Skip navigation

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators - 51-8011.00

O*NET-SOC 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 of Reported Job Titles

  • Reactor Operator (RO)
  • Nuclear Station Operator (NSO)
  • Nuclear Reactor Operator
  • Nuclear Control Room Operator
  • Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
  • Nuclear Control Operator
  • Nuclear Plant Operator (NPO)
  • Nuclear Unit Operator
  • Licensed Reactor Operator
  • Nuclear Operator

SOC Occupation Groups

51-0000 Production Occupations
51-8000 Plant and System Operators
51-8010 Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers
51-8011.00 Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.
  • Authorize actions to correct identified operational inefficiencies or hazards so that operating efficiency is maximized and potential environmental issues are minimized.
  • Authorize maintenance activities on units or changes in equipment or system operational status.
  • 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 reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures.
  • Direct the collection and testing of air, water, gas, or solid samples to determine radioactivity levels or to ensure appropriate radioactive containment.
  • Dispatch orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation.
  • Identify or direct implementation of appropriate decontamination procedures, based on equipment and the size, nature, and type of contamination.
  • Implement operational procedures, such as those controlling start-up or shut-down activities.
  • 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.
  • Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors.
  • Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
  • Participate in nuclear fuel element handling activities, such as preparation, transfer, loading, or unloading.
  • Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.
  • Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.
  • 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.

Detailed Work Activities

  • adjust production equipment/machinery setup
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • ensure prescribed safe radiation levels are maintained
  • maintain consistent production quality
  • maintain production or work records
  • monitor production machinery/equipment operation to detect problems
  • operate auxiliary power plant equipment
  • operate nuclear power equipment
  • operate power generation equipment
  • perform safety inspections in manufacturing or industrial setting
  • program operation of computerized manufacturing equipment/machinery
  • read technical drawings
  • tend boilers or related equipment
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use hand or power tools
  • use high voltage apparatus
  • use pneumatic tools

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Machinist's Mate/Nuclear (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator Trainee (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Nuclear Propulsion Plant Planner (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator - Electrical (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator - Engineering Laboratory Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator - Mechanical (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator - Reactor Control (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator - Special Category (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator - Electrical (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator - Engineering Laboratory Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator - Mechanical (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator - Reactor Control (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator - Special Category (Navy - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Power-Reactor Operator