---
name: nuclear-reactor-operator
description: "Occupational skill for the role 'nuclear reactor operator' (also: nuclear reactor operation technician, nuclear reactor safety supervisor, nuclear reactor operative, nuclear reactor control panel worker, nuclear reactor controller, nuclear reactor technician). Use when the user asks for typical nuclear reactor operator work such as: Follow nuclear equipment operational policies and procedures that ensure environmental safety.; Conduct surveillance testing to determine safety of nuclear equipment.; Monitor nuclear reactor equipment performance to identify operational inefficiencies, hazards, or needs for maintenance or repair."
---

# Nuclear Reactor Operator

Nuclear reactor operators directly control nuclear reactors in power plants from control panels, and are solely responsible for the alterations in reactor reactivity. They start up operations and react to changes in status such as casualties and critical events. They monitor parameters and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

## Core workflow

1. Follow nuclear equipment operational policies and procedures that ensure environmental safety.
2. Conduct surveillance testing to determine safety of nuclear equipment.
3. Monitor nuclear reactor equipment performance to identify operational inefficiencies, hazards, or needs for maintenance or repair.
4. Test plant equipment to ensure it is operating properly.
5. Apply safety tags to equipment needing maintenance.
6. Follow policies and procedures for radiation workers to ensure personnel safety.
7. Modify, devise, or maintain nuclear equipment used in operations.

## How to use this skill

- Read [references/profile.md](references/profile.md) for the occupation profile and scope.
- Consult [references/tasks.md](references/tasks.md) for the full task and activity inventory.
- Check [references/skills.md](references/skills.md) for essential vs. optional competences.
- Check [references/tools.md](references/tools.md) for the software commonly used in this role.
- See [references/ai-skills.md](references/ai-skills.md) — matched external AI agent skills (per-source attribution).

## Key competences (essential)

- automation technology
- avoid contamination
- contamination exposure regulations
- electricity
- ensure compliance with environmental legislation
- ensure compliance with radiation protection regulations
- ensure equipment cooling
- follow nuclear plant safety precautions
- hydraulics
- maintain nuclear reactors
- mechanical engineering
- metrology
- monitor automated machines
- monitor nuclear power plant systems
- monitor radiation levels

## Hot technologies

- Microsoft Access
- Structured query language SQL
- Microsoft Office software
- Linux
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word

---
*Sources: ESCO v1.2.1 (http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/b2eacfdf-5de5-4e8c-a8cb-3d32e201c210), O*NET 30.3 (19-4051.00). See manifest.json for licensing/attribution.*