Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Job Description
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Job Profile and Description
Nuclear power reactor operators start out working as equipment operators or auxiliary operators to help senior operators with generating equipment maintenance and operation while getting the basics of plant operation. With suitable on-the-job training and experience, they need to be licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as reactor operators. This would authorize them to control equipment that operates the reactor in a nuclear power plant. Under the supervision of senior reactor operators, the can perform operate the reactor’s console controls at the control room. Under a 24-hours operation, there’s at least one senior operator supervising nuclear power reactor operators in each shift.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform positioning of fuel rods, regulating flux level, coolant temperature, reactor period and rate of power flow, in accordance with standard procedures.
- Respond to system abnormalities, diagnosing and recommending preventive and corrective action.
- Monitor all systems for normal running conditions.
- Log all incidents of malfunctions and report them to engineers and supervisors.
- Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.
- Operate turbines, boilers, wells, and other auxiliary power plant equipment.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Skills and Specifications
- Must have high comprehension skills to go through manuals and engineering bulletins in the operation of the power plant
- Must have a good familiarity with basic electricity generation
- Must have an intrusive predisposition to recognize the technicals behind each parameter in nuclear reactor operations
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Education and Qualifications
- A 4-year BS degree in the sciences is basic
- Passing the NRC licensing requirement is a must to be a full-fledge nuclear plant operator.
- 3-5 years of experience as a power plant operator is basic.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator Salary
The median annual salary of Nuclear Power Reactor Operators was $73,320 in 2008. The middle 50% earned between $63,400 and $82,600 with the top 10% earning $96,500 and the bottom 10% earning $44,700