Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
What is a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator?
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators are highly trained professionals responsible for controlling and overseeing the operations of nuclear reactors. They work in power plants where they monitor systems, perform maintenance, and ensure compliance with safety standards while generating electricity through nuclear fission. Their primary tasks include adjusting control rods, monitoring reactor parameters, responding to alarms, and troubleshooting operational issues. Operators must maintain a deep understanding of reactor dynamics, thermodynamics, and nuclear physics, as well as adhere strictly to regulatory policies and procedures to maintain safe and efficient plant operations. Their role is crucial in ensuring that nuclear power remains a reliable and safe energy source, making them essential contributors to the energy sector.
Tasks
- Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
- Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.
- Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.
- Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.
- Monitor all systems for normal running conditions, performing activities such as checking gauges to assess output or the effects of generator loading on other equipment.
Technology Skills
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Data base user interface and query software
- Data logging software
- Microsoft Access
- Plant information data entry software
- Structured query language SQL
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Development environment software
- Microsoft Azure software
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
Tools Used
- Dosimeters
- Generator control or protection panels
- Nuclear reactor control rod systems
- Air samplers or collectors
- Radiation detectors
Knowledge
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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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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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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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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Skills
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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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.
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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.
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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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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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.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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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)
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Bachelor's degree
Work Activities
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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.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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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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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Detailed Work Activities
- Operate energy production equipment.
- Operate energy distribution equipment.
- Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
- Direct operational or production activities.
- Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
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.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$92270.0 - $151980.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.