Power Plant Operator

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  Production Occupations

Power Plant Operator

Also Called: Auxiliary Operator, Control Operator, Control Room Operator, Multicraft Operator (MCO), Operations and Maintenance Technician (O and M Tech), Plant Control Operator, Plant Operator, Power Plant Operator, Station Operator, Unit Operator, Auxiliary Operator, Control Operator, Control Room Operator, Multicraft Operator (MCO), Operations and Maintenance Technician (O and M Tech), Plant Control Operator, Plant Operator, Power Plant Operator, Station Operator, Unit Operator

What they do

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

$54,080
Starting Salary (2023)
$97,010
Median Salary (2023)
-12.5%
Projected Job Growth
31,490
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
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.
Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.
Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Attention to Detail
Stress Tolerance
Self-Control
Adaptability/Flexibility
Independence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Speaking
Active Listening
Quality Control Analysis

Expected Knowledge

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

Common Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

More Info

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