Abolished 10/07
NUCLEAR REACTOR OPERATOR
8356C3
Pay Grade: 21
DEFINITION OF WORK
Summary
This is technical work directing, operating and maintaining a
water-cooled research and training type nuclear reactor.
Work involves performing pre- and post-operational checks and
inspections, performing nuclear reactor start-up, operating the activated nuclear reactor,
and shutting down the reactor upon completion of testing and research. Work also involves
operating and maintaining ancillary equipment in order to keep the reactor in safe
operating condition. Employees in this class plan their work within state and federal
regulations.
Standard Classification Factors
Supervision Received - LEVEL C: "Under direction…"
Employees at this level usually receive a general outline of the work to be performed and
are generally free to develop their own sequences and methods within the scope of
established policies. New, unusual, or complex work situations are almost always referred
to a superior for advice. Work is periodically checked for progress and conformance to
established policies and requirements.
Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable… Duties which require a
high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and
weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning,
developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall
into this category.
Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may
involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due
to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which
may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in
solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent
judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with
supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or
technical in nature requiring careful interpretation.
Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of
actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever
reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a
high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating
or both and costs due to errors are substantial.
Contacts - LEVEL A: The purpose of the contact is to obtain,
clarify, give or screen established factual information, regardless of the type (i.e.,
easily understood or technical) within a well-defined relationship. Normal communication
skills are required.
Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical
exertion.
Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves
hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed
moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and
patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature,
ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific
safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible.
Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL B: Involves functional leadership
responsibility. As a "senior worker", performing essentially the same or similar
work as those overseen, responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling and
reviewing. As a "project leader" may be responsible for a phase(s) of a single
project which includes planning, coordinating and reviewing the work of others. This level
may also involve limited administrative responsibility such as participating in the
evaluation of work performance.
Distinguishing Features
Differs from the Laboratory Research Technologist which involves
the maintenance and operation of cryogenic equipment, particle accelerators or vacuum and
associated acceleration systems.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
Performs start-up, operation, and shut-down of a nuclear reactor
in compliance with state and federal law; maintains and operates the reactor console;
operates neutron generator; and makes daily checks on water resistivity.
Directs work with the reactor and related equipment ensuring safe
operation for compliance with management policy and state and federal law.
Oversees safety precautions taken by all entering the work area
where the potential for electrical and radioactive hazards exists due to the presence of
radiation or radioactive materials.
Operates de-ionization and water softening equipment according to
prescribed procedures.
Keeps accurate records of operations and maintenance work
performed; keeps health records of employees to monitor changes in health due to potential
radiation exposure.
Calibrates radiation-measuring equipment used in working with the
nuclear reactor.
Oversees and instructs students and subordinates in the operation
and maintenance of the reactor and related equipment.
Provides assistance to researchers; provides operational
information to the general public and state and federal regulatory inspectors.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Knowledge
*Knowledge of water cooled type nuclear reactors and ancillary
equipment.
*Knowledge of safety procedures and of emergency operating
procedures, especially as applied to radiation or nuclear safety.
*Knowledge of electronic equipment maintenance and repair.
*Knowledge of nuclear chemistry and health physics.
*Knowledge of nuclear engineering and electronics.
Abilities
*Ability to maintain accurate records on research and training in
nuclear reactor operations.
Ability to supervise and instruct students and other personnel in
the operation and maintenance of a nuclear reactor and related equipment.
*Ability to use and care for hand tools and electronic testing
equipment.
*Necessary at Entry
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
One year of experience in operation and/or maintenance of a
nuclear reactor. Education in
nuclear physics or nuclear engineering may be substituted for experience as
determined relevant by the agency.
Necessary Special Requirements:
Candidates must be eligible for a valid operator's
license for water-cooled nuclear reactors issued by the appropriate federal
agency at the time of appointment.
NC: 06/93
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 08/05
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