Nuclear Monitoring Technicians

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 3 (16%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 3 (16%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 13 (68%)

• Calculate safe radiation exposure times for personnel using plant contamination readings and prescribed safe levels of radiation.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Prepare reports describing contamination tests, material or equipment decontaminated, or methods used in decontamination processes.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Enter data into computers to record characteristics of nuclear events or to locate coordinates of particles.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Brief workers on radiation levels in work areas.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Determine or recommend radioactive decontamination procedures, according to the size and nature of equipment and the degree of contamination.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Confer with scientists directing projects to determine significant events to monitor during tests.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Monitor personnel to determine the amounts and intensities of radiation exposure.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inform supervisors when individual exposures or area radiation levels approach maximum permissible limits.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Provide initial response to abnormal events or to alarms from radiation monitoring equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Determine intensities and types of radiation in work areas, equipment, or materials, using radiation detectors or other instruments.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Instruct personnel in radiation safety procedures and demonstrate use of protective clothing and equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Collect samples of air, water, gases, or solids to determine radioactivity levels of contamination.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Analyze samples, such as air or water samples, for contaminants or other elements.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Set up equipment that automatically detects area radiation deviations and test detection equipment to ensure its accuracy.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Place radioactive waste, such as sweepings or broken sample bottles, into containers for shipping or disposal.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Decontaminate objects by cleaning with soap or solvents or by abrading with wire brushes, buffing wheels, or sandblasting machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Calibrate and maintain chemical instrumentation sensing elements and sampling system equipment, using calibration instruments and hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Immerse samples in chemical compounds to prepare them for testing.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Operate manipulators from outside cells to move specimens into or out of shielded containers, to remove specimens from cells, or to place specimens on benches or equipment work stations.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about nuclear monitoring technicians and AI