Canada’s reputable nuclear science industry involves 150 various companies in areas such as engineering, plant operation, equipment provision and construction, and provides job openings for both plant workers and specialist medical staff.
Essential to the running of a nuclear plant are reactor operators. Operators start and stop equipment, conduct surveillance tests and log data, as well as ensuring that a maximum level of generation is safely reached. Salaries start at C
$18,000, with senior rates reaching in excess of C
$200,000.
Engineers are employed in a troubleshooting and supportive capacity to monitor, analyse and improve the performance of the plant. Salaries for entry-level engineers average at C
$53,000. Experienced engineers take on more advanced technical tasks and have the additional responsibility of coordinating large-scale projects. Salaries for these more senior positions can reach C
$111,000, depending on experience.
Opportunities also exist for medical technologists to operate detection equipment and administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients. These specialist staff members work in a hospital setting and receive average rates of between C
$28 and C
$38 an hour.