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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

  • 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)

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.
  • Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.
  • 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.
  • Review and edit standard 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.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Advise others on ways to improve processes or products.
  • Diagnose equipment malfunctions.
  • Direct operational or production activities.
  • Document organizational or operational procedures.
  • Exchange information with colleagues.
  • Inspect facilities.
  • Maintain sustainable energy production equipment.
  • Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
  • Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas.
  • Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
  • Operate energy distribution equipment.
  • Operate energy production equipment.
  • Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
  • Record operational or production data.
  • Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Construction Engineering Technician (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Electricians Mate, Nuclear Power (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Electronics Technician, Nuclear Power (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Fleet Maintenance Activity Nuclear Planner (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Machinist's Mate, Nuclear Power (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Nuclear Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO) (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Nuclear Power Plant Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Nuclear Propulsion Plant Operator Trainee (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Nuclear Propulsion Plant Planner (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Powerline Distribution Specialist (RC) (Army - Enlisted)
  • Propulsion Plant Mechanical Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Ship's Engineer Officer, Nuclear (Damage Control) (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Ship's Engineer Officer, Nuclear (Electrical) (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Ship's Engineer Officer, Nuclear (General) (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Ship's Engineer Officer, Nuclear (Main Propulsion) (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Ship's Reactor Control Assistant (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Ship's Reactor Mechanical Assistant (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Ship's Reactor Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • 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)
  • Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Engineering Laboratory Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Mechanical (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Reactor Control (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor-Electrical (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Propulsion Plant Electrical Manager (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Propulsion Plant Electrical Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Propulsion Plant Electrical Supervisor (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Reactor Controls Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Reactor Controls Supervisor (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surface Propulsion Plant Electrical Manager (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surface Propulsion Plant Electrical Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surface Propulsion Plant Electrical Supervisor (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surface Reactor Controls Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surface Reactor Controls Supervisor (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)
  • Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Electrical (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Engineering Laboratory Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Mechanical (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surface Ship Nuclear Propulsion Plant Supervisor - Reactor Control (Navy - Enlisted)
  • URL - Submarine Warfare (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Power-Reactor Operator