Power Plant Operators

• 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.
• Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
• Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.
• 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.
• Record and compile operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs, or reports.
• Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.
• 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 and pipe joints.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Power Plant Operators.

• 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.
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Power Plant Operators.