Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

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Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

Careers / Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

Summary Description


	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.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Control Room Agent

2.	Control Room Operator

3.	Control Room Supervisor

4.	Equipment Operator

5.	Licensed Nuclear Control Room Operator

6.	Licensed Reactor Operator

7.	Nuclear Control Operator

8.	Nuclear Control Room Non-Licensed Operator

9.	Nuclear Control Room Operator

10.	Nuclear Operator

11.	Nuclear Plant Operator (NPO)

12.	Nuclear Power Plant Process Control Worker

13.	Nuclear Power Reactor Operator

14.	Nuclear Reactor Operator

15.	Nuclear Station Operator (NSO)

16.	Nuclear Supervising Operator (NSO)

17.	Nuclear Unit Operator

18.	Power Reactor Operator

19.	Reactor Operator (RO)

20.	Senior Reactor Operator

21.	Unit Reactor Operator

Job Tasks

	Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety. Operate energy production equipment.

	Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures. Operate energy distribution equipment.

	Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired. Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.

	Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures. Direct operational or production activities.

	Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action. Diagnose equipment malfunctions. Maintain sustainable energy production equipment. Advise others on ways to improve processes or products.

	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 equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.

	Monitor or operate boilers, turbines, wells, or auxiliary power plant equipment. Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning. Operate energy production equipment.

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

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

	Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors. Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions. Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.

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

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

	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. Direct operational or production activities.

	Dispatch orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation. Exchange information with colleagues.

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

	Review and edit standard operating procedures.

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

	Conduct inspections or operations outside of control rooms as necessary.

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

	Identify or direct implementation of appropriate decontamination procedures, based on equipment and the size, nature, and type of contamination. Plan production or operational procedures or sequences. Direct operational or production activities.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Nature of the Work


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Working Conditions


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