Power Plant Operators
Human Advantage 68%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.5 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
Also Known As: Asphalt Plant Operator, Auxiliary Equipment Tender, Auxiliary Operator, Auxiliary Power Equipment Operator, Batch Plant Operator, Booster Operator, Booster Plant Operator, Booster Pump Operator +70 more
Core Tasks
- Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
- Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
- Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
- Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
- Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
- Operate or maintain distributed power generation equipment, including fuel cells or microturbines, to produce energy on-site for manufacturing or other commercial purposes.
- Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.
- 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.
- Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.
- Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
- Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.
- Record and compile operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs, or reports.
- Make adjustments or minor repairs, such as tightening leaking gland or pipe joints.
Supplemental Tasks (9)
- Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.
- Operate, control, or monitor equipment, such as acid or gas carbon dioxide removal units, carbon dioxide compressors, or pipelines, to capture, store, or transport carbon dioxide exhaust.
- 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.
- Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.
- Operate, control, or monitor integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) or related equipment, such as air separation units, to generate electricity from coal.
- Receive outage calls and request necessary personnel during power outages or emergencies.
- Collect oil, water, or electrolyte samples for laboratory analysis.
- Examine and test electrical power distribution machinery and equipment, using testing devices.
- Place standby emergency electrical generators on line in emergencies and monitor the temperature, output, and lubrication of the system.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (27)
Tools & Equipment (115)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Clean & Alternative Energy Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 2
Power Plant Operators You are here
Zone 4
Solar Energy Systems Engineers 78% match
Zone 5
Architectural and Engineering Managers 74% match
Utilities Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 1
Zone 2
Power Plant Operators You are here
Zone 4
Solar Energy Systems Engineers 78% match
Zone 5
Architectural and Engineering Managers 74% match
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