Nuclear Reactor Operators and Technicians

Nuclear reactor operator technicians spend their working hours in classrooms and laboratories, learning about every part of the power plant. Toward the end of their training, they work at a reactor control-room simulator or in the control room of an operational reactor unit under the direction of licensed operators.

Operators work in clean, well-lit, but windowless, control rooms. Because nuclear reactor operators spend most of their time in the control room, employers have made great efforts to make it as comfortable as possible. Some control rooms are painted in bright, stimulating colors, and some are kept a little cooler than is standard in most offices. Some utilities have even supplied exercise equipment for their nuclear reactor operators to use during quiet times.

Because nuclear reactors must operate continuously, operators usually work an eight-hour shift and rotate through each of three shifts, taking turns as required. This means operators will work weekends as well as nights some of the time. During their shift, most operators are required to remain in the control room, often eating their lunches at their station. Being in the same environment for eight hours at a time with the same crew members can be stressful.

Although nuclear reactor operators may work at one station of control boards for a long time, they are not allowed to personalize their space because each station is used by more than one person as the shifts rotate.

Although most operators do not wear suits to work, they dress in office attire. Technicians, however, will spend part of their training outside the reactor area. In this environment, appropriate clothing is worn, including hard hats and safety shoes, if necessary.

Operators are shielded from radiation by the concrete outside wall of the reactor containment vessel. If leaks should occur, operators are less subject to exposure than plant personnel who are more directly involved in maintenance and inspection. Nonetheless, technicians wear film badges that darken with radiation exposure. In addition, radiation measurement is carried out in all areas of the plant and plant surroundings according to a regular schedule.

The tough scrutiny of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is an added stress for operators. Plant management, the local community, and the national and local press also watch for compliance with regulatory and safety measures.

A career as a nuclear reactor operator offers the opportunity to assume a high degree of responsibility and to be paid while training. People who enjoy using precision instruments and learning about the latest technological developments are likely to find this career appealing. Operators must be able to shoulder a high degree of responsibility and to work well under stressful conditions. They must be emotionally stable and calm at all times, even in emergencies.