Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) is a specialized occupation in the nuclear power industry. An SRO is responsible for controlling, operating, and monitoring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a nuclear reactor power plant. They are highly trained professionals who are in charge of the health and safety of their facility and the people who live and work around it. SROs must have a thorough understanding of their plant’s systems and components and must be able to respond quickly and appropriately to any conditions that may occur in the plant. The SRO also has responsibility for the training and evaluation of all personnel that work in the control room. The SRO is the senior-most operating position in the nuclear power plant, charged with the overall operations, safety, and reliability of the plant. In this blog post, we will dig deeper into what it takes to be a Senior Reactor Operator, their day-to-day responsibilities, and the qualifications necessary to become an SRO.
What does a senior reactor operator do?
A senior reactor operator is responsible for the following tasks:
What is a senior reactor operator?
A senior reactor operator, also known as a nuclear operator, is a highly qualified individual who manages a nuclear reactor’s control panel. The person in charge of doing so is in charge of changing the reactor’s reactivity. Given the potential risks associated with working with nuclear energy, it is crucial that those in this position complete extensive training. It is your responsibility as a senior reactor operator to supervise the work of reactor operators.
What are the job requirements for a senior reactor operator?
Before being eligible for this crucial position, a senior reactor operator must fulfill the following requirements:
Education
Reactor operators must possess at least a high school diploma to work in the industry. You might think about getting more education to position yourself as a more marketable candidate. You might want to get your bachelor’s in engineering or physical science if you want to advance to the position of senior reactor operator. Although you might not require a college degree if you have at least a year of experience as a licensed reactor operator.
Training
You will learn a lot of what you need to know for this job on the job. While applying directly to a nuclear power plant is an option, you can also begin this career path by enlisting in the Navy. Expect to work under the supervision of highly qualified reactor operators before receiving your license. Take advantage of this time to study for your licensing exams and become knowledgeable about how to perform this vital task effectively.
Experience
Before applying for a senior-level position, those without a license must have 18 months of operator experience. You can gain knowledge of this sector in addition to beginning your career as an unlicensed reactor operator by working as a plant manager or a plant staff engineer.
Licensing
Consider obtaining your reactor operator license first, then your senior reactor license. You must have three years of experience working in a power plant, with at least six months of that time spent working for your current employer. You must pass a physical exam and the licensing exam administered by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in addition to fulfilling your training requirements. You must pass a yearly exam as well as a medical examination every two years in order to renew your license as a reactor operator. Every six years, you must also apply to renew your license.
You must have either a college degree or one year of experience as a licensed reactor operator in order to apply for a senior reactor license. After 18 months of power plant experience, those without a reactor operator license can apply for a senior reactor operator license. You must also pass a physical examination every two years and an exam every year to maintain this license. After receiving your license, be aware that you will have to go through the licensing procedure once more if you want to work at a different facility.
Skills
Working in this role requires a specialized set of skills. Here are a few you may want to develop:
Cool Jobs: Three Mile Island reactor operator
FAQ
How long does it take to become a reactor operator?
Nuclear power reactor operators control nuclear reactors. Control rod adjustments affect how much electricity a reactor produces. They keep an eye on cooling systems, turbines, generators, and reactors and adjust controls as necessary. Operators start and stop equipment and record the data produced.
What do reactor operators earn?
Candidates must successfully complete a thorough training program at a nuclear site and pass a thorough test given by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in order to obtain an NRC operating license. The site training programs typically last 18 to 24 months.
How hard is it to become a reactor operator?
Salary Ranges for Nuclear Reactor Operators The median annual salary for nuclear reactor operators in the US is $151,165, with salaries ranging from $31,645 to $796,509. The middle 57% of Nuclear Reactor Operators makes between $151,167 and $366,011, with the top 86% making $796,509
