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Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

SOC 51-8011.00Job Zone 3 · Medium Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers nuclear power reactor operations in licensed commercial nuclear facilities, spanning routine watch-standing, abnormal event response, equipment isolation, regulatory compliance, and operator development from entry-level qualification through plant-level leadership.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Reactor operating policies and safety procedures — recognize and describe under direct supervisor guidance within a licensed nuclear power facility.
  2. Control rod position indicators and flux level gauges — read and interpret with close oversight during initial plant familiarization exercises.
  3. Lockout and tagout protocols — identify the correct steps to safely isolate equipment under direct technician direction in a training plant environment.
  4. System abnormality indicators — recognize and report deviations from normal parameters to a senior operator on a licensed reactor control floor.
  5. Plant monitoring gauges and panel displays — check and document current readings as part of routine watch-standing duties under supervision.
  6. Boiler, turbine, and auxiliary power plant equipment — observe and assist with operational checks alongside a qualified plant operator.
  7. Operating data logs and surveillance test results — record accurately using approved forms and database software under trainer oversight.
  8. Reactor start-up and shutdown checklists — follow step-by-step procedural sequences under direct instruction of a senior licensed operator.
  9. Radiation protection principles and environmental safety requirements — demonstrate basic understanding when completing entry-level task qualifications.
  10. Industrial control software interfaces — navigate and retrieve basic plant data with guidance during introductory control-room orientation sessions.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Reactor operating procedures and regulatory requirements — apply routinely with reduced oversight to maintain safe and compliant plant operations on assigned shift.
  2. Control rod adjustments and power flow rate settings — execute independently following standard procedures to achieve directed reactor period and coolant temperature targets.
  3. Lockout, tagout, and equipment clearance documentation — develop and implement with minimal supervision to enable safe maintenance activities in an operating plant.
  4. System and unit abnormalities — diagnose common causes using plant procedures and take initial corrective action within established operator authority limits.
  5. Multi-system plant monitoring — perform continuous surveillance of gauges, alarms, and control panels to assess generator loading effects across familiar operational scenarios.
  6. Boiler and turbine operations — monitor and adjust auxiliary equipment parameters to support stable plant output during routine and expected transient conditions.
  7. Surveillance test conduct and results logging — carry out scheduled tests and accurately enter data into plant database systems with periodic supervisor review.
  8. Normal start-up and controlled shutdown sequences — implement established operational procedures reliably within required time frames on a licensed reactor unit.
  9. Shift communication and operating logs — prepare clear written entries and relay accurate status information to relief operators and supervisors at shift turnover.
  10. Quality control data analysis — apply basic analytical skills to compare operating parameters against acceptance criteria using spreadsheet and business intelligence software.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Nuclear reactor operations across the full power range — execute autonomously in accordance with technical specifications and regulatory requirements, including off-normal conditions.
  2. Complex control adjustments for flux, coolant temperature, and reactor period — perform with precision during non-routine transients or unplanned power maneuvers on a licensed unit.
  3. Clearance and isolation strategy development — design and verify multi-equipment lockout and tagout sequences for complex maintenance outages in an operating nuclear facility.
  4. Abnormal operating events and system malfunctions — independently diagnose root causes, evaluate safety significance, and direct corrective actions within approved emergency operating procedures.
  5. Integrated plant monitoring — simultaneously assess output from reactor, turbine, boiler, and auxiliary systems to detect subtle performance degradation and prevent escalating events.
  6. Auxiliary power plant equipment response — operate and troubleshoot wells, turbines, and boilers through non-standard conditions requiring judgment beyond routine checklist application.
  7. Comprehensive operating records and surveillance data — compile, review, and submit accurate reports that satisfy regulatory documentation requirements for the licensed facility.
  8. Emergency and abnormal procedure implementation — lead execution of shutdown, emergency boration, or other safety-critical procedural sequences under high-stress control-room conditions.
  9. Systems analysis and inductive reasoning — evaluate interrelated plant systems holistically to anticipate cascading effects and recommend process or procedure improvements to plant management.
  10. Critical problem solving under time pressure — apply complex problem-solving skills and time management discipline to resolve competing operational priorities during high-consequence plant events.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Plant-wide operational safety strategy — establish and enforce standards for reactor operations, radiation protection, and environmental compliance across multiple units or an entire site.
  2. Reactor control philosophy and procedure governance — lead the review, revision, and validation of operating and emergency procedures to reflect regulatory changes and lessons learned.
  3. Equipment isolation and clearance program oversight — direct the organizational implementation of lockout and tagout programs, ensuring systemic reliability across all maintenance and outage activities.
  4. Abnormal and emergency response leadership — command the control-room response to complex multivariate events, coordinating operators, engineers, and emergency teams to stabilize the facility.
  5. Operational monitoring program development — design and institutionalize surveillance, trending, and early-warning monitoring frameworks that span all major plant systems for the organization.
  6. Cross-functional outage and auxiliary equipment planning — lead integrated outage teams coordinating boiler, turbine, and balance-of-plant operations to achieve safe and efficient refueling or maintenance cycles.
  7. Regulatory reporting and knowledge management — oversee the integrity of plant operating records and develop organizational processes for regulatory submittal and document management compliance.
  8. Operator qualification and training program leadership — develop competency frameworks, mentoring pathways, and simulator curricula to advance a workforce of licensed nuclear operators.
  9. Organizational learning and active learning culture — drive the integration of industry operating experience, root-cause findings, and corrective-action insights into daily operational practice across the site.
  10. Executive decision-making under uncertainty — exercise senior judgment in authorizing non-standard plant configurations, operational risk acceptance, or emergency declarations with enterprise-level safety and business consequences.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted procedure lookup — uses an AI assistant to retrieve and summarize relevant sections of operating procedures and technical specifications, cross-checking all results against the official controlled documents before acting Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Terminology clarification — queries an AI tool to clarify unfamiliar regulatory or engineering terms encountered during reading comprehension tasks, confirming accuracy with licensed supervisors Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Abnormality pattern recognition support — directs an AI monitoring tool to flag deviations in coolant temperature, flux level, or power flow trends against established baselines, then personally interprets the flag and decides on corrective action Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Lockout/tagout documentation drafting — uses an AI assistant to generate initial drafts of clearance and lockout/tagout procedures for a specific equipment isolation, then reviews and approves every step against plant-specific documents before submission Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Shift-log synthesis — tasks an AI assistant with consolidating multi-system gauge readings and event logs into a structured shift summary, then validates the output for accuracy and regulatory completeness before sign-off WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Diagnostic hypothesis generation — presents abnormal system parameters to an AI reasoning tool to surface a ranked list of probable root causes, then applies independent engineering judgment and procedural authority to select and execute the corrective response Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Regulatory reading comprehension acceleration — employs an AI tool to parse and cross-reference updated NRC technical specifications or license amendments, reducing manual reading time while retaining full personal accountability for understanding and compliance Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. AI tool boundary enforcement — evaluates which control-room monitoring and diagnostic AI tools meet plant safety-class requirements, establishes operator override protocols, and ensures all AI-generated recommendations remain advisory with final authority vested in licensed operators Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Training scenario development — directs an AI assistant to generate candidate abnormal-event simulator scenarios from historical plant data and industry operating experience, then critically edits each scenario for technical accuracy and training value before submission to the training department WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Continuous AI performance audit — establishes criteria for assessing whether AI monitoring outputs are drifting from actual plant state, intervenes to recalibrate or disable tools when discrepancies arise, and documents findings to support corrective-action program entries Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Reading Comprehension
Score: 45.5 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Technology Use, Monitoring and Control
technology_use_monitoring_control
Sources:Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication11 statements
Emerging
  1. Reactor status reporting — conveys basic panel readings and system states to shift supervisor using standard terminology during routine operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Procedure communication — reads and repeats back operational steps aloud to verify understanding before executing control room actions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Log entry drafting — records operating data such as gauge readings and surveillance test results in shift logs with basic accuracy O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Abnormality notification — communicates system anomalies to shift supervisor with clear description of symptoms, affected systems, and timeline of observations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Tagout documentation — writes lockout/tagout and clearance requests using precise technical language that eliminates ambiguity for maintenance crews Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Shift turnover briefing — delivers structured verbal handoff summarizing plant status, active evolutions, and outstanding action items to oncoming operators Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Emergency action communication — transmits concise, prioritized information across control room team and with plant management during abnormal or emergency operating procedures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-discipline coordination — communicates reactor coolant system conditions and constraints clearly to chemistry, maintenance, and engineering personnel with differing technical backgrounds Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Regulatory communication — documents operating data and event narratives in licensee event reports and shift logs to meet NRC record-keeping standards O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Operations procedure improvement — authors or revises abnormal and emergency operating procedure steps using precise, unambiguous language based on operational experience feedback Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Multi-stakeholder incident communication — leads control room communication flow during plant transients, ensuring accurate information reaches management, NRC, and emergency response organizations simultaneously Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership8 statements
Emerging
  1. Self-directed task execution — initiates assigned control room monitoring rounds independently without prompting from the shift supervisor Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer alerting — proactively notifies co-workers of changing plant parameters that affect shared watch-standing responsibilities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Evolution coordination — takes ownership of a specific plant evolution by tracking all required prerequisites, verifying lineup steps, and confirming system readiness before notifying the shift supervisor Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. New operator guidance — demonstrates correct panel scanning techniques and log-entry standards to less experienced board operators during on-the-job training rotations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Control room authority — exercises reactor operator license authority to initiate or halt plant evolutions when procedure conditions are not met, regardless of schedule pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emergency team direction — directs auxiliary operators to correct field conditions during abnormal events, assigns priorities, and integrates field status reports into control room decision-making Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Shift leadership modeling — sets the operational standard for procedure adherence, conservative decision-making, and nuclear safety culture that shapes the behavior of all watch-standers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Corrective action program leadership — champions identification and resolution of latent plant vulnerabilities by leading apparent cause evaluations and presenting findings to plant management Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Self-monitoring awareness — recognizes personal knowledge gaps in reactor physics or system function and seeks clarification before executing unfamiliar control manipulations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Procedure dependence recognition — identifies situations where own mental model of plant status may differ from procedure guidance and defaults to the written procedure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Performance reflection — reviews own watch-standing entries and control actions after each shift to identify deviations from expected outcomes and adjusts technique accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Stress-state awareness — recognizes when fatigue or task saturation is degrading attention to panel indications and self-initiates a controlled pause or requests backup Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. License exam gap analysis — evaluates own knowledge against reactor operator license requalification exam domains, designs targeted study plans, and tracks mastery of weak areas Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Decision quality review — after resolving a plant abnormality, reconstructs own diagnostic reasoning to identify whether assumptions were valid and whether earlier cues were missed Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cognitive bias mitigation — models explicit thinking strategies in the control room that counter confirmation bias when diagnosing complex, multi-system transients Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational learning integration — translates personal performance insights into training recommendations that improve collective metacognitive practices across the operating crew Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking8 statements
Emerging
  1. Parameter deviation identification — distinguishes between expected and unexpected instrument readings by comparing current values against technical specification limits during routine monitoring Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cause-and-effect tracing — identifies which reactor system is the likely source of a single abnormal indication using basic plant system knowledge Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Abnormality diagnosis — evaluates multiple simultaneous off-normal indications to determine root cause and selects the correct abnormal operating procedure entry condition Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Assumption challenging — questions whether an instrument reading reflects true plant conditions or instrument malfunction before taking control action based on that reading Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Complex transient analysis — analyzes cascading system interactions during a plant transient to prioritize corrective actions that stabilize the reactor while preserving safety system margins Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Risk assessment evaluation — applies technical specification action level logic and probabilistic risk insights to evaluate operability decisions for degraded equipment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Procedure adequacy critique — evaluates whether existing emergency operating procedure response steps adequately address a novel failure mode and recommends engineering review where gaps exist Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Beyond-design-basis reasoning — applies first-principles physics and engineering knowledge to develop operator actions when plant conditions fall outside the design basis covered by written procedures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration8 statements
Emerging
  1. Watch team communication — shares relevant panel observations with other board operators to maintain shared situational awareness during routine power operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Maintenance interface support — provides field personnel with accurate system status and boundary conditions needed to safely execute work orders Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Evolution crew coordination — synchronizes own control actions with auxiliary operators performing field alignments to ensure lineup steps occur in correct sequence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-shift continuity — collaborates with oncoming operators during turnover to ensure all outstanding plant conditions, temporary alterations, and pending surveillances are fully transferred Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Emergency response team integration — functions as a defined position within the emergency response organization, exchanging real-time plant data with the technical support center and emergency operating facility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Chemistry and engineering collaboration — works with chemistry technicians and reactor engineers to optimize reactor coolant chemistry and core power distribution while maintaining technical specification compliance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Inter-departmental process improvement — leads cross-functional teams involving operations, maintenance, and engineering to redesign work control processes that reduce risk during complex plant evolutions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Industry peer collaboration — participates in industry working groups or INPO evaluations to share and receive best practices that strengthen collective nuclear operating performance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character8 statements
Emerging
  1. Procedure adherence — follows each step of a written operating procedure in sequence without skipping or self-approving deviations, even under time pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Honest error reporting — self-identifies and immediately reports own control errors or missed surveillance due dates to the shift supervisor without concealment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Nuclear safety culture demonstration — raises nuclear safety concerns through the corrective action program rather than accepting a substandard condition as normal Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountability in documentation — signs and certifies operating logs and surveillance records only when personally verified that the recorded data is accurate and complete Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Stop-work authority exercise — halts a plant evolution that violates procedure prerequisites or creates unacceptable risk, regardless of organizational pressure to continue Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory integrity — interacts honestly and transparently with NRC inspectors and provides accurate responses to inquiries about plant operations and events Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Safety culture stewardship — confronts and corrects chilling-effect behaviors observed in the control room that discourage operators from raising concerns Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical leadership modeling — demonstrates unwavering adherence to the technical specifications and license conditions that form the ethical foundation of reactor operations, serving as the standard others emulate Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
7Creativity8 statements
Emerging
  1. Workaround identification — proposes a safe alternative instrument or method to verify plant conditions when the primary indication is unavailable, within procedure boundaries Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Shift efficiency improvement — suggests minor logistical improvements to watch-standing rounds routing or log-keeping formats based on practical observations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Abnormal condition response adaptation — applies procedure intent creatively when exact plant conditions do not match the scenarios written into the abnormal operating procedure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Surveillance optimization — develops a revised sequence for performing monthly surveillance tests that reduces mode restrictions while maintaining technical specification compliance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Novel diagnostic strategy — constructs a creative sequence of system checks to isolate an intermittent fault that has not been previously observed at the plant Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Training scenario design — develops realistic control room simulator scenarios that expose operators to low-frequency, high-consequence failure combinations not covered by standard training packages Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Procedure innovation — designs new abnormal operating procedure flowcharts that incorporate human factors principles and reduce operator cognitive load during high-stress transients Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Beyond-design-basis strategy development — creates and validates compensatory action strategies for beyond-design-basis events using first-principles analysis, lessons learned from industry events, and simulator verification Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset8 statements
Emerging
  1. Requalification engagement — treats annual license requalification training and simulator evaluations as genuine learning opportunities rather than compliance requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Feedback acceptance — receives shift supervisor critiques of control actions or log entries without defensiveness and immediately applies suggested corrections Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Industry event learning — reads and internalizes operating experience reports from other nuclear facilities to extract lessons applicable to own plant systems and procedures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Failed surveillance response — when a surveillance test reveals an out-of-tolerance result, pursues root cause understanding beyond the minimum technical specification action required Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Self-directed license advancement — pursues senior reactor operator license qualification by voluntarily expanding knowledge of plant systems beyond current board-operator requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Post-transient mastery building — after managing a plant abnormality, conducts a personal study session on the relevant system to deepen knowledge of failure mechanisms and improve future response Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Continuous improvement leadership — institutionalizes a crew practice of post-shift learning reviews that systematically capture near-misses and convert them into procedure or training improvements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory change integration — proactively tracks NRC rulemaking and generic communications, evaluates impact on plant procedures, and champions timely procedure updates before regulatory deadlines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness8 statements
Emerging
  1. Panel attention discipline — maintains systematic, structured scanning of reactor panel instruments throughout a shift rather than fixating on a single indication Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Pre-task mental preparation — pauses before initiating a control manipulation to mentally walk through expected system responses and confirm readiness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Operational tempo regulation — deliberately slows decision-making pace during rapidly evolving plant conditions to prevent action-before-verification errors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional regulation under pressure — manages own stress response during plant alarms to maintain clear thinking and avoid reactive control actions that could worsen the event Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Situational awareness maintenance — continuously integrates incoming information from multiple panel sections, field reports, and procedure steps to maintain an accurate and current mental model of plant state Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Distraction management — maintains primary focus on safety-critical monitoring functions during control room distractions such as non-essential communications or personnel movement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Crew mindfulness modeling — establishes and enforces a control room environment that minimizes unnecessary distractions, supports focused attention, and promotes deliberate decision-making during all plant conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. High-stakes intentionality — demonstrates calm, methodical action during multi-system emergencies, modeling the composed focus that enables the crew to execute emergency operating procedures accurately under extreme pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude8 statements
Emerging
  1. Procedure persistence — continues executing lengthy, repetitive surveillance procedures to completion without shortcutting steps despite time consumed or monotony Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Uncertainty tolerance — maintains assigned monitoring duties and report routine status accurately when plant indications are ambiguous rather than waiting for certainty before communicating Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Extended emergency response endurance — sustains accurate control room performance across multi-hour emergency operating procedure execution without degradation of procedure compliance or communication quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational pressure resistance — maintains technically conservative decision-making when faced with management or schedule pressure to accept a borderline technical specification operability determination Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. High-consequence decision courage — initiates a manual reactor scram or safety system actuation when symptoms meet procedure criteria, accepting full accountability for the consequential decision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Prolonged outage performance — sustains vigilant monitoring and procedural rigor during extended plant outages when operational tempo is reduced and complacency risk is elevated Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Crisis leadership endurance — sustains clear-headed operational leadership through the full duration of a major plant emergency lasting multiple shifts, maintaining crew performance and regulatory compliance throughout Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Systemic adversity navigation — persists in driving safety improvements through the corrective action program despite bureaucratic resistance, sustaining advocacy until the plant vulnerability is formally resolved Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Nuclear Power Plant Operator · Control Operator · Control Room Agent · Control Room Officer · Control Room Operator · Licensed Nuclear Control Room Operator · Licensed Reactor Operator · Nuclear Control Operator · Nuclear Control Room Non-Licensed Operator · Nuclear Control Room Operator · Nuclear Operator · Nuclear Plant Operator (NPO)
RAPIDS apprenticeships
0193 · Nuclear Power Plant Operator
O*NET skills
Reading ComprehensionOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlMonitoringActive ListeningCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingWritingTime ManagementQuality Control AnalysisSpeakingCoordinationActive LearningSystems AnalysisLearning StrategiesSocial PerceptivenessInstructingTroubleshootingManagement of Personnel Resources
Knowledge domains
PhysicsMechanicalPublic Safety and SecurityMathematicsEngineering and TechnologyChemistryDesign
Abilities
Problem SensitivityInformation OrderingOral ExpressionWritten ComprehensionOral ComprehensionPerceptual SpeedNear VisionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningWritten Expression
Work styles
CautiousnessAttention to DetailDependabilityIntegrityStress ToleranceSelf-Control
Technology
Data base user interface and query softwareDevelopment environment softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareEnterprise application integration softwareBusiness intelligence and data analysis softwarePresentation softwareDocument management softwareIndustrial control software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
  2. Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.
  3. Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.
  4. Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.
  5. 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.
  6. Monitor or operate boilers, turbines, wells, or auxiliary power plant equipment.
  7. Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.
  8. Implement operational procedures, such as those controlling start-up or shut-down activities.
CIP education codes
41.0205

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.