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Life As a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Position 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.
Life As a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
- Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.
- Participate in nuclear fuel element handling activities, such as preparation, transfer, loading, or unloading.
- Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
- Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures.
- 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.
- 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.
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Qualities of a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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.
Types of Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Jobs
- Nuclear Plant Equipment Operator
- Nuclear Operator
- Control Room Agent
- Control Room Supervisor
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Is There Going to be Demand for Nuclear Power Reactor Operators?
There were about 7,000 jobs for Nuclear Power Reactor Operator in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Nuclear Power Reactor Operator. The BLS estimates 500 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Nuclear Power Reactor Operator are Washington, Idaho, and Nebraska. Watch out if you plan on working in South Carolina, Pennsylvania, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
The average yearly salary of a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator ranges between $68,200 and $127,370.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators who work in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, or Mississippi, make the highest salaries.
How much do Nuclear Power Reactor Operators make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $87,340 |
| Mississippi | $97,040 |
| North Carolina | $101,520 |
| Pennsylvania | $106,870 |
| South Carolina | $80,490 |
| Tennessee | $90,190 |
What Tools & Technology do Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Nuclear Power Reactor Operators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Access
- Data logging software
How do I Become a Nuclear Power Reactor Operator?
Learn what Nuclear Power Reactor Operator education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Nuclear Power Reactor Operators Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Siuta B. Ika via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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