Nuclear Operator (Non-Licensed)

Non-Licensed Nuclear Operators monitor the status of equipment and systems, identifying out-of-limit conditions and other abnormalities, troubleshoot, and take corrective action with direction from control room operators. They carry out routine tasks such as equipment inspections, sampling, testing and administrative duties.

Non-Licensed Nuclear Operators (NLOs) plan, perform and document their tasks according to standard operating procedures ensuring their work is completed thoughtfully, rigorously, and safely, and contributes to the public’s confidence in their organization.

Educational requirements:

Non-Licensed Nuclear Operators receive extensive, and ongoing, training by their employers to develop the skills needed to perform the various tasks associated with field operations, which also may include wet and dry fuel handling. New hires come from various background and requirements for hire are dependent upon the employer and the posted position. Typical prerequisites include completion of high-school as well as post-secondary training in electrical engineering technology or a similar program.

Qualifications must be renewed or refreshed every one to three years depending on the task and stream of the Operator. Qualifications can also be upgraded to move into positions of enhanced skill and authority.

(Non-Licensed) Nuclear Operator opportunities for Advancement (Source: Bruce Power):

• Supervising Nuclear Operator
• Authorized Nuclear Operator
• Control Room Operator
• Fuel Handling Control Room Operator

These positions require extensive training, above and beyond the training period required for the operator position. Nuclear Operators do not become eligible for control room operating positions until they have demonstrated competency in the Nuclear Operator position for several years.

National Occupational Standard

NOS are a benchmark of the knowledge and abilities needed to be competent in a particular occupation. Developed by current job incumbents, NOS are a collection of the individual competencies that make up the whole picture of an occupation.

Related NOC code:

• 92100 – Power engineers and power systems operators

• Individuals working in power generating facilities and plants spend the majority of their shifts on their feet completing their tasks which can include monitoring, servicing, and testing.
• Typically, work is completed in 12-hour shifts, which include days, nights and extend over weekends and holidays to ensure 24/7 power generation.