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Power Plant Operators

Power Plant Operators

Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
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.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

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.

Examples

These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.

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

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $48K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $65K
Median Salary: $84K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $99K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $111K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.

Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.

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

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

Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.

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

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

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.

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

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

Examine and test electrical power distribution machinery and equipment, using testing devices.

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

Place standby emergency electrical generators on line in emergencies and monitor the temperature, output, and lubrication of the system.

Make adjustments or minor repairs, such as tightening leaking gland or pipe joints.

Collect oil, water, or electrolyte samples for laboratory analysis.

Receive outage calls and request necessary personnel during power outages or emergencies.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
Landtec System Software LFG Pro
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Facilities management software
Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Industrial control software
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Batteries and generators and kinetic power transmission
Steam driven turbogenerators
Cleaning and janitorial supplies
Absorbers
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Mainframe computers
Developmental and professional teaching aids and materials and accessories and supplies
Excitation systems
Electrical equipment and components and supplies
Signal converters
Fluid and gas distribution
Pressure valves
Hand tools
Claw hammers
Heating and ventilation and air circulation
Cooling towers
Heavy construction machinery and equipment
Skid steer loaders
Industrial filtering and purification
Flue gas desulferization systems
Industrial pumps and compressors
Purge pumps
Laboratory and scientific equipment
Air samplers
Mass transfer equipment
Coal dryers
Material handling machinery and equipment
Bucket elevators
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Digital panel meters
Mining and quarrying machinery and equipment
Impact crushers
Motor vehicles
Utility trucks
Personal safety and protection
Hard hats
Power generation
Electrical switch gear
Power sources
Combustion turbines
Security surveillance and detection
Annunciators
Water and wastewater treatment supply and disposal
Water softeners
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Mechanical
64%
Importance

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

English Language
56%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Public Safety and Security
56%
Importance

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Mathematics
55%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Production and Processing
55%
Importance

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Physics
54%
Importance

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

Computers and Electronics
53%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Education and Training
52%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Chemistry
48%
Importance

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Administration and Management
46%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
80%
Importance

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Critical Thinking
78%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Operation and Control
78%
Importance

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Speaking
70%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening
68%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Quality Control Analysis
68%
Importance

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Judgment and Decision Making
65%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Monitoring
65%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Troubleshooting
65%
Importance

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Complex Problem Solving
63%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Top 10 Abilities
Oral Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression
78%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Problem Sensitivity
78%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Deductive Reasoning
75%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Near Vision
73%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Inductive Reasoning
68%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Information Ordering
68%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Perceptual Speed
65%
Importance

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

Selective Attention
65%
Importance

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Speech Recognition
65%
Importance

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Top 10 Work Activities
Controlling Machines and Processes
88%
Importance

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
86%
Importance

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

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
85%
Importance

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

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
84%
Importance

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Getting Information
82%
Importance

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

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
80%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
79%
Importance

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
78%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Documenting/Recording Information
75%
Importance

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Interacting With Computers
74%
Importance

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

Detailed Work Activities

Operate energy distribution equipment.

Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.

Operate energy production equipment.

Operate pumping systems or equipment.

Exchange information with colleagues.

Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids.

Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.

Record operational or production data.

Clean production equipment.

Maintain production or processing equipment.

Lubricate production equipment.

Monitor lubrication of equipment or workpieces.

Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.

Repair production equipment or tools.

Maintain sustainable energy production equipment.

Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.

Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.

Collect samples of materials or products for testing.

Inspect equipment or systems.

Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.

Monitor conditions at energy-producing landfills.

Operate natural gas generation equipment.

Replace worn equipment components.

Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.

Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.

Work Context
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

Education
Majors
Major
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
Interests
Realistic
91%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional
62%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Enterprising
34%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Investigative
29%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Artistic
15%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Social
15%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Dependability
88%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Attention to Detail
85%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Stress Tolerance
84%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Self Control
81%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Adaptability/Flexibility
77%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Independence
77%
Importance

Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Persistence
76%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Cooperation
75%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Initiative
75%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Integrity
75%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Work Values
Support
81%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Relationships
72%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Independence
53%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Working Conditions
50%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Achievement
48%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Recognition
39%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.