Nuclear Power 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.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Licensed Reactor Operator; Nuclear Control Operator; Nuclear Control Room Operator; Nuclear Plant Operator (NPO); Nuclear Power Reactor Operator; Nuclear Reactor Operator; Nuclear Station Operator (NSO); Nuclear Supervising Operator (NSO); Nuclear Unit Operator; Reactor Operator (RO)

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.
• 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.

Knowledge

• Physics
• Mechanical
• Public Safety and Security
• Mathematics
• Engineering and Technology
• Chemistry
• Design

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Writing
• Speaking
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Abilities

• Problem Sensitivity
• Oral Comprehension
• Written Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Information Ordering
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Perceptual Speed
• Near Vision
• Written Expression
• Speech Clarity
• Flexibility of Closure
• Selective Attention
• Speech Recognition
• Category Flexibility
• Far Vision
• Fluency of Ideas
• Originality
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Time Sharing
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Hearing Sensitivity
• Auditory Attention