Nuclear 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: 2 (10%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 3 (14%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 16 (76%)

• Calculate equipment operating factors, such as radiation times, dosages, temperatures, gamma intensities, or pressures, using standard formulas and conversion tables.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Prepare reports to communicate information such as contamination test results, decontamination results, or decontamination procedures.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Monitor nuclear reactor equipment performance to identify operational inefficiencies, hazards, or needs for maintenance or repair.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Monitor instruments, gauges, or recording devices under direction of nuclear experimenters.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental 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
• Follow nuclear equipment operational policies and procedures that ensure environmental safety.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct surveillance testing to determine safety of nuclear equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Test plant equipment to ensure it is operating properly.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Apply safety tags to equipment needing maintenance.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Follow policies and procedures for radiation workers to ensure personnel safety.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Modify, devise, or maintain nuclear equipment used in operations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform testing, maintenance, repair, or upgrading of accelerator systems.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Adjust controls of equipment to control particle beam movement, pulse rates, energy or intensity, or radiation, according to specifications.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Warn maintenance workers of radiation hazards and direct workers to vacate hazardous areas.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Measure the intensity and identify the types of radiation in work areas, equipment, or materials, using radiation detectors or other instruments.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Communicate with accelerator maintenance personnel to ensure readiness of support systems, such as vacuum, water cooling, or radio frequency power sources.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Set control panel switches to route electric power from sources and direct particle beams through injector units.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Identify and implement appropriate decontamination procedures, based on equipment and the size, nature, and type of contamination.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Decontaminate objects by cleaning them using soap or solvents or by abrading using brushes, buffing machines, or sandblasting machines.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Collect air, water, gas or solid samples for testing to determine radioactivity levels or to ensure appropriate radioactive containment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Set up equipment that automatically detects area radiation deviations and test detection equipment to ensure its accuracy.Little or no AI speed-up

Questions about nuclear technicians and AI