Nuclear Plant Operations Instructor at Southern Company
Navy chief teaches the fundamentals of nuclear power to Southern Company trainees.
By Warren Duffie

When teaching aspiring nuclear engineers the intricacies of nuclear power, John Umphlett likes to break down complex ideas into simple analogies. Say a particular student knows a lot about cars. Umphlett will compare the components of an automobile heater to the heat exchange process powering a nuclear reactor.

“When I was an instructor in the Navy, I had to deal with a variety of people from different backgrounds,” Umphlett said. “Some had just finished high school while others had college degrees. The same applies with my current job.”

On the Job
The former senior chief petty officer is now a nuclear plant operations instructor with Southern Nuclear, a division of Southern Company. Umphlett, 44, is based at the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant near Waynesboro, Ga. The plant operates two nuclear reactors and is expanding to four within the next few years. Umphlett and a team of 25 instructors educate the students who will later operate the new reactors.

Umphlett oversees the fundamentals portion of the curriculum – which is essential to his students obtaining their licenses from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Fundamentals include sciences such as math and physics.

“The best part of my job is the ‘got it’ factor, when my students experience that moment of understanding,” he said. “That’s what I love most about teaching – the immediate job satisfaction.

“Another great aspect of working for Southern Company is being part of the nuclear renaissance in this country,” he continued. “It’s like when I was serving on the commission crew of USS Asheville, helping to launch a new ship at sea.”

In Uniform
An Alabama native, Umphlett wanted to do something different with his life, not just go to college and become a doctor, lawyer or corporate employee. He craved adventure and joined the Navy in 1985, qualifying for the service’s renowned nuclear program.

After boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes, where he also completed electronics school, Umphlett finished nuclear power training in Orlando and prototype training at Ballston Spa, N.Y. During his 24-year career, he served in South Carolina and Georgia, and on the attack submarines USS Key West, USS Norfolk and USS Asheville.

By 2009 Umphlett had achieved all he wanted to in the Navy. He and his family were also tired of his regular deployments. So he decided to retire.

The Transition
Umphlett took several transition classes and attended base job fairs. He met a Southern Company representative, who told him about the instructor job in Georgia. Umphlett applied and was hired within a couple of months.

“I was lucky to have a very smooth transition,” he said. “So many people worked hard to make me feel at home. The only adjustment was no longer being ‘the chief.’ The old saying is that, in the Navy, the chiefs run things. As a civilian, I had to accept that I was the new guy, but it wasn’t bad. I found the perfect job for me, with the perfect company and in the perfect location.”

Did You Know?
Southern Company was named as a winner of the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award – the highest honor given by the Department of Defense to employers for support of employees who serve in the National Guard or Reserve. Southern Company was one of only 15 winners from a field of approximately 2,500 companies nominated for the 2010 Freedom Award and was the only utility winner.

Umphlett’s Advice:
Clearly define your goals and priorities. “What is your main concern when transitioning? Location? The type of company you want to work at? You should determine these first.”
 
Don’t underestimate your value. “If you think you can do a job, sell yourself. The military instilled valuable leadership skills in you. Employers recognize that.”

“I was lucky to have a very smooth transition,” he said. “So many people worked hard to make me feel at home. The only adjustment was no longer being ‘the chief.’ The old saying is that, in the Navy, the chiefs run things. As a civilian, I had to accept that I was the new guy, but it wasn’t bad. I found the perfect job for me, with the perfect company and in the perfect location.”

What Umphlett Likes About His Job

• Daily job satisfaction
• His co-workers
• Being on the cutting edge of the American nuclear renaissance
  

Southern Company
HQ: Atlanta
Employees: 26,000
2009 Revenue: $15.7 billion
www.southerncompany.com/careerinfo/military.aspx