Power Plant Operator

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

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Auxiliary Operator; Control Operator; Control Room Operator; Multicraft Operator (MCO); Operations and Maintenance Technician (O and M Tech); Plant Control Operator; Plant Operator; Power Plant Operator; Station Operator; Unit Operator

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.

Knowledge

• Mechanical
• Public Safety and Security
• English Language
• Production and Processing
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Engineering and Technology

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Speaking
• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing

Abilities

• Oral Comprehension
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Near Vision
• Oral Expression
• Inductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Perceptual Speed
• Written Comprehension
• Flexibility of Closure
• Selective Attention
• Manual Dexterity
• Far Vision
• Written Expression
• Category Flexibility
• Time Sharing
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Finger Dexterity
• Control Precision
• Reaction Time
• Auditory Attention
• Speech Recognition
• Speech Clarity