Power Plant Operators
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
What you’d do
- 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.
Skills that matter
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
How to get there
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Also called
- Auxiliary Operator
- Control Room Operator
- Operations and Maintenance Technician (O and M Tech)
- Power Plant Operator
- Control Operator
- Multicraft Operator (MCO)
Related careers
See all careersHydroelectric Plant Technicians
Monitor and control activities associated with hydropower generation. Operate plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates…
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Biomass Plant Technicians
Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Gas Plant Operators
Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Geothermal Technicians
Perform technical activities at power plants or individual installations necessary for the generation of power from geothermal energy…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes.
Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units. May specialize in controlling manifold and pumping systems, gauging or testing…
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one