Power Plant Operators
Auxiliary Operator, Control Operator, Control Room Operator, Plant Control Operator
What they do:
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
On the job, you would:
- 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.
Knowledge
Engineering and Technology
- mechanical
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Skills
Basic Skills
- thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
- talking to others
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Verbal
- listen and understand what people say
- communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
- notice when problems happen
- use rules to solve problems
Attention
- pay attention to something without being distracted
- do two or more things at the same time
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Stress Tolerance
- Self Control
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Independence
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Industrial control software
- Distributed control system DCS
- Yokogawa FAST/TOOLS
Education
Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
certificate after high school
usually needed
certificate after high school
usually needed
Job Outlook
Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about power plant operators.