Nuclear Technicians

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Duties

Typical tasks performed by nuclear technicians include:

• Equipment used in nuclear testing and electricity generation must be monitored.
• Observe the radiation levels and types produced by nuclear experiments and power plants.
• Check for radioactivity in the air, water, and soil.
• Provide radiation safety training and warn staff of dangers.
• Upkeep and use radiation detectors

The location and function of the facility determines the tasks and titles of nuclear technicians. The bulk of nuclear technicians are responsible for maintaining safe and efficient nuclear power plant operations. There are several types of nuclear technicians in the power generation industry:

Personnel employed at nuclear power plants monitor various systems. They check water systems for radioactivity. Based on what they learn presently, there may be a leak or inefficient turbines in power plants. Temperature, pressure, and radiation intensity are just a few variables considered. The operating technicians are in charge of reactor and other equipment maintenance.

Radiation protection specialists monitor radiation levels to guarantee worker and environmental safety. On-site and personal radiation detectors and dosimeters assess levels in and around facilities. Technicians map radiation levels in plants and adjacent areas and recommend decontamination programs and worker safety measures. They alert personnel in risky locations or performing risky tasks via a control center.

Nuclear technicians monitor the collection, recycling, and storage of nuclear waste at waste management and treatment facilities. Their duties resemble those of radiation protection technicians at nuclear power plants.

Nuclear technicians operate in both laboratory and fields. They help scientists and engineers develop new reactors, fuels, pharmaceuticals, and other technology. They employ radiation detectors, spectrometers (which monitor gamma and x-ray radiation) and particle accelerators to conduct experiments and collect data. They may also use remote technology to manage radioactive items.

Education

An associate's degree is usually required, although you can get by with just a few years of military experience. A number of technical and community colleges offer nuclear science and technology associate degrees. Students study nuclear energy, radiation, and reactor and laboratory equipment. Students also take math, physics, and chemistry classes.

Training

Nuclear technicians start off as trainees, learning from more experienced technicians. During training, students learn proper equipment usage and management. They also learn about plant policies, regulations, and guidelines. The typical on-the-job training program for new employees without an associate's degree is comprehensive on-the-job training.

Experience and education influence the technician's training. Training programs might last anything from six months to two years. Nuclear technicians must keep up with advances in nuclear science and technology throughout their careers.

Licenses and certifications

The Nuclear Energy Institute offers certificates in Nuclear Uniform Curriculum. The ASNT certifies industrial radiography and radiation safety personnel. The National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists certifies radiation protection technologists (NRRPT).

Important traits

Effective communication skills Scientists and engineers provide nuclear technicians comprehensive instructions that must be followed to the letter. They must query when they do not understand. To succeed in their careers, they must communicate with scientists, engineers, and reactor operators. Lessen the risk by educating those around them. Because the job is so hazardous, many of the daily operations must be recorded.

Knowledge about computers as a nuclear technician, you must use computers to run the plant and maintain track of your job.

Critical thinking skills for any choice, nuclear specialists must carefully review all relevant data. In order to assess if an area is safe, radiation protection professionals must examine data from radiation detectors.

Math skills. Nuclear technicians use formulae derived from scientific theory and rigorous mathematics to calculate reaction rates, radiation exposure, and other factors.

Mechanic skills. Nuclear technicians must be mechanically skilled. Technicians at nuclear power plants must understand how the facilities work in order to modify or repair equipment safely. Employers of nuclear experts frequently use mechanical aptitude tests.

Keep tabs on things. Data from sensors, gauges, and other devices must be evaluated to guarantee proper operation of experiments and equipment.

Pay

A nuclear technician's yearly salary was on average $84,190 in May of the year 2020. When half of an occupation's workforce earns more than the median wage, the wage is referred to as the "median wage." Between the lowest 10% and the highest 10% of earners, there was a wide range in incomes.

Job Projections

Between 2020 and 2030, there may be a 12% reduction in the number of nuclear technicians employed.