Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS)

Can you believe we’re already gearing up for this year’s United Way fundraising drive?! WRPS United Way Campaign Chair Matt Searcy recently presented at a United Way coordinator training event in Kennewick, Wash. Attendees included campaign coordinators from Tri-Cities area businesses, governments, school districts, and other local organizations. We raised over $200,000 for United Way of Benton & Franklin Counties last year, and received the prestigious Live United award at the United Way Spirit of Philanthropy reception in July. Our 2024 campaign starts Sept. 30!

🚨Attention *ALL* Engineers! 🚨 Yes, I’m talking about Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, HVAC, & Civil… Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) may be interested in YOU!! WRPS’ mission is to safely store, retreive & treat 56 million gallons of legacy radioactive & hazardous waste. The largest contractor at the Hanford Tank Farms in Richland, WA, is seeking distinguished engineers of various disciplines & skill levels. ➡️Are you a new grad🎓 with an engineering degree & looking for employment? ⭐️APPLY NOW⭐️ ➡️Are you a seasoned engineer looking for a change?? ✨APPLY TODAY✨ Know anyone who might be interested? Tag them, send them our external link, but apply asap! We have MULTIPLE OPENINGS. Reach out to Recruiter Samuel Wilson for more information! Join us!!🫡☢️ #nowhiring #engineeringcareers #mechanicalengineer #civilengineer #electricalengineer #hvacengineer #chemicalengineer #newgrads #hanford https://lnkd.in/gGSVvfqG

Growing up as one of 11 siblings, Quenna set herself apart as a standout athlete, playing several sports including basketball, volleyball, and softball. She took a special liking to track and field, displaying exceptional talent for shotput and discus throw. That earned her a full-ride scholarship to University of Oregon where she ascended to being an NCAA National Champion and All-American shotput and discus thrower—going as far as the finals of the 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials and competing at the 1985 World University Games in Japan! Today, Quenna works for WRPS as a property management specialist. She lives in Pasco, comfortably residing in the same house she grew up in. “My dad, uncle, and my dad’s best friend built the brick house in 1958. I’ve gotten pretty good at tending my outdoor flowers. I love cooking and baking for my siblings. Most importantly, I love spending time with my two grandbabies.” The UO Hall-of-Famer is still very passionate about her sports and recently volunteered at the 2024 U.S. Track and Field Olympics Trials. Thank you, Quenna, for all you do helping advance the cleanup mission! #WorkforceWednesday #WeAreWRPS

The AP-102 transfer pump replacement project is nearly complete! After pulling the old pump and other equipment, Field Operations crews installed a new pump, jumpers, and actuators. The team plans to have the new equipment ready for use in early August. Meanwhile, the old, contaminated equipment will be sent to an on-site disposal facility. The pump replacement will assist future waste transfers in support of the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste Program to immobilize tank waste in glass at the Hanford Site.

Developing tomorrow’s leaders is part of our continuous learning culture. Integrating those development opportunities with other contractors is part of our #OneHanford culture. Employees from WRPS and Central Plateau Cleanup Company participating in an Emerging Professionals speaker series took part in a research effort and presented their findings to company leaders. The program has expanded to include emerging leaders from multiple departments for each contractor.

Happy National Intern Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible contributions of interns who bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and innovation to our teams. Your hard work, creativity, and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we’re so grateful for the energy you bring into the workplace! To all the interns out there: keep shining, keep learning, and keep making an impact. The future is bright with you in it! #NationalInternDay #Interns #FutureLeaders #Gratitude #CareerGrowth #OneHanford

How about a little “Site-seeing”? Thirty-three WRPS summer interns recently viewed several WRPS-led projects at the Hanford Site. It was an opportunity to better understand the full breadth of our work scope, and how their contributions help advance the cleanup mission. Introducing up-and-coming professionals to cleanup priorities and familiarizing them with our projects is key to developing a workforce ready to carry the mission forward for decades to come!

Born in Spokane, it’s no surprise that Devon has been skiing since elementary school. However, he traded the high slopes for the high desert after moving to the Tri-Cities 15 years ago. He joined WRPS as a radiological control technician (RCT) in 2017. “I am currently an RCT for AZ Team, which performs maintenance work for much of A Farm Complex, as well as B and C Farms. I really enjoy providing radiological support for the various and interesting types of work being done.” Devon has an associate degree in Nuclear Technology, and is working toward a bachelor’s in Health Physics from Columbia Basin College. He plans to become a health physicist following graduation. Devon is passionate about health and wellness, especially mental health advocacy. He also enjoys camping, kayaking, hiking, and spending time with his partner, Logan. Thank you, Devon, for all you do helping advance the cleanup mission! #WorkforceWednesday #WeAreWRPS

Every year, employees of WRPS and other contractors participate in Engineers Week, a national campaign that introduces students to science, technology, engineering, and math through interactions with real industry professionals. In addition to supporting volunteer-led activities in the classroom, the Hanford Engineers Week Committee recently awarded two Tri-Cities area students with scholarships to pursue higher education in STEM-related fields. Itzak Martinez recently graduated from Pasco’s Chiawana High School, and Tobin Bowles is a recent graduate of Richland High School. #WeAreONEHanford

Our Tank Farm Projects team recently brought a cutting-edge plan to completion when they removed a hydraulic pump from Tank AP-102. The plan involved using a remotely controlled robotic arm to puncture holes in the pump’s hydraulic lines and drain the fluid prior to pulling it from the tank. As the pump was pulled out, it was sleeved with an improved system designed to encapsulate it in disposable shield. Once retrieved, two cranes positioned it horizontally into a concrete box for disposal. The successful use of the robot and shield deployment technologies marks a major advancement in our methods for safely and efficiently tackling future jobs at the Hanford Site! #WeAreONEHanford