NRC Resident Inspector
Full-time U.S. NRC staff stationed at operating nuclear power plants to provide independent safety oversight and verify licensee compliance.
Resident Inspectors (typically 2-3 per site) conduct daily inspections, observations, and performance reviews under NRC's Reactor Oversight Process (ROP). They report directly to regional offices and escalate issues via the Allegation Program. Over 100 inspectors cover ~90 U.S. reactors.
Why it matters now
In 2025-2026 license renewals and SMR operations ramp-up, resident inspectors ensure safety amid workforce retirements and new data center co-locations.