Power Plant Operators Go Back to List Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Facilities management software

Tasks
	Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
	Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.
	Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
	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.
	Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
	Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
	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.
	Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.
	Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.

Skills
	Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
	Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	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.
	Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

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.
	Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
	Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
	Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
	Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $96,980.00 $46.62  $33.66  $38.30 - $53.38  Bridgeport/Stamford $105,046.00 $50.50  $38.34  $40.55 - $57.79  Hartford $93,812.00 $45.10  $32.24  $36.29 - $51.03  New London/Norwich $85,725.00 $41.22  $26.73  $34.17 - $48.63

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   30   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.