According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety. | 98% |
| Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures. | 97% |
| Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired. | 95% |
| Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures. | 95% |
| Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action. | 94% |
| 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. | 94% |
| Monitor or operate boilers, turbines, wells, or auxiliary power plant equipment. | 93% |
| Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests. | 90% |
| Implement operational procedures, such as those controlling start-up or shut-down activities. | 90% |
| Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors. | 90% |
| Participate in nuclear fuel element handling activities, such as preparation, transfer, loading, or unloading. | 88% |
| Authorize maintenance activities on units or changes in equipment or system operational status. | 86% |
| 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. | 85% |
| Dispatch orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation. | 85% |
| Authorize actions to correct identified operational inefficiencies or hazards so that operating efficiency is maximized and potential environmental issues are minimized. | 81% |
| Review and edit standard operating procedures. | 81% |
| Direct the collection and testing of air, water, gas, or solid samples to determine radioactivity levels or to ensure appropriate radioactive containment. | 78% |
| Conduct inspections or operations outside of control rooms as necessary. | 78% |
| Direct measurement of the intensity or types of radiation in work areas, equipment, or materials. | 73% |
| Identify or direct implementation of appropriate decontamination procedures, based on equipment and the size, nature, and type of contamination. | 60% |