Power Plant Operators

Course Advisor; United States; On-site; USD 45,590 - 106,650; Full time

Job summary

Course Advisor is seeking a Power Plant Operator to manage and maintain machinery responsible for generating electric power. Responsibilities include cleaning and lubricating equipment, monitoring generator output, and ensuring operational status through inspections and communication with plant personnel. Candidates should possess skills in operation monitoring, critical thinking, and quality control. The average yearly salary ranges from $45,590 to $106,650 based on location and experience.

Responsibilities

• Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power.
• Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment to prevent failure.
• Inspect records and communicate with personnel regarding equipment.

Skills

Operation Monitoring

Critical Thinking

Operation and Control

Speaking

Active Listening

Quality Control Analysis

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Office

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Access

SCADA software

Computerized maintenance management system

Distributed control system

Interlock shutdown systems

Job description

Power Plant Operator

What Do Power Plant Operators Do?

Power Plant Operator Definition: Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.

Daily Life Of a Power Plant Operator

• Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.
• Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
• 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.
• Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
• 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.

Skills Needed to be a Power Plant Operator

• Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Active Listening: 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: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Types of Power Plant Operators

• Senior Power Plant Operator
• Carbon Sequestration Plant Engineer
• Plant Operator
• Hydroelectric Operator
• Booster Plant Operator

Power Plant Operator Employment Estimates

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 36,100 jobs in the United States for Power Plant Operators. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 1.1% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 400 new jobs for Power Plant Operator by 2026. The BLS estimates 3,200 yearly job openings in this field.

What is the Average Salary of a Power Plant Operator

The typical yearly salary for Power Plant Operators is somewhere between $45,590 and $106,650.

Power Plant Operators who work in California, Washington, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.

What Tools & Technology do Power Plant Operators Use?

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Access
• Email software
• Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software
• Computerized maintenance management system (CMMS)
• Distributed control system (DCS)
• Interlock shutdown systems

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