Power Plant Operators :: Job Description

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Power Plant Operators

Careers / Power Plant Operators

Summary Description


	Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Assistant Plant Control Operator

2.	Auxiliary Equipment Tender

3.	Auxiliary Operator

4.	Auxiliary Power Equipment Operator

5.	Booster Operator

6.	Booster Plant Operator

7.	Booster Pump Operator

8.	Carbon Capture Power Plant Engineer

9.	Carbon Capture Power Plant Manager

10.	Carbon Capture Power Plant Operator

11.	Carbon Sequestration Plant Engineer

12.	Carbon Sequestration Plant Manager

13.	Carbon Sequestration Plant Operator

14.	Coal Gasification Technician

15.	Cogeneration Technician

16.	Control Center Operator

17.	Control Operator

18.	Control Room Operator

19.	Electric Operator

20.	Generator Operator

21.	High Pressure Firer

22.	Hydro Plant Operator

23.	Hydro Station Operator

24.	Hydroelectric Operator

25.	Hydroelectric Plant Operator

26.	Hydroelectric Plant Power Generation Engineer

27.	Hydroelectric Station Operator

28.	Hydrogen Plant Operations Manager

29.	Hydrogen Plant Operator

30.	Hydrogen Power Plant Engineer

31.	Hydrogen Power Plant Manager

32.	Instrument/Control Technician

33.	Instrumentation/Controls/Electrical Systems Technician (ICE Technician)

34.	Multicraft Operator (MCO)

35.	Operations and Maintenance Specialist (O&M Specialist)

36.	Operations and Maintenance Supervisor (O&M Supervisor)

37.	Operations and Maintenance Technician (O & M Technician)

38.	Operator

39.	Plant Control Operator

40.	Power Generating Plant Operator

41.	Power Generation Technician

42.	Power Operator

43.	Power Plant Operator

44.	Power Plant Technician

45.	Power Station Operator

46.	Powerhouse Attendant

47.	Powerhouse Operator

48.	Powerhouse Tender

49.	Process Operator

50.	Production Generalist

51.	Rectifier

52.	Rectifier Operator

53.	Relief Operator

54.	Senior Power Plant Operator

55.	Station Operator

56.	Station Tender

57.	Steam Turbine Operator

58.	Turbine Operator

59.	Turbine Room Attendant

60.	Turbo Electric Operator

61.	Turbo Operator

62.	Unit Operator

63.	Utility Plant Operative

Job Tasks

	Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations. Operate energy distribution equipment.

	Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems. Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.

	Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels. Operate energy production equipment.

	Control or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feedwater heaters, filters, or chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power. Operate pumping systems or equipment. Operate energy distribution equipment.

	Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment. Operate energy production equipment.

	Operate, control, or monitor equipment, such as acid or gas carbon dioxide removal units, carbon dioxide compressors, and pipelines, to capture, store, or transport carbon dioxide exhaust. Operate pumping systems or equipment.

	Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary. Operate pumping systems or equipment. Operate energy production equipment.

	Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units. Operate energy production equipment.

	Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies. Exchange information with colleagues.

	Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status. Exchange information with colleagues.

	Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers. Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids.

	Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.

	Record and compile operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs, or reports. Record operational or production data.

	Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration. Clean production equipment. Maintain production or processing equipment. Lubricate production equipment.

	Operate, control, or monitor gasifiers or related equipment, such as coolers, water quenches, water gas shifts reactors, or sulfur recovery units, to produce syngas or electricity from coal. Operate energy production equipment.

	Operate, control, or monitor integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) or related equipment, such as air separation units, to generate electricity from coal. Operate energy production equipment.

	Operate or maintain distributed power generation equipment, including fuel cells or microturbines, to produce energy on-site for manufacturing or other commercial purposes. Operate energy production equipment. Maintain sustainable energy production equipment.

	Examine and test electrical power distribution machinery and equipment, using testing devices. Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.

	Place standby emergency electrical generators on line in emergencies and monitor the temperature, output, and lubrication of the system. Monitor lubrication of equipment or workpieces. Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.

	Make adjustments or minor repairs, such as tightening leaking gland and pipe joints. Repair production equipment or tools.

	Receive outage calls and request necessary personnel during power outages or emergencies. Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.

	Replenish electrolytes in batteries and oil in voltage transformers, and reset tripped electric relays. Maintain production or processing equipment.

	Collect oil, water, or electrolyte samples for laboratory analysis. Collect samples of materials or products for testing.

	Inspect thermal barrier coatings on integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) equipment for sintering, phase destabilization, or temperature variances to ensure compliance with standards and insulation efficiency. Inspect sustainable energy production facilities or equipment.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers
	Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers control the systems that generate and distribute electric power.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers
	Most workers are employed full time, and many work rotating shifts, which can be tiring.

	Read More >>

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