WORKING AT ONTARIO POWER GENERATION AS A

NUCLEAR
OPERATOR

a realistic job preview

mypowercareer.com

BECOMING A NUCLEAR OPERATOR

Dear Applicant
Thank you for your interest in applying to the Nuclear Operator (NO) position. It is
important for us, at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to provide you with a complete
description of what you can realistically expect to experience as an NO. This document will
provide you with a detailed and realistic preview of the job, i.e., provides a Realistic Job
Preview (RJP). The role of the NO carries with it rewards and challenges unique to this
role. In this document you will find up-to-date NO job information that pertains to all
aspects of the job and is balanced, i.e., includes information about the positive and
negative aspects (i.e., the rewards and challenges) of the job. Our goals in providing you
with an RJP are the following:

Achieving a better fit between the applicant and the job You can review
information in this document to determine whether you are willing and/or able to cope
with the jobs demands and whether you will find this job satisfying. We hope that the
information in this document will help you make an informed decision about whether this
job is for you.

Having applicants hold more realistic expectations of the job Our hope is that
this information will help you form accurate expectations of the job. We hope that such
an understanding will foster a mutually satisfying working relationship.

We emphasize the need for you to read this document carefully and to consider the
entire job of an NO before applying.

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CONTENTS OF THE REALISTIC JOB PREVIEW

All information contained in this document is based on a detailed analysis of the job and has
been collected directly from individuals who are currently working as NOs. This RJP includes
the following:
1. OVERVIEW OF THE HIRING PROCESS describes the eligibility criteria and the
steps of the selection process.
2. LIFE AS A NEW NUCLEAR OPERATOR describes information important to being
a new NO (i.e., NO job streams, training, and probationary period).
3. OVERVIEW OF THE NUCLEAR OPERATOR JOB provides a description of job
duties, level of responsibility and the amount of work.
4. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES provides an
overview of the on-going certification requirements, and professional growth and
advancement opportunities available within OPG.
5. PAY, BENEFITS AND REWARDS describes how and when pay increments and
promotions are decided, and the quality of pay and benefits.
6. SUPERVISION provides a description of the type and amount of supervision that
can be expected on the job.
7. WORKING CONDITIONS describes the physical conditions within which an NO
must work.
8. REWARDS AND CHALLENGES OF BEING A NUCLEAR OPERATOR describes
the positive and negative aspects of the job (based on the opinions of current NOs).
9. CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS provides a list of the skills you need or criteria
you have to meet to be successful and satisfied as an NO.
10. OPG CONTACT INFORMATION

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1.

OVERVIEW OF THE HIRING PROCESS

What can I expect when applying for the job?
STEP 1:

Vacancy is advertised. All applicants must submit an application

online.

STEP 2:

All applicants will be reviewed to determine if they meet the

following criteria. To be considered, youll need one of the
following:

A Grade 12 diploma from an Ontario Secondary School that includes

Grade 12-U (university preparation) mathematics, physics or
chemistry, and English, or Ontario Academic Course (OAC) credits in
mathematics, physics or chemistry, and English.

An Ontario Secondary School (or equivalent) diploma plus completion

of a College Technician or Technologist diploma in a related program.

* Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada.

STEP 3:

Testing

Qualified applicants will be invited to a testing session (2-3.5 hours

long), where they will write a series of paper and pencil tests assessing
areas such as critical reasoning, English skills, mechanical aptitude,
and safety consciousness.

Should you wish to practice some ability tests, please visit the SHL
website at: http://www.shldirect.com/practice_tests.html

Candidates need to pass these tests in accordance with the minimum

criteria required for the job.

STEP 4:

Interview Those candidates who are successful at the testing

phase will be invited to attend a structured, behaviour-based
interview.

The interview will consist of a series of job related, structured

questions. With structured questions, all candidates are asked the

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same questions and evaluated against the same job-related criteria as

other candidates.

The questions are behaviour-based i.e., candidates are asked to

provide examples of how they have dealt with various job-related
scenarios in the past to demonstrate that they have the relevant
experience.

STEP 5:

The interview will be approximately 2 hours in length.

Short-listed candidates will be notified of any further selection

requirements such as the following:

Security checks: Applicants cannot have any convictions under the

Criminal Code.

Medical requirements: Applicants must complete a medical

information questionnaire and have an examination completed by a
personal physician.

2.

Reference checks: Applicants references will be checked.

LIFE AS A NEW NUCLEAR OPERATOR

What happens when I first start working at OPG?
Following is a brief overview of the various specializations within the NO job family,
of the orientation/ training process, and the probationary period.
2.1

NO Specialization Streams

There are several specializations within the NO job family, called streams. The
Pickering facilities (Pickering A and B) have three streams (see Table 1). The
Darlington facility has four streams (see Table 1). Each new NO is assigned to one
of these streams after being hired.

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TABLE 1
Facility

Stream 1

Stream 2

Stream 3

Pickering A

Generating

*Common

Fuel Handling

and B

Units

Services

Darlington

Generating

*Unit 0 (Zero)

Fuel Handling

Units

Stream 4

Tritium
Removal
Facility

*Note: Common Services and Unit 0 are the same job; any operators working at or transferring to the
Nuclear Waste Management facility at Pickering would conduct job duties similar to Common Services/Unit
0 Operators.

Upon being selected into the NO job, new NOs can express a preference for the
stream for which they would like to be certified. Preferences will be taken into
consideration when management makes their decisions. However, note that
assignment to the preferred stream cannot be guaranteed.
In this document, you will receive a description of those aspects of the job that are
common across all streams. When there are important differences between streams,
those differences are bolded to bring them to your attention. You can use the
information about the different streams to help you identify your preferred stream.
2.2

ORIENTATION/TRAINING

Upon being selected by OPG, candidates begin general and stream-specific NO

orientation and training. Successful training performance requires the ability to be
self-directed in ones training, to learn within short-time frames, and to synthesize
lots of information.
2.2.1 TRAINING FORMAT AND CONTENT: Nuclear Operators are required to
complete extensive classroom and computer-based courses. Training focuses
on both the aspects of the job that are common across all NO streams and
are specific to an NO stream. Periods of classroom and computer-based
courses are balanced with some on-shift training. However, on-shift training
is not the primary method of training it is an extension of classroom
learning. During on-shift training the trainee will work under the guidance of
an experienced operator.
2.2.2 TRAINING LENGTH: Individuals are only assigned a stream once common
training is completed. NOs typically take about 8-12 months to complete

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common training. They are then assigned to a stream. Depending on the

stream assignment it takes a further 3-6 month period to become qualified in
the assigned stream. All together, training can take up to two years to
complete.
2.2.3 TESTING: Trainees are tested at every phase of the training program and at
the end of the training period. Classroom knowledge is tested using exams;
applied knowledge (e.g., demonstrating proficiency in the field environment)
is tested using Job Performance Measures. An NO is considered to be stream
qualified upon successful completion of comprehensive examinations and a
series of Job Performance Measures.
2.3

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

The first three months of training are considered to be a probationary period for
the NO. However, the probationary period may be extended to six months, if
required. Mandatory union coverage and access to OPG benefits are provided during
this period. Pension plan enrolment begins upon completion of the probationary
period.

3.

OVERVIEW OF THE JOB

What is the job?
Below is a broad description of the duties and other characteristics (e.g., work
schedule, work load) of an NOs job. The overview is not meant to be exhaustive in
its description. Rather, the duties and characteristics described provide a summary
of some of the key aspects of the NO job.
3.1

JOB DUTIES

Following are some of the duties carried out by NOs:

3.1.1 SURVEILLANCE: A significant portion of an NOs duties is to make rounds of
their designated area within the plant to check the status of equipment and
systems (e.g., pumps, fans, motors, gauges). This type of task requires NOs
to detect problems (but not to solve problems) e.g., monitor system pressure,
temperatures, water levels, check for leaks and check for the integrity of the
equipment. While these tasks are repetitive, they are important and require
a specific skill set. Effective monitoring requires a high degree of precision,

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attention to detail and comfort with repetitive tasks. Upon detecting a

problem, an NO notifies the appropriate personnel and documents the
deficiency based on standard operating procedures.
3.1.2 HOUSEKEEPING AND ADMINISTRATION: Several hours in the day might
be required to complete routine maintenance of equipment e.g., cleaning
equipment, topping up oil levels. Administrative duties such as initiating
Work Requests, Material Requests, record keeping, and document corrections
might also be required. Computer proficiency is required to complete the
majority of these administrative tasks.
3.1.3 PROACTIVE AND REACTIVE SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS: Operators are
required to adhere to safety procedures at all times to proactively prevent
workplace accidents and protect their own safety and the safety of others.
Situations may arise where a problem, though not serious, requires
immediate action to isolate and contain the problem. Corrective actions
required are typically quite simple e.g., mopping a minor leak, isolating the
faulty equipment. Effective corrective action requires familiarity with and
strict application of the required safety procedures. Protective equipment and
clothing are worn at all times minimizing chances of exposure to hazardous
materials (e.g., minimizing any radiation exposure).
3.1.4 TESTING AND SAMPLING: Though not frequent, on certain shifts NOs
might be responsible for testing the functioning of equipment.

Example: Testing may involve local or remote manipulation of equipment

like valves and the start-up/shut down of fans and pumps to simulate
certain operating conditions. If deficiencies are identified, Work
Requests need to be filed.

Example: Operators (and chemical laboratory staff) are involved in

drawing samples. In some cases, after chemical technicians have
conducted appropriate analyses, NOs might be required to initiate
corrective action such as adding chemicals to maintain system
specifications.

Such tasks are less repetitive compared to surveillance work. Of the various
streams, Common Services/ Unit 0 operators would do such work more
frequently.

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3.1.5 PHYSICALLY INTENSIVE DUTIES: There are a few physical tasks that are
common to all streams. Other physical tasks are stream specific. For
instance, the primary responsibility of the Fuel Handlers is to receive and
load fuel, and store fuel that has been used in the reactor. This duty is
unique to this stream of work. Although Fuel Handlers have direct contact
with new fuel, risk for hazardous exposure is minimized because operators
wear appropriate protection and are kept away from areas where elevated
hazardous conditions exist. Tritium Removal Facility operators also have
to do some lifting of heavy drums.
JOB CHARACTERISTICS
Other important characteristics of the job include:
3.2

SCHEDULE: There are several shifts at OPG an 8-hour shift, 10-hour

shifts, and rotating 12-hour shifts. NOs have to be willing to do shift work
and be flexible in their availability. Further schedule-related information
follows:

Most NOs work in rotating 12-hour shifts that are scheduled from 8 a.m.
to 8 p.m. or 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Some 8-hour/10-hour day shifts may also
be required. Everyone is required to work weekdays, weekends and
statutory holidays, day shifts and night shifts.

A typical 12-hour shift includes paid time off for 4 breaks and lunch
periods.

The typical shift might require operators to work an extra 15-20 minutes
at the end of each shift. The extra time is necessary to pass on an update
to the next NO about the systems status. NOs are paid overtime for the
extra time.

Schedules are set one year in advance and are balanced over the course
of the year to average out to 40 hours per week. Typically a period of two
or three shifts is followed by two or three days off.

3.3

VARIETY: The majority of the Operator duties involve a lot of repetitive tasks
with little variety. However, there are some differences in job variety across
the various streams:

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Relative to other streams, the greatest variety is found in the Generating

Unit stream. Opportunities for hands on activities are limited because
the systems are highly automated. However, because of the number of
systems, job duties require exposure to a wide variety of systems.

On the other hand, the Fuel Handling stream allows for more hands-on
tasks, but is limited to controlling a smaller number of systems.

Working in the Common Services/Unit-O or TRF streams provides a

degree of variety in between that of Fuel Handling and Generating Unit. If
the degree of variety on the job is important to you as a new NO, you
should give consideration to the above information when considering
which stream you would prefer the most.

3.4

DISCRETION AND RESPONSIBILITY: Operators are responsible for the

safety of personnel, the plant site, and the community. As such, strict
adherence to policies and procedures is required at all times. There is little
discretion in the way tasks get carried out.

3.5

CO-WORKERS: NOs work alone unless physical assistance is required or

safety precautions deem it necessary to have multiple workers. The
exception is the Fuel Handling operator group. Due to the more physical
nature of their work, Fuel Handling Operators are the only operator group
in which an Operator frequently works with a co-worker to carry out a lot of
the duties.

3.6

WORKLOAD: Operators find the workload to be very manageable. Operators

are assigned a set of tasks to complete by the end of the shift but can
complete the tasks at their own pace.

3.7

WORKPLACE ACCOMODATIONS: Alternate work arrangement policies are

in place for women who are pregnant or for men and women with immediate
plans to conceive children. Alternate work arrangements are such that they
minimize chances of exposure to radiation. Also, when problems arise that
compromise an individuals ability to do shift work (e.g., medical condition),
case-by-case evaluation is done to determine if and what type of alternate
work arrangements are warranted. (Detailed policy information is available
by contacting an OPG representative or once you begin working at OPG).

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4.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Do I need to keep learning? And, where can I go from here?
4.1

CONTINUOUS LEARNING REQUIREMENTS: Qualifications need to be

renewed or refreshed every one to three years (depending on the task and
stream). Qualifications can also be upgraded to broaden ones skill set. NOs
will need to take an active role in monitoring their re-qualification needs e.g.,
they will need to monitor and request training when qualifications are close to
expiring or have expired.

4.2

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Individuals can move to different positions at

the same level in the organization (lateral move) or can move to higher
positions at OPG (vertical move).

Lateral moves typically involve getting a position in one of the other NO

streams or moving elsewhere in the organization to non-Operator
positions. Such moves will require retraining.

NOs can move vertically into various supervisory positions (e.g.,

Supervising Nuclear Operator (SNO), Field Shift-Operating Supervisor
(FSOS)). Interested individuals go through a selection process in which
seniority and qualifications of candidates are considered. If operators
want to be considered for Authorized Nuclear Operator positions (a highly
respected position at OPG), working in the Generating Unit stream
provides work opportunities most compatible with meeting that goal.

5.

PAY, BENEFITS AND REWARDS

Is it a well-paid job?
5.1.

WAGES AND BENEFITS: These are based on the collective agreement.

Both are very competitive and satisfying. It takes approximately eight years
to qualify for the maximum pay rate (i.e., the top step in the pay scale for the
NO job). Pay progression occurs annually. Economic increases are negotiated
by the union.

5.2.

BONUSES: Goal sharing bonuses are offered contingent on the overall

plant meeting its profitability targets.

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6.

SUPERVISION
How much supervision will I receive?
6.1

Supervising Nuclear Operators and Field Shift Operating Supervisors are

easily accessible at all times (e.g., via phones or in-person). However, they
do not constantly monitor the work of the operators. Operators are provided
with a pre-job briefing i.e., a briefing at the beginning of the day detailing
the activities requiring completion on the shift and any hazards associated
with the work during that shift. With some exceptions, most of the time
operators can complete the work at their own pace.

7.

WORKING CONDITIONS
What is the physical work environment like?
7.1

Operators will be working indoors for the majority of their shift, under
artificial light. The exceptions to this are the Common Services/Unit 0
operators. They will work indoors and outdoors.

7.2

Operators might have to crawl into tight spaces, work in extreme

temperatures, and work in areas with high noise levels. All operators will be
working at significant heights (e.g., on floors with gratings that have 30 feet
drops under the gratings, working from elevated platforms). Unit 0
operators working in the sewage treatment facility will have to also deal with
strong odors.

7.3

Operators will be on their feet for the majority of their day moving through
large portions of the plant. Surveillance work requires walking around the
plant site and climbing ladders and stairs.

7.4

Operators work with equipment or containers that contain dangerous

materials e.g., radioactive materials. However, hazardous materials are
contained and highly monitored, minimizing threat. Operators also wear
safety equipment and clothing at all times; they are required to wear
additional/extra protective gear depending on the material being handled.

7.5

Protective equipment and clothing is provided and required at all times.

Some of the equipment and clothing can be heavy or feel restrictive (e.g.,
plastic suits, respirators). Operators should be comfortable being restricted in
this manner, sometimes for extended periods.

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7.6

OPG has implemented highly secure locker room facilities, separated for men
and women. Note that most NOs might be required to change into or out of
their safety clothing frequently. Individuals will need to be/become
comfortable disrobing in front of their same-sex colleagues because of nonpartitioned same-sex locker room facilities.

7.7

Operators cannot leave the protected plant area during their shift e.g.,
leaving the plant site for lunch. They must be available in case of emergency.

8.

REWARDS AND CHALLENGES OF BEING A NUCLEAR OPERATOR

What do other NOs really think about the job?
8.1

REWARDING ASPECTS: The NO position has some interesting and

desirable aspects.
PAY: NOs find that, for industrial work, OPG wages and benefits are above
average and very satisfactory.
JOB SECURITY: The amount of resources dedicated to training NOs makes
them a valuable resource at OPG. As a result, NOs feel secure in their jobs.
Nuclear Operator Employee Quote:
Belonging to the Power Workers Union ensures good job security and above average
compensation.

WORKLOAD AND PACE: The pace isnt highly demanding or rushed.

Mandatory overtime work is not required often. As such, the work pace is
very appropriate to the workload.
Nuclear Operator Employee Quote:
The operator job in particular allows an employee to work on his/her own for a better part of
the shift. There is usually more than enough time to complete assigned tasks.

SAFETY CULTURE: OPG is highly safety conscious. Such a safety culture

reduces the potential for any serious accidents.

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Nuclear Operator Employee Quote:

OPG is a very safety conscious company with an excellent benefits package and comfortable
working conditions.

8.2

CHALLENGING OR UNAPPEALING ASPECTS: As with any job, there are

aspects of the job that are less desirable, even negative in some cases, and
challenging to manage.
SHIFT WORK: Switching between day and night shift can be very disruptive
(to personal life, and physically). A lot of time is spent physically recovering
between shifts. Working weekends can also be difficult. It helps that
schedules are set one year in advance, providing lots of advance notice.
LACK OF VARIETY: Many of the tasks are repetitive and monotonous,
lacking in variety or challenge. The NO job is restricted to problem detection
rather than problem solving.
Nuclear Operator Employee Quote:
On the negative side, many tasks become monotonous.

TRAINING: There can be delays in getting re-qualified because of labor

shortages or because too many people need to be trained. Such delays can
be frustrating.
CHANGES SLOW TO INSTITUTE: With a large organization, sometimes it
takes a long time to get equipment fixed or to institute changes. Delays can
be frustrating.
Nuclear Operator Employee Quote:
Bringing about change can be difficult because of the companys size and the fact that the
company has several levels of management.

9.

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

What does it take to be a good NO?
This RJP summarizes the most important aspects of the NO job. Review the
following list of factors important for success and satisfaction as an NO. Use the

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list as a self-assessment guide to think about how well your skills match those
necessary to be successful at the NO job.
Can I
Direct my own learning (i.e., study independently during training)
Accept criticism about performance and make the required changes
Stay focused and attentive when doing repetitive tasks
Follow strict policies and procedures
Work with minimal supervision
Handle shift-work
Stay alert, even during late night shifts
Am I
Comfortable working in dirty, radiation-prone, or potentially contaminated
areas or working with Radiation Protection equipment (plastic suits,
respirators) and Personal Protection equipment (footwear, hearing protection,
gloves)
Interested in the mechanical and technical functioning of equipment
Detail oriented
A conservative and methodical decision-maker
Will I
Mind doing repetitive work
Mind mostly detecting problems but not solving them
Be safety conscious

10.

OPG CONTACT INFORMATION

How can I get my questions answered?
For further information, please consult OPGs web www.mypowercareer.com to get
more information or to contact OPG.

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CLOSING REMARKS
In this document, we have attempted to provide you with BASIC information about the NO
position i.e., information that is broad in its breadth of coverage, accurate in its depiction
of the job, specific to the NO job, important to being satisfied in this position, and is
based on credible information gathered directly from current NOs.
We hope this information has been useful in helping you decide whether you would like to
submit an application to OPG for this position.

NUCLEAR OPERATOR A Realistic Job Preview

05/09