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