Power Plant Operators

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-8013
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.
• Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
• Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.
• Record and compile operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs, or reports.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Absorbers, Adjustable hand wrenches, Adjustable widemouth pliers, Air compressors, Air filtration mask

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Biomass Plant Technicians
• Gas Plant Operators
• Geothermal Technicians
• Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
• Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
• Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
• Chemical Plant and System Operators
• Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Power Plant Operators — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.