Will “Nuclear Plant Operator (NPO)” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔
95% Chance of Automation
“Nuclear Plant Operator (NPO)” 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 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 Plant Operator (NPO)
- 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 “Nuclear Plant Operator (NPO)”
- 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.
- Direct the collection and testing of air, water, gas, or solid samples to determine radioactivity levels or to ensure appropriate radioactive containment.
- Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.
- Dispatch orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation.
- Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures.
- Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.
- Conduct inspections or operations outside of control rooms as necessary.
- 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.
- Review and edit standard operating procedures.
- Participate in nuclear fuel element handling activities, such as preparation, transfer, loading, or unloading.
- Authorize maintenance activities on units or changes in equipment or system operational status.
- 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.
- Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors.
- Direct measurement of the intensity or types of radiation in work areas, equipment, or materials.
- Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
- Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.
- Implement operational procedures, such as those controlling start-up or shut-down activities.
Related Technology & Tools
- Nuclear plant hazard alarm systems
- Water recirculation pumps
- Power plant turbine control panels
- Radiation monitoring instruments
- Master-slave manipulators
- Air purifying respirators
- pH testers
- Portable two way radios
- Pipe camera inspection systems
- Radiation survey meters
- Fuel handling systems
- Pocket dosimeters
- Cooling towers
- Water samplers
- Air sample collection equipment
- Water deionization equipment
- Nuclear reactor control rod operation systems
- Control rod drives
- Automatic control systems
- Seismic monitoring instruments
- Generator control panels
- Ventilation systems
- Air monitoring equipment
- Protective shoe covers
- Spent fuel handling machines
- Water conductivity testers
- Desktop computers
- Personal computers
- Safety coveralls
- Area gamma monitors
- Leak detection equipment
- Water softeners
- Safety gloves
- Video borescopes
- Portal monitors
- Air compressors
- Level transmitters
- Microsoft Excel
- Plant information data entry software
- Microsoft Access
- Data logging software
- Microsoft Office