn’t have to worry about decorating the walls, as they had been freshly torn down and rebuilt. Her assigned building had been gutted to studs and rebuilt from the floors up as part of a project renovating the facility for new mission work.
Jamie is a subcontract technical representative. STRs serve as the point of contact for subcontractors on‑site.
“My organization helps meet the mission by working with subcontractors to get facilities ready for occupancy. Moving people into a more modern facility helps ensure they can do their tasks efficiently,” she said. “And it improves safety, which is the site’s main priority.”
Jamie chose to work in the construction field because it interested her, especially because of the variety of different job fields under the construction banner. She particularly enjoys learning from other employees and understanding new approaches to the work.
“Construction involves constantly learning and growing as a person,” she said. “I like challenging myself and learning on the job, and at Y‑12, I am learning every day, including new systems and ways of doing work. For example, I learned how much goes into managing the lockout/tagout process, particularly how thorough it is and the steps Construction takes to notify multiple groups and coordinate each group’s response for the process.”
Jamie said what surprised her when she started at Y‑12 was how many construction projects are currently underway across the site. Work at Y‑12 and across the nation to modernize Nuclear Security Enterprise sites echoes the pace of work during the Manhattan Project era as construction teams work projects that will reduce risk, improve safety, and clear the way for future progress.
“Construction is directly supporting the mission by rehabbing old systems as well as building new [systems and facilities],” she said. “This is a fast‑paced environment.”
How has working for CNS changed or reinforced your thoughts on our mission (nuclear deterrence, managing the stockpile, etc.)?
Working for CNS has shown me our mission is more critical now than ever. It’s important that we meet our goals.
What is your favorite aspect about your work environment?
My favorite aspect about my work environment is the people I get to work with every day. They are great to work with and great teachers. Since I was hired on in September last year, I have been learning from my team about how the STR role works and how to run a project from start to finish.
What work advice would you offer someone who is new to Y‑12?
I would find a good mentor in your field and ask them a lot of questions. Asking questions helps in everything I do because I want to better understand what I am doing and why I am doing it that way.
What’s your favorite outside‑of‑work activity and why?
Going to the lake with my friends is my favorite activity outside of work. It’s relaxing.
How has teamwork allowed you to grow as an employee?
Teamwork has allowed me to grow by asking questions about the work and getting to know my coworkers. In Construction, you are always on a team, so teamwork is one of the biggest aspects in my field.