Operator Development - Nature & Nurture

Abstract

Accelerator operators are the human capital that make accelerators run.The preservation of this human capital, both inside the accelerator operations group and outside in the larger organization is a function of both the kinds of staff which are hired and the professional environment in which they are allowed to either flourish or languish. Jefferson Lab has taken a balanced approach to the problems inherent to the unique lifestyle and career path which support of 24/7 accelerator operation entails in its staff. This paper will show how Jefferson Lab has achieved this balance and present concepts that might be useful to other facilities.