Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

Other Titles

Licensed Reactor Operator, Nuclear Control Operator, Nuclear Control Room Operator, Nuclear Plant Operator, Nuclear Reactor Operator, Nuclear Station Operator, Nuclear Supervising Operator, Nuclear Unit Operator, Reactor Operator

Operate or control nuclear reactors. Move control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, and record data in logs. Implement emergency procedures when needed. May respond to abnormalities, determine cause, and recommend corrective action. Power Reactor Operators are tasked with the operation of nuclear power reactors. Such operators perform a wide range of related tasks such as adjusting controls, handling emergency situations and ensuring the timely repair of faulty equipment. In this occupation, they are responsible for making sure that the operation of the nuclear reactor does not threaten the workers or the environment. They also design and implement procedures related to different aspects of the reactor's operation. A part of their job is to respond to faults or abnormalities in the reactor equipment in a timely way. They troubleshoot and identify the fault before coordinating repair and maintenance activities aimed at resolving it.

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.

Monitor or operate boilers, turbines, wells, or auxiliary power plant equipment.

Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.

Implement operational procedures, such as those controlling start-up or shut-down activities.

Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors.

Participate in nuclear fuel element handling activities, such as preparation, transfer, loading, or unloading.

Dispatch orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation.

Review and edit standard operating procedures.

Conduct inspections or operations outside of control rooms as necessary.

Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures.

Authorize maintenance activities on units or changes in equipment or system operational status.

Supervise technicians' work activities to ensure that equipment is operated in accordance with policies and procedures that protect workers from radiation and ensure environmental safety.

Authorize actions to correct identified operational inefficiencies or hazards so that operating efficiency is maximized and potential environmental issues are minimized.

Direct the collection and testing of air, water, gas, or solid samples to determine radioactivity levels or to ensure appropriate radioactive containment.

Direct measurement of the intensity or types of radiation in work areas, equipment, or materials.

Identify or direct implementation of appropriate decontamination procedures, based on equipment and the size, nature, and type of contamination.

Operation and Control→ Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Operation Monitoring→ Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Reading Comprehension→ Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

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.

Critical Thinking→ Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring→ Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Complex Problem Solving→ Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Judgment and Decision Making→ Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Writing→ Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Time Management→ Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Coordination→ Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Quality Control Analysis→ Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Learning→ Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Systems Analysis→ Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Instructing→ Teaching others how to do something.

Learning Strategies→ Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Management of Personnel Resources→ Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Social Perceptiveness→ Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Troubleshooting→ Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

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.

Getting Information→ Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events→ Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings→ Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Documenting/Recording Information→ Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates→ Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Processing Information→ Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge→ Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems→ Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Controlling Machines and Processes→ Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material→ Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Analyzing Data or Information→ Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Interacting With Computers→ Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work→ Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others→ Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Training and Teaching Others→ Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Performing Administrative Activities→ Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information→ Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships→ Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others→ Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People→ Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Coaching and Developing Others→ Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Developing and Building Teams→ Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates→ Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

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.

Advise others on ways to improve processes or products.

Diagnose equipment malfunctions.

Maintain sustainable energy production equipment.

Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.

Record operational or production data.

Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.

Exchange information with colleagues.

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 there is a problem.

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).

Oral Comprehension→ The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Written Comprehension→ The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Deductive Reasoning→ The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning→ The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Near Vision→ The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Perceptual Speed→ The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

Written Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Speech Clarity→ The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Flexibility of Closure→ The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

Selective Attention→ The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Speech Recognition→ The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Category Flexibility→ The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

Far Vision→ The ability to see details at a distance.

Auditory Attention→ The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

Fluency of Ideas→ The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

Hearing Sensitivity→ The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

Mathematical Reasoning→ The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Originality→ The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

Time Sharing→ The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

Visual Color Discrimination→ The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including sh

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.

Mechanical→ Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Public Safety and Security→ Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Mathematics→ Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

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.

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.

Design→ Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Database user interface and query software -- Data logging software; Plant information data entry software; Microsoft Access

Office suite software -- e.g., Corel WordPerfect Office; Microsoft Office; Google Workspace

Spreadsheet software -- e.g., Corel Quattro Pro; Microsoft Excel; Google Sheets

Air compressors

Air exhausters→ Ventilation systems

Air samplers or collectors→ Air monitoring equipment; Air sample collection equipment

Borescope inspection equipment→ Video borescopes

Conductivity meters→ Water conductivity testers

Desktop computers

Digital camcorders or video cameras→ Pipe camera inspection systems

Dosimeters→ Pocket dosimeters; Radiation monitoring instruments

Evaporative coolers→ Cooling towers

Footwear covers→ Protective shoe covers

Gamma counters→ Area gamma monitors

Gas turbine control panels→ Power plant turbine control panels

Generator control or protection panels→ Automatic control systems; Generator control panels

Hot cell remote handling equipment→ Master-slave manipulators

Ion exchange equipment→ Water deionization equipment

Leak testing equipment→ Leak detection equipment

Level sensors or transmitters→ Level transmitters

Nuclear fuel element failure detection systems→ Nuclear plant hazard alarm systems

Nuclear fuel rod→ Fuel handling systems

Nuclear reactor control rod systems→ Control rod drives; Nuclear reactor control rod operation systems

Nuclear reactor earthquake instrumentation→ Seismic monitoring instruments

Personal computers

pH meters→ pH testers

Protective coveralls→ Safety coveralls

Protective gloves→ Safety gloves

Radiation detectors→ Portal monitors; Radiation survey meters

Radioactive waste disposal systems→ Spent fuel handling machines

Respirators→ Air purifying respirators

Two way radios→ Portable two way radios

Water pumps→ Water recirculation pumps

Water samplers

Water softening accessories→ Water softeners

Realistic→ Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional→ Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Enterprising→ Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.

Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Analytical Thinking→ Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Adaptability/Flexibility→ Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Cooperation→ Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Leadership→ Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Initiative→ Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Concern for Others→ Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Social Orientation→ Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

Support→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Working Conditions→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Achievement→ Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.