New Hires

Driving Directions

• From 1-182 West, take exit #4/Wellsian Way/Vantage onto Bypass Hwy (WA-240W) toward Vantage. Continue north on Stevens Drive/Route 4 for approximately 10 miles.
• As you are driving north, you will see an Energy Northwest sign with arrows. Continue straight past this sign, following the arrow to Columbia Generating Station.
• Keep going straight (about two miles) until you come to another Energy Northwest sign that says Columbia Generating Station. Take this right-hand turn.
• Once you turn right, you will be on the main access road. You will see Columbia Generating Station and a security checkpoint directly ahead of you. 
  

Energy Northwest Map - PDF Format

​

​Prior to your arrival, you will receive a “welcome” email that contains important information regarding your first day schedule and contacts. Please be sure to bring this information with you on your first day so you can call your contacts once you receive your badge.

The rest of the sections below will provide you with additional information and the required documents you need to bring with you on your first day. Please click on all the links to the documents and follow the instructions thoroughly.​​​​

Personal history questionnaire

IMPORTANT! Depending on the type of badge required for your position, you may need to complete a Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ). If this form is required for your position, our Access Authorization department will be contacting you directly via email within 1-2 weeks prior to your hire date. Please follow the instructions carefully. It is critical that this form is completed prior to your arrival as it could delay the receiving of your badge.

​On your first day, you will attend Onboarding where you will turn in the required completed new hire forms (see below links). You will also meet with our Benefits representative who will go over employee benefits and answer any questions you may have.

REMINDER: Please follow instructions and complete all required forms as much as possible and bring them with you on your first day.

• Department of Retirement Systems Retirement Status form (PERS) - PDF Format
• Authorization Form for Direct Deposit - Docx Format
  (see supporting documentation options below)​
• Federal I-9 Form (various formats available)
• Form W-4
• Employment Contingency form
• Intellectual Property Agreement
• Confidentiality form - PDF Format
• Use of Likeness form (recommended but optional) - PDF Format
• Veteran's Wall Authorization - PDF Format (for Veterans only)
• Form W-4 OREGON (PDF Format - For employees working at Oregon facility only)​

Important supporting documentation for the Direct Deposit form and I-9 forms are needed. Please read the below carefully and make sure to bring these supporting documents with you on your first day.

Direct Deposit of your paycheck is required. You will have the choice to have your paycheck directly deposited into your checking or savings account (you have to be on the account in order to use direct deposit).

Please bring the following documentation along with the above Authorization Form for Direct Deposit on your first day to avoid a delay in issuing your paycheck:

• A copy of your bank card showing your name, account number and routing number OR
• Bank letterhead showing your name, account number and routing number OR
• Voided Check
• Direct Deposit slips are NOT accepted.

Please note that you may change your account choice at any time in the future by completing another form and providing it to Payroll with the supporting documents.

I-9 Form Documentation

Please review the list of acceptable documents on page 4 of the I-9 form. You will need to provide either one item from List A, OR a combination of items-one from List B and one from List C.

If you have any questions on completing this form you can always click on the button that says 'Instructions' at the top of the form for more details.  We use the Federal E-Verify system which requires the I-9 information to be entered into their system within the first three days of hire. Therefore, it is very important that the required documents are brought with you on your first day.​

Temporary Employee benefits information

Temporary employees may be eligible for Pension, Medical Insurance &/or accrued personal time. Please review the 2023 Temporary Benefits Summary (PDF format) for more details about the programs and eligibility requirements.

​Regular ​Employee benefits information

Please review the 2023 Benefits Summary (PDF format)​​​ which provides an overview of our benefit options and the cost structure. For your convenience, near the bottom of this page, we have also provided medical, dental and vision comparison sheets that will assist you with your decisions.

Please review and complete these forms as much as possible. Then, bring them with you on your first day. A Benefits representative will meet with you to provide more information and to answer any questions you may have about your benefit selections.

• PEBB Medical Enrollment Form-PDF Format (Medical is provided by the state of Washington's Health Care Authority (PEBB) (www.hca.wa.gov/pebb)
• EN Dental/Vision/Life/AD&D/Disability enrollment form - PDF Format (provided by private carriers)​
• Benefit Pla​n Contact Information - PDF Format​
• Medical Plan Comparison - PDF Format
  
• Dental Plan Comparison - PDF Format
  
• Vision Plan Comparison - PDF Format
  
• 401(k) Deferred Compensation Plan overview

Public employees retirement system forms

Energy Northwest employees are required to participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) pension plan (www.drs.wa.gov). Please review the PERS Choice Booklet for detailed information regarding the two available plans, PERS 2 and PERS 3. You are allowed up to 90 days to choose your pension plan. A Benefits representative will meet with you to provide more information and to answer any questions you may have.

Required on first day for regular hires (this does not apply to outage employees):

• Department of Retirement Systems Member/Retiree Beneficiary form (PERS)
• Department of Retirement Systems Member Information Form (PERS)

​Computer-based training manuals

During your first week of employment, you will participate in computer-based training which you will need to pass in order to receive a badge. You will go through several training modules and then will be tested on your knowledge. You will have three (3) chances to pass. You must pass successfully (80%) in order to obtain a badge. Employment with Energy Northwest is dependent on successfully obtaining the type of badge for the specific position for which you were hired for.

Organizational chart

Energy Northwest Management Chart - PDF Format​

New employee orientation

Within your first few months, you will be scheduled to attend our New Employee Orientation. This is a time where you will have the opportunity to meet our Senior Management Team who will provide an overview of Energy Northwest. You will spend the day learning more about our Excellence Model and various other topics. We hope you will look forward to this!

Payroll information

Energy Northwest employees are paid bi-weekly (every other Friday) via direct deposit. Please refer to our EN calendar for actual payday dates.

• 2023 Payroll Calendar - PDF Format
  ​
  

Work schedules

For your first few days of employment, please follow the schedule provided to you by Human Resources. After you have completed your badging requirements, you will report to your supervisor. Your regular work schedule will then be determined.

We have a variety of different work schedules depending on your position. Your supervisor or manager will instruct you on which work schedule you will follow and any relevant expectations.

Dress code

The dress code for Energy Northwest is business casual. Our expectations are intended to create a professional environment appropriate for the type of work performed.

Employees are expected to use good judgment and common sense when selecting attire appropriate for the business need. Please keep in mind that employees should err on the side of caution; if an item is questionable, then another item of attire should be selected. These guidelines apply to all full-time, part-time, temporary and contractor employees while in or on Energy Northwest premises.

Employees are also required to wear footwear appropriate for the weather and work environment. We have gravel walking areas that require close-toed footwear for safety reasons.

Lunch Options

We have vending machines on site in various locations for snacks and drinks. However, we do not have a cafeteria where you can purchase food so please pack a lunch. We have refrigerators and microwaves available for all employees to use.

Adverse weather information

In the event that adverse weather conditions exist, please exercise good judgment on getting to work safely. Announcements of delayed reporting for all Energy Northwest locations in the Tri-Cities will be made on Cherry Creek Radio stations: KONA 610 AM and 105.3 FM, and surrounding community radio stations.

Please note that announcements will specifically state instructions for Energy Northwest employees. Please do not follow instructions for Hanford personnel.

In case of an emergency

In the rare event of an emergency when you are onsite, it is important for all new employees to know that our emergency phone number to call is ext. 2222. We have trained first responders that will respond immediately. Please do not call 911 if you are in any buildings on or near Columbia Generating Station. However, our downtown Richland offices do require calling 911.

Use of electronic communications

Email and Internet access

All Energy Northwest employees are responsible for complying with the Use of Electronic Communication, Intranet and Internet Access Policies and Procedures and the Corporate Cyber Security Policy Standards. Your supervisor will provide you with these policies within the first two weeks of hire. Please read them carefully so you have a good understanding of expectations regarding the use of electronic communications during work hours and when working remotely.

Cell phones

Cell phones are allowed in most buildings outside the Protected Area but are prohibited inside certain areas of the nuclear power plant. Also, please be aware that some carriers have limited cell phone coverage onsite and we suggest you check available coverage with your provider.​ If you have questions regarding cell phone use, please ask your supervisor.

Wellness program

Health risk assessment – Participate in an annual overall health screening including blood tests for cholesterol and glucose, and PSA for men older than 45.

Employee assistance program

Provides confidential counseling services to you and your family for personal problems, ranging from substance abuse, marital, financial, grief, stress and more.

Energy Northwest Employee Association

The Energy Northwest Employee Association (ENEA) sponsors recreational and social activities and gatherings of general interest to all members.

We hope you will consider joining!

ENEA membership form - PDF Format

U.S. Women in Nuclear

U.S. Women in Nuclear (WIN) is the premier network of more than 4000 women and men who work in nuclear- and radiation-related fields around the country.

Join WIN

Leadership Development Association

The Energy Northwest Leadership Development Association chapter provides management and leadership development.

Opportunities and related activities which meet the needs of members and offers benefit and services attractive to all levels of employees.

North American Young Generation in Nuclear

North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN) is a group at Columbia whose vision is to “Develop leaders to energize the future of nuclear.” NAYGN provides opportunities for a young generation of nuclear enthusiasts to develop leadership and professional skills, create life-long connections, engage and inform the public, and inspire today’s nuclear technology professionals to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The Columbia chapter hosts events that engage young employees and develop them as leaders. Events include luncheons with speakers and social events to enhance the community at Columbia. For more information please refer to http://naygn.org/

Toastmasters International

The Energy Northwest Toastmasters Chapter provides a safe environment to practice and improve your communication and leadership skills. Members enjoy learning and practicing skills in various areas that can improve not only their professional lives but also their social lives.​

We are pleased to have you join our Energy Northwest leadership team. As a new manager or supervisor, you will be an integral part to our success. To prepare you for your new position, we have various programs and informational sites to assist you in your first few months as a manager or supervisor.

Manager 411 site

Once you start employment with us, look for our Manager 411 site on Inside EN - our intranet site. You will find it very helpful for information regarding performance management, supervision of personnel, time management and other important information. This site is your resource for frequently used procedures and guidelines.

New leader orientation

Within your first month of hire, you will attend our New Leader Orientation. This course is designed to provide you with “snapshots” of pertinent information in various topics that you need to know within your first 100 days of employment. It is designed to provide you with an overall broad view and does not go in to specific details. You will get specific training on the topics below within the Management/Supervisory Training Qualification Program.

Leadership Program

All new managers and supervisors will attend Leadership training. The goal of the program is two-fold; ensure that newly hired or promoted Leaders (Supervisors and Managers) are provided with timely support, training and qualification in their new positions and to refresh, reinforce and enhance their capabilities through continuing training. Qualification to your new leadership position must be completed within 18 months after assignment.

Initial Training

The initial training program provides training and education for the development of management and leadership skills and competencies. This includes, but is not limited to, training in the following topical areas:

• Performance Management (e.g., Performance Management Fundamentals, Performance Appraisals, Coaching for Performance)
• Compliance (e.g., Employee Concerns Program, Equal Employment Opportunity, Sexual Harassment)
• Industrial Safety
• Labor Relations
• Self-Assessment (understanding one’s own strengths and weaknesses)
• Leadership

Continuing Training

Quarterly Continuing Training is conducted to maintain and improve personnel knowledge, skills and competencies, and to refresh and reinforce leadership knowledge, skills and competences. Optional courses such as Crucial Conversations are also offered to enhance the capability of the leader.​

​Tuition reimbursement program

Energy Northwest provides college tuition assistance for approved courses and/or programs applicable to positions available within the company. Energy Northwest may also cover the cost associated with certification and licensing programs.​