Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
On the Job
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators operate or control nuclear reactors. They may start and stop equipment, monitor controls, and record data. They may use emergency procedures when necessary.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
- Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
- Record operational or production data.
- Exchange information with colleagues.
- Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
- Diagnose equipment malfunctions.
- Operate energy distribution equipment.
- Operate energy production equipment.
- Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
- Direct operational or production activities.
Typical Working Conditions
- Having face-to-face discussions.
- Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Working with a group or team.
- Serious consequences if mistakes are made.
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- Responsibility for others' health and safety.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- Exposure to radiation.
- Sitting.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.
