Will “Reactor Operator (RO)” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔
95% Chance of Automation
“Reactor Operator (RO)” will almost certainly be replaced by robots.
This job is ranked #614 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.
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Job 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.
Job Details
- The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 51-8011.00
- The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 91,370.00
- The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 43.00
- Currently, there are 7,170 people on this job
☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Nuclear Power Reactor Operators”.
Also Known As…
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
- Reactor Operator (RO)
- Nuclear Unit Operator
- Nuclear Supervising Operator (NSO)
- Nuclear Station Operator (NSO)
- Nuclear Reactor Operator
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
- Nuclear Plant Operator (NPO)
- Nuclear Control Room Operator
- Nuclear Control Operator
- Licensed Reactor Operator
- Unit Reactor Operator
- Senior Reactor Operator
- Power Reactor Operator
- Nuclear Power Plant Process Control Worker
- Nuclear Operator
- Nuclear Control Room Non-Licensed Operator
- Licensed Nuclear Control Room Operator
- Equipment Operator
- Control Room Supervisor
- Control Room Operator
- Control Room Agent
Tasks for “Reactor Operator (RO)”
- Review and edit standard operating procedures.
- Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures.
- Direct measurement of the intensity or types of radiation in work areas, equipment, or materials.
- Identify or direct implementation of appropriate decontamination procedures, based on equipment and the size, nature, and type of contamination.
- Monitor or operate boilers, turbines, wells, or auxiliary power plant equipment.
- 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.
- Participate in nuclear fuel element handling activities, such as preparation, transfer, loading, or unloading.
- Conduct inspections or operations outside of control rooms as necessary.
- Direct the collection and testing of air, water, gas, or solid samples to determine radioactivity levels or to ensure appropriate radioactive containment.
- Authorize actions to correct identified operational inefficiencies or hazards so that operating efficiency is maximized and potential environmental issues are minimized.
- Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
- Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.
- Authorize maintenance activities on units or changes in equipment or system operational status.
- 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.
- Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.
- 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.
- Dispatch orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation.
- Implement operational procedures, such as those controlling start-up or shut-down activities.
- Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors.
Related Technology & Tools
- Nuclear plant hazard alarm systems
- Seismic monitoring instruments
- Fuel handling systems
- Radiation survey meters
- Water deionization equipment
- Nuclear reactor control rod operation systems
- Personal computers
- Air compressors
- Desktop computers
- Spent fuel handling machines
- Control rod drives
- Water samplers
- Protective shoe covers
- Generator control panels
- Air monitoring equipment
- Safety coveralls
- pH testers
- Portable two way radios
- Portal monitors
- Master-slave manipulators
- Pipe camera inspection systems
- Radiation monitoring instruments
- Automatic control systems
- Water recirculation pumps
- Ventilation systems
- Leak detection equipment
- Area gamma monitors
- Water conductivity testers
- Cooling towers
- Air purifying respirators
- Level transmitters
- Video borescopes
- Air sample collection equipment
- Water softeners
- Safety gloves
- Pocket dosimeters
- Power plant turbine control panels
- Microsoft Office
- Data logging software
- Plant information data entry software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel