WEBVTT

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From individual home furnaces

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to the bright lights of the big city…

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keeping homes and businesses powered-up

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takes round-the-clock operations

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at power plants.

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Whether from coal, gas, nuclear energy,

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wind, or solar sources…

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power plant operators, distributors,

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and dispatchers control the systems

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that provide electric power.

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Nuclear power reactor operators

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control nuclear reactors.

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They monitor reactor equipment and systems,

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adjusting controls as needed.

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Operators may need to respond to

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abnormalities, determine the causes,

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and fix the issue.

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They must be licensed by

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the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

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Power plant operators oversee machinery

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to generate electricity,

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and keep the system in balance

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and under control.

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They monitor instruments to maintain voltage

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and electricity flows from the plant

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to meet consumers’ fluctuating demand

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for electricity.

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Power distributors and dispatchers

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control the flow of electricity traveling

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from generating stations

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to substations and to users.

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They reroute electrical currents around areas

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that need maintenance or repair,

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and prevent further damage

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during emergency outages.

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Many of these workers operate in

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highly secure environments,

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and give their full attention

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to monitoring controls during their shift…

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occasionally walking rounds

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to check equipment.

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Work schedules are often rotating

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8- or 12-hour shifts,

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which can be wearing as living

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and sleeping patterns change frequently.

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While job requirements may vary

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from a high school diploma

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to a bachelor’s degree,

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these jobs all require extensive

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on-the-job training.

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Candidates must pass background checks,

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as well as drug and alcohol screenings.

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An understanding of mechanical concepts,

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spatial ability,

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and mathematical ability are necessary.