Nuclear technician

Description

Nuclear technicians function as aids to physicists and engineers in nuclear laboratories and power plants. They monitor the procedures to ensure safety and quality control, and maintain equipment. They also handle and control radioactive equipment and measure radiation levels to ensure safety.

Nuclear technicians typically do the following duties:

  • Install new equipment and systems
  • Monitor the performance of equipment used in nuclear experiments and power generation
  • Measure the levels and types of radiation produced by nuclear experiments, power generation, and other activities
  • Run regular inspections and safety checks
  • Carry out planned maintenance work
  • Find faults and fix them
  • Work with staff on emergency procedures
  • Remove equipment from power stations that have shut down
  • Collect samples of air, water, and soil, and test for radioactive contamination
  • Instruct personnel on radiation safety procedures and warn them of hazardous conditions
  • Operate and maintain radiation monitoring equipment
  • Decontaminate machinery

Other titles

The following job titles also refer to nuclear technician:

nuclear safety technician
nuclear equipment operation technician
radiation safety technician
nuclear monitoring technician
nuclear equipment technician
nuclear plant technician
radioactive equipment technician
nuclear power plant technician

Working conditions

Most nuclear technicians work in nuclear power plants, where they typically work in offices and control rooms. The technicians use computers and other equipment to monitor and help operate nuclear reactors. Nuclear technicians also need to measure radiation levels onsite, requiring them to visit several areas in and around the plant throughout the workday. This task may sometimes require them to work outside, regardless of weather conditions. Working around nuclear reactors may involve exposure to high temperatures. Nuclear technicians who conduct scientific tests for scientists and engineers typically work in laboratories.

Nuclear technicians must take precautions when working with or around nuclear materials. They often have to wear protective gear and special badges that indicate whether they have been exposed to radiation. Protective gear may include hardhats, hearing and eye protection, plastic suits, and respirators.

Work Schedules

Most nuclear technicians work full time. In power plants, which operate 24 hours a day, technicians may work variable schedules that include nights, holidays, and weekends. Occasionally, plants stop operations for maintenance and upgrades. Workers may need to work overtime during these periods. In laboratories, technicians typically work during normal business hours.

Minimum qualifications

Most employers of nuclear technicians hire workers who have an associate’s degree from a community college or technical school, or a minimum of two years of specialized training in nuclear technology. Most workers need on-the-job training in addition to their formal schooling. Throughout their careers, workers must continue to study new developments, because the field changes rapidly.

Nuclear reactor operators must get a specific license from national authorities. It usually takes about a year of job experience to get ready for the government’s operating and written tests. You must also pass a medical examination to qualify for licensing. Licenses must be renewed every two years.

Some nuclear technicians work on projects that are restricted because they are vital to national security. These workers must obtain a security clearance.

ISCO skill level

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

  • the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
  • the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
  • the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Nuclear technician is a Skill level 3 occupation.

Nuclear technician career path

Similar occupations

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to nuclear technician.

nuclear reactor operator
radiation protection technician
hydroelectric plant operator
power production plant operator
geothermal power plant operator

Long term prospects

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of nuclear technician. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of nuclear technician with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

radiation protection officer
nuclear engineer
power plant manager
commissioning engineer
electric power generation engineer

Essential knowledge and skills

Essential knowledge

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of nuclear technician.

  • Contamination exposure regulations: The regulations concerning exposure to contaminated materials or a hazardous environment which regulate the actions surrounding risk assessment, minimisation of further exposure, quarantine, and treatment of the exposed persons.
  • Radioactive contamination: The different causes of the presence of radioactive substances in liquids, solids, or gases or on surfaces, and the manner in which to identify the types of contaminants, their risks, and the contaminants’ concentration.
  • Technical drawings: Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.
  • Nuclear energy: The generation of electrical energy through the use of nuclear reactors, by converting the energy released from nuclei of atoms in reactors which generate heat. This heat subsequently generates steam which can power a steam turbine to generate electricity.
  • Fire prevention procedures: The regulations concerning fire and explosion prevention, and the equipment, systems and methods used in it.
  • Metrology: The methods and theory of measurement in a scientific context, including internationally accepted units of measurement, practical realisation of these units, and interpretation of measurements.
  • Pneumatics: The application of pressurised gas to produce mechanical motion.
  • Radiation protection: The measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.

Essential skills and competences

These skills are necessary for the role of nuclear technician.

  • Ensure compliance with environmental legislation: Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.
  • Maintain records of maintenance interventions: Keep written records of all repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, including information on the parts and materials used, etc.
  • Resolve equipment malfunctions: Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
  • Maintain nuclear reactors: Repair and perform routine maintenance on equipment which controls nuclear chain reactions to generate electricity, ensure that the equipment functions safely and compliant with legislation.
  • Use personal protection equipment: Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
  • Avoid contamination: Avoid the mixing or contamination of materials.
  • Follow nuclear plant safety precautions: Comply with nuclear power plant safety procedures, policies and legislation to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, and to ensure the safety of the public.
  • Calibrate precision instrument: Examine the precision instruments and assess whether the instrument meets the quality standards and production specifications. Correct and adjust the reliability by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results.
  • Use testing equipment: Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.
  • Use hand tools: Utilize tools that are powered by hand, such as screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, drills and knives to manipulate materials and help create and assemble various products.
  • Ensure equipment cooling: Make sure the machines and installations are properly supplied with air and coolants in order to prevent overheating and other malfunctions.
  • Maintain hydraulic systems: Perform routine maintenance and repairs on systems which use pressurised fluids to provide power to machines and equipment.
  • Monitor nuclear power plant systems: Control nuclear plant systems, such as ventilation and water draining systems, to ensure proper functioning and identify irregularities.
  • Respond to nuclear emergencies: Set in motion the strategies for reacting in the event of equipment malfunctions, errors, or other events which may lead to contamination and other nuclear emergencies, ensuring that the facility is secured, all necessary areas are evacuated, and further damages and risks are contained.
  • Use measurement instruments: Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.
  • Monitor radiation levels: Use measuring and testing equipment and techniques to identify the levels of radiation or radioactive substances in order to control exposure and minimise health, safety, and environmental risks.
  • Liaise with engineers: Collaborate with engineers to ensure common understanding and discuss product design, development and improvement.
  • Ensure compliance with radiation protection regulations: Make sure the company and the employees implement the legal and operational measures established to guarantee protection against radiation.
  • Maintain electromechanical equipment: Diagnose and detect malfunctions in electromechanical components and systems and remove, replace, or repair these components when necessary. Execute preventative equipment maintenance tasks, such as storing the components and machines in clean, dust-free, and non-humid spaces.
  • Investigate contamination: Perform tests to investigate the properties of contamination in an area, or on surfaces and materials, in order to identify the cause, its nature, and the extent of the risk and damage.
  • Calculate exposure to radiation: Calculate radiation data about procedures, such as length and intensity of exposure.
  • Operate machine tools: Program and operate numerically controlled machine tools.

Optional knowledge and skills

Optional knowledge

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of nuclear technician. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Nuclear reprocessing: The process in which radioactive substances can be extracted or recycled for use as nuclear fuel, and in which waste levels can be reduced, yet without the reduction of radioactivity levels or generation of heat.
  • Electrical power safety regulations: The compliance with safety measures which need to be taken during the installation, operation, and maintenance of constructions and equipment which function in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, such as the appropriate safety gear, equipment handling procedures, and preventive actions.
  • Electric generators: The principles and operations of devices that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as dynamos and alternators, rotors, stators, armatures, and fields.

Optional skills and competences

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of nuclear technician. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

  • Troubleshoot: Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.
  • Arrange equipment repairs: Arrange for equipment repairs when necessary.
  • Respond to electrical power contingencies: Set in motion the strategies created for responding to emergency situations, as well as respond to unforeseen problems, in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, such as power outages, in order to rapidly solve the problem and return to normal operations.
  • Monitor disposal of radioactive substances: Ensure correct management and disposal of radioactive substances used for medical purposes, in compliance with established procedures.
  • Monitor automated machines: Continuously check up on the automated machine’s set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment in order to identify abnormalities.
  • Maintain test equipment: Maintain equipment used for testing the quality of systems and products.
  • Perform minor repairs to equipment: Conduct routine maintenance on equipment. Recognise and identify minor defects in equipment and make repairs if appropriate.
  • Manage emergency evacuation plans: Monitor quick and safe emergency evacuation plans.
  • Ensure equipment maintenance: Ensure that the equipment required for operations is regularly checked for faults, that routine maintenance tasks are performed, and that repairs are scheduled and performed in the case of damage or flaws.
  • Monitor electric generators: Monitor the operation of electric generators in power stations in order to ensure functionality and safety, and to identify need for repairs and maintenance.

ISCO group and title

3111 – Chemical and physical science technicians


References
  1. Nuclear technician – ESCO
  2. Nuclear Technicians : Occupational Outlook Handbook – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  3. Nuclear technician | Explore careers – National Careers Service
  4. Nuclear Technician Job Description – StateUniversity.com
  5. Featured image: Photo by Frédéric Paulussen on Unsplash
Last updated on February 12, 2023