Nuclear Monitoring Technicians
What is a Nuclear Monitoring Technician?
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians are professionals responsible for monitoring and assessing radiation levels in various environments, particularly those surrounding nuclear facilities. They ensure compliance with safety regulations and protocols to protect public health and the environment from harmful radiation exposure. These technicians operate sophisticated detection and measurement equipment to collect data on radioactive materials and radiation levels. Their work often includes conducting field surveys, sampling environmental media such as air, water, and soil, and analyzing the data to identify any potential hazards. Nuclear Monitoring Technicians play a critical role in emergency response situations, where they assess radiation risk and provide crucial information for responding to incidents involving nuclear materials. Their expertise also contributes to the ongoing evaluation and development of safety and monitoring programs within the nuclear industry.
Tasks
- Brief workers on radiation levels in work areas.
- Calculate safe radiation exposure times for personnel using plant contamination readings and prescribed safe levels of radiation.
- Monitor personnel to determine the amounts and intensities of radiation exposure.
- Inform supervisors when individual exposures or area radiation levels approach maximum permissible limits.
- Provide initial response to abnormal events or to alarms from radiation monitoring equipment.
Technology Skills
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Operating system software
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Windows Server
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Analytical or scientific software
- Gamma waste assay system GWAS
- Radiological assessment display and control system RADACS
- RESRAD
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Industrial control software
- AVEVA InTouch HMI
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Tools Used
- Radiation detectors
- Respirators
- Dosimeters
- Spectrometers
- Gamma counters
Knowledge
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Abilities
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Associate's degree
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Detailed Work Activities
- Communicate safety or hazard information to others.
- Measure radiation levels.
- Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
- Collect environmental data or samples.
- Analyze environmental data.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$62700.0 - $128700.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.