Nuclear Technicians
What is a Nuclear Technician?
Nuclear technicians are skilled professionals who assist physicists and engineers in nuclear research and development projects. They work in various settings, including nuclear power plants, laboratories, and educational institutions, where they help operate and maintain nuclear equipment. These technicians play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient use of radioactive materials and the implementation of radiation safety protocols. Their work includes monitoring radiation levels, conducting tests and experiments, and maintaining records that help ensure compliance with safety regulations. Nuclear technicians typically hold a degree in nuclear technology or a related field and may receive specialized training to handle radioactive materials safely and effectively. As technology advances and the demand for nuclear energy grows, the role of nuclear technicians continues to evolve, making them essential contributors to the safe and responsible use of nuclear technology in society.
Tasks
- Follow nuclear equipment operational policies and procedures that ensure environmental safety.
- Conduct surveillance testing to determine safety of nuclear equipment.
- Monitor nuclear reactor equipment performance to identify operational inefficiencies, hazards, or needs for maintenance or repair.
- Test plant equipment to ensure it is operating properly.
- Apply safety tags to equipment needing maintenance.
Technology Skills
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Data base user interface and query software
- Data logging software
- Database software
- Microsoft Access
- Structured query language SQL
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Operating system software
- Linux
- Microsoft operating system
- Microsoft Windows
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Application server software
- VMWare ESX Server
Tools Used
- Radiation detectors
- Respirators
- Frequency analyzers
- Ultrasonic examination equipment
- Gamma counters
Knowledge
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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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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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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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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.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Skills
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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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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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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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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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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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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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).
Work Activities
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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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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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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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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities
- Monitor operations to ensure compliance with safety or security policies or regulations.
- Inspect work sites to identify potential environmental or safety hazards.
- Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
- Maintain work equipment or machinery.
- Test mechanical systems 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.
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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.