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Nuclear Control Room Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Michael Foods Inc.

Vat Room Operator 3rd shift

Britt, IA · On-site

... Control flow of egg via computer panel & associated flow boards & piping in the old and new silo ... As Inedible Tanker Bay Person: • Monitor augers and machinery in the shell room, ensuring they ...

Michael Foods Inc.

Vat Room Operator 3rd shift

Britt, IA · On-site

... Control flow of egg via computer panel & associated flow boards & piping in the old and new silo ... As Inedible Tanker Bay Person: • Monitor augers and machinery in the shell room, ensuring they ...

Digital Remedy

Master Control Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Master Control Operator Location: Des Moines, IA Power the moments that matter. Be at the center of ... Operate the multi-channel Master Control room, managing live events, playlists, graphics, and ...

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Nuclear Control Room Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$21

$40

How much do nuclear control room operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear control room operator in Iowa is $21.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Nuclear Control Room Operator do?

A Nuclear Control Room Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling the systems that generate and distribute nuclear power in a plant. They ensure the reactor and associated equipment operate safely, efficiently, and within regulatory guidelines. Their tasks include responding to alarms, adjusting controls, conducting routine inspections, and following strict procedures to manage both normal and emergency situations. Operators must maintain constant vigilance to ensure the safety of the plant, its workers, and the public.

What are some common challenges faced by Nuclear Control Room Operators during their shifts?

Nuclear Control Room Operators often face the challenge of maintaining focus and composure during high-pressure situations, such as responding to alarms or abnormal plant conditions. The role requires strict adherence to protocols and constant vigilance, as even minor oversights can have significant consequences. Operators must also stay updated with evolving procedures and technology, and regularly participate in training drills to ensure preparedness. Effective communication and teamwork are vital, as operators coordinate closely with colleagues and other departments to maintain safe and efficient plant operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nuclear Control Room Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Control Room Operator, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid educational background in engineering or a related technical field, often supported by completion of specialized training and licensing. Familiarity with reactor control systems, plant simulators, and regulatory compliance software is typically required, along with certifications such as a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license. Exceptional communication, teamwork, and stress management skills help operators remain effective during routine operations and emergency situations. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of nuclear power plants.

What is the difference between Nuclear Control Room Operator vs Nuclear Power Plant Technician?

AspectNuclear Control Room OperatorNuclear Power Plant Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a nuclear engineering or related degree, and specialized trainingUsually holds an associate or bachelor's degree in nuclear technology or engineering
Work EnvironmentOperates within the control room, monitoring systems and ensuring safetyWorks in various plant areas, performing maintenance and technical tasks
Industry UsagePrimarily in nuclear power plants, focusing on operational controlIn nuclear facilities, focusing on equipment maintenance and technical support

The Nuclear Control Room Operator and Nuclear Power Plant Technician roles both require technical knowledge and safety training. However, control room operators focus on monitoring and controlling reactor operations from the control room, while technicians handle maintenance and technical support across plant systems. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient plant operation.

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Control Room Operator jobs in Iowa? For Nuclear Control Room Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Nuclear Control Room Operator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear Control Room Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Nuclear Control Room Operator jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Nuclear Control Room Operator job openings:
Nuclear Control Room Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Control Room Operator job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,230 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Nuclear Operations Technician

Nuclear Operations Technician

NextEra Energy

Palo, IA

Other

Posted 27 days ago

NextEra Energy rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 53 rated energy and utility

Job description

Requisition ID:  95968 

NextEra Energy Resources is one of America's largest wholesale electricity generators, harnessing diverse energy sources to power progress. We deliver tailored energy solutions that fuel economic growth, strengthen communities, and help customers achieve their energy goals. Ready to make a lasting impact? Take the next step in your career with us!


 

Position Specific Description

Join our nuclear operations team at our Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo, Iowa! As an Operations Technician you'll serve as the eyes and hands of our Control Room operators throughout the plant. This critical role combines technical expertise with safety vigilance, ensuring our nuclear facility operates at peak performance while maintaining the highest safety standards. You'll work in a dynamic environment where your observations and actions directly contribute to safe, reliable power generation.

You'll work in a team-oriented environment that values precision, continuous learning, and proactive problem-solving. This role offers rotating shift work (days, nights, weekends) providing comprehensive plant exposure and accelerated learning opportunities. Our operations team maintains a strong safety culture where questioning attitude and peer checking are encouraged and rewarded.

This position serves as an excellent foundation for advancement within nuclear operations, with clear pathways to Reactor Operator licensing, specialized technical roles, or leadership positions. We invest heavily in your development through comprehensive training programs, mentoring, and continuing education opportunities.

Job Overview

The Operations Technician works under the direction of Control Room licensed operators or other designated Operations staff to monitor, inspect, service, start and stop turbo-generators, mechanical, electrical, related nuclear equipment and auxiliaries that are not normally controlled from the Control Room.

Job Duties & Responsibilities
  • Observation of material condition and plant indicators to assess performance of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation/control equipment
  • Reports off-normal conditions to the Control Room staff to facilitate safe and efficient operation of the facility
  • Works under the direction of the Control Room staff or Emergency Response Organization to perform mitigating or recovery actions during emergency conditions
  • Performs Radwaste System operations, including controls within the Radwaste Control Room
  • Performs work as assigned in areas of Radiation Protection and Chemistry
  • Maintains accurate logs and records of equipment and operations in the areas of assignment
  • Performs VT-2 visual inspections to satisfy ASME criteria
  • Ensures good housekeeping is maintained in areas of assignment
  • Performs duties with the Clearance Program (worker protection) to ensure the safety of the plant workforce during maintenance activities and otherwise
  • Attends training for initial and continuing qualification related to primary job functions
  • Receives training on Quality Control, administrative requirements, emergency response, license requirements, environmental and Hazmat controls and job specific NRC requirements
  • Supports the plant Fire Brigade. May act as a Fire Brigade leader or member. Maintains medical qualifications to support this function
  • May be assigned to support Maintenance or other occupational groups
  • May be assigned facility maintenance tasks and plant maintenance where task qualifications are obtained
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
  • High School Grad / GED
  • Candidate must pass the POSS (Plant Operator Selection system) test as part of the interview process
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's - Engineering, STEM or related technical area
  • Graduate of Navy Nuclear Training Program
  • Completion of accredited program in Operations area of specialization
Special Requirements

NextEra Energy offers a wide range of benefits to support our employees and their eligible family members. Click here to learn more.

Employee Group:  Non Exempt
Employee Type:  Full Time
Job Category:  Operations
Organization:  NextEra Energy Duane Arnold, LLC 
Relocation Provided:  No

NextEra Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetics, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law. 

NextEra Energy provides reasonable accommodation in its application and selection process for qualified individuals, including accommodations related to compliance with conditional job offer requirements, consistent with federal, state, and local laws. Supporting medical or religious documentation will be required where applicable and permitted by applicable law. To request a reasonable accommodation, please send an e-mail to recruiting-coordinator.sharedmailbox@nexteraenergy.com, providing your name, telephone number and the best time for us to reach you. 

NextEra Energy will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

NextEra Energy does not accept any unsolicited resumes or referrals from any third-party recruiting firms or agencies. Please see our policy for more information.

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