Potential Career/Occupation Information

Occupation Information table

Overview:	Conduct research on nuclear engineering problems or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and utilization of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
Duties:	Initiate corrective actions or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations. Direct operating or maintenance activities of operational nuclear power plants to ensure efficiency and conformity to safety standards. Monitor nuclear facility operations to identify any design, construction, or operation practices that violate safety regulations and laws or that could jeopardize the safety of operations. Examine accidents to obtain data that can be used to design preventive measures. Design or develop nuclear equipment, such as reactor cores, radiation shielding, or associated instrumentation or control mechanisms. Write operational instructions to be used in nuclear plant operation or nuclear fuel or waste handling and disposal. Prepare construction project proposals that include cost estimates, and discuss proposals with interested parties such as vendors, contractors, and nuclear facility review boards. Perform experiments that will provide information about acceptable methods of nuclear material usage, nuclear fuel reclamation, or waste disposal. Conduct tests of nuclear fuel behavior and cycles or performance of nuclear machinery and equipment to optimize performance of existing plants. Keep abreast of developments and changes in the nuclear field by reading technical journals or by independent study and research.
Degree(s):	A.S. Engineering Science
Job Outlook:	Employment in this field is projected to decline by 2% or more from 2018 to 2028. For comparison, the average growth rate for all occupations over the same time period is projected to be 5% to 8%.
Green:
Education Level:	Typically, a Bachelor’s Degree from a 4-year college (some are 5 years) is required to be considered for this occupation.
Recommended Skills:	Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action. Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made. Using mathematics and/or statistics to solve problems. Watching gauges and any other types of indicators to make sure equipment is running properly. Ability to identify a problem, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement a solution. Inspecting and testing products or services to assure they meet the desired specifications. The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports. Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Using scientific methods to investigate and conduct experiments. Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions. Analyzing the symptoms of a problem and deciding what actions should be taken to resolve the problem. Composing and communicating your ideas in written form.
Recommended Values:	Having the ability to work with equipment or material things. Doing something where you can physically see the results of your work. Create new ideas, programs, things, or anything else not previously developed by another person.

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.