Lead Nuclear Reactor Physicist

Skills at this level

Operations Monitoring

— Watches instrumentation panel gauges, dials, and display screens to confirm reactor and support systems are operating within prescribed limits and detects out-of-band conditions.

Reactor Control Manipulation

— Adjusts controls to position control rods and regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, and rate of power flow in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Radiation Leak Detection Response

— Monitors radiation-detection sensors and acts to ensure any leak is detected and addressed quickly, escalating alarms to the licensed operator on shift.

Nuclear Fuel Element Handling

— Prepares, transfers, and loads or unloads nuclear fuel elements, verifying each move against the fuel handling procedure before proceeding.

Abnormal Condition Diagnosis

— Responds to system or unit abnormalities by diagnosing the cause and recommending or taking corrective action, judging when emergency operating procedures apply.

Operating Log Keeping

— Records instrument readings, valve line-ups, equipment status, and evolution steps in operating logs at prescribed intervals and formats to document plant status.

Lockout / Tagout and Clearance Administration

— Develops and implements lockouts, tagouts, and clearances that isolate equipment so it can be safely repaired while preserving safe plant configuration.

Emergency Operating Procedure Execution

— Directs reactor operators during emergencies in accordance with emergency operating procedures, adapting the action sequence to actual plant conditions.

Plant Configuration Authorization

— Authorizes maintenance activities and changes in equipment or system operational status, weighing the plant-wide safety and operational implications of each change.

Teamwork and Clear Communication

— Provides clear instructions to the operating crew on operating procedures, repairs, and emergency response, and communicates plant status across control-room and field teams.

Radiation and Environmental Safety Supervision

— Supervises technicians' work so equipment is operated within policies that protect workers from radiation and ensure environmental safety.

Operating Procedure Development

— Contributes to creating and revising operating and emergency procedures by translating operating experience and abnormal events into improved steps and cautions.