Median Annual Wage: $82,500
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (50%); Post-secondary certificate (16%); Bachelor's degree (15%)
Projected Growth: Little or no change (-2% to 2%)
Related Job Titles: Reactor Operator (RO); Nuclear Control Room Operator; Nuclear Power Reactor Operator; Nuclear Plant Operator (NPO); Nuclear Control Operator; Nuclear Station Operator (NSO); Nuclear Reactor Operator; Nuclear Unit Operator; Licensed Reactor Operator; Nuclear Supervising Operator (NSO)
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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators.
More Production Careers
- 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.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators.
- 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.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- 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.
- 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.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators.