Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Nuclear Power Reactor Operators — one of 3 occupations here: Nuclear Power Reactor Operators, Power Distributors and Dispatchers, Power Plant Operators.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.99
Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.97
Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.95
Direct reactor operators in emergency situations, in accordance with emergency operating procedures.94
Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.93
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.93
Monitor or operate boilers, turbines, wells, or auxiliary power plant equipment.92
Record operating data, such as the results of surveillance tests.88
Implement operational procedures, such as those controlling start-up or shut-down activities.88
Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls and report these conditions to supervisors.88
Participate in nuclear fuel element handling activities, such as preparation, transfer, loading, or unloading.85
Authorize maintenance activities on units or changes in equipment or system operational status.83

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Supervise technicians' work activities to ensure that equipment is operated in accordance with policies and procedures that protect workers from radiation and ensure environmental safety.82
Dispatch orders or instructions to personnel through radiotelephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation.81
Authorize actions to correct identified operational inefficiencies or hazards so that operating efficiency is maximized and potential environmental issues are minimized.78
Review and edit standard operating procedures.77
Conduct inspections or operations outside of control rooms as necessary.73
Direct the collection and testing of air, water, gas, or solid samples to determine radioactivity levels or to ensure appropriate radioactive containment.73
Direct measurement of the intensity or types of radiation in work areas, equipment, or materials.67

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Operation and Control75
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring75
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension75
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening72
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking72
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Monitoring72
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Complex Problem Solving69
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making63
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Writing63
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Time Management60
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Coordination56
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Quality Control Analysis56
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

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Speaking56
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning53
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Systems Analysis53
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Learning Strategies50
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources50
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Troubleshooting50
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Persuasion47
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation47
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Evaluation47
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Mathematics44
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Negotiation44
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Science44
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Management of Financial Resources25
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Programming25
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operations Analysis10
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Repairing10
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Technology Design10
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Equipment Maintenance3
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Physics77
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Mechanical72
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Public Safety and Security67
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Mathematics65
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology64
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Chemistry59
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Design51
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language48
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Computers and Electronics46
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Education and Training45
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Law and Government45
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Administration and Management34
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

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Production and Processing34
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Psychology30
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Building and Construction25
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Customer and Personal Service24
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Telecommunications24
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Biology23
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Communications and Media23
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Administrative22
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Personnel and Human Resources21
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Transportation12
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Medicine and Dentistry9
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Sociology and Anthropology8
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Economics and Accounting7
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Therapy and Counseling7
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Geography4
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Sales and Marketing4
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
History and Archeology3
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Foreign Language2
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Philosophy and Theology2
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Fine Arts1
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Problem Sensitivity78
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Information Ordering75
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension75
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning72
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning72
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Perceptual Speed72
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Written Expression66
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Speech Clarity63
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Flexibility of Closure60
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

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Selective Attention60
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Recognition56
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Far Vision53
The ability to see details at a distance.
Auditory Attention50
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Fluency of Ideas50
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Hearing Sensitivity50
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Mathematical Reasoning50
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Originality50
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Time Sharing50
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visual Color Discrimination50
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Arm-Hand Steadiness47
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision47
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Finger Dexterity47
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Number Facility47
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Reaction Time47
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Speed of Closure47
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Visualization47
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Memorization44
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Multilimb Coordination41
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Response Orientation41
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Manual Dexterity35
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Depth Perception31
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Rate Control25
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Wrist-Finger Speed25
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Trunk Strength22
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Glare Sensitivity19
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination3
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium3
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Peripheral Vision3
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Spatial Orientation3
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Dynamic Strength0
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards93
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Getting Information88
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events88
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings88
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Documenting/Recording Information85
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates83
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Processing Information82
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge82
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems80
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Controlling Machines and Processes79
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials76
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Analyzing Data or Information74
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

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Working with Computers66
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work65
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others63
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Training and Teaching Others63
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Performing Administrative Activities62
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information59
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships57
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others57
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People53
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Coaching and Developing Others52
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Developing and Building Teams51
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates51
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Scheduling Work and Activities49
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others42
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Thinking Creatively40
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization38
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Developing Objectives and Strategies34
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others33
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Performing General Physical Activities32
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment32
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment30
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment29
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment26
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Assisting and Caring for Others24
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Handling and Moving Objects24
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources23
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public14
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Staffing Organizational Units13
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Selling or Influencing Others10
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail100
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Cautiousness100
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Dependability98
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity98
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Stress Tolerance89
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Control88
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Achievement Orientation74
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Perseverance73
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Intellectual Curiosity66
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Cooperation53
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Self-Confidence51
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Adaptability47
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

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Sincerity40
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Humility19
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Initiative15
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Leadership Orientation6
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Optimism4
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Empathy1
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic73
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional69
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative35
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising27
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social18
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day100%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day99%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day97%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important91%
E-Mail
- Every day88%
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important89%
- Very important11%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others69%
- Contact with others most of the time31%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious82%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results72%
- Important results13%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day76%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility66%
- High responsibility22%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important53%
- Very important39%

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Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours70%
- 40 hours30%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day71%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
Time Pressure
- Every day61%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important54%
- Very important21%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility34%
- High responsibility49%
- Limited responsibility13%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)21%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)49%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)31%
Exposed to Radiation
- Every day38%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week23%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time65%
- About half the time17%
- Less than half the time13%
Conflict Situations
- Every day15%
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day26%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month23%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually21%
- More than half the time33%
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time27%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day24%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never13%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated33%
- Moderately automated48%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- Some freedom30%
- Limited freedom34%
- Very little freedom23%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom12%
- Some freedom18%
- Limited freedom38%
- Very little freedom25%
Public Speaking
- Every day27%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never22%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Once a year or more but not every month42%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day15%
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
- Never19%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day14%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month39%
- Never23%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month42%
- Never19%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive45%
- Slightly competitive13%
- Not at all competitive28%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time27%
- Less than half the time63%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- About half the time14%
- Less than half the time57%
- Never12%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day14%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
- Never30%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day19%
- Once a year or more but not every month32%
- Never37%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a week or more but not every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
- Never23%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month63%
- Never11%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month46%
- Never30%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Very important11%
- Important15%
- Fairly important14%
- Not important at all51%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Very important12%
- Important18%
- Not important at all53%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month62%
- Never19%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time73%
- Never14%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month59%
- Never26%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a year or more but not every month41%
- Never46%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time79%
- Never21%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time63%
- Never33%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time64%
- Never36%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
- Never57%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time32%
- Never64%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never81%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)19%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)81%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month31%
- Never66%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never90%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never89%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never94%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Bachelor’s degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Data base user interface and query software
Data logging software, Microsoft Access, Plant information data entry software, Structured query language SQL
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Document management software
Microsoft SharePoint
Development environment software
Microsoft Azure software
Enterprise application integration software
Microsoft Power Automate
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Business intelligence and data analysis software
Microsoft Power BI
Industrial control software
Outage management system OMS

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Operate energy production equipment.
Operate energy distribution equipment.
Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
Direct operational or production activities.
Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
Advise others on ways to improve processes or products.
Diagnose equipment malfunctions.
Maintain sustainable energy production equipment.
Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
Record operational or production data.
Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas.

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Exchange information with colleagues.
Document organizational or operational procedures.
Inspect facilities.

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology