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POWER PLANT OPERATORS

Occupation Description:

Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators. Excludes �Nuclear Power Reactor Operators� (51-8011).

Career Video:

Power Plant Operators

Specialized Occupations:

Biomass Plant Technicians (ONET code: 51-8013.03)


	Occupation Description:

	Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.


	Typical Tasks:

	Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions. Perform tests of water chemistry in boilers. Operate high-pressure steam boiler or water chiller equipment for electrical cogeneration operations. Operate equipment to heat biomass, using knowledge of controls, combustion, and firing mechanisms. Operate equipment to start, stop, or regulate biomass-fueled generators, generator units, boilers, engines, or auxiliary systems. Inspect biomass power plant or processing equipment, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems. Record or report operational data, such as readings on meters, instruments, and gauges.


	Knowledge:

	Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.. 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. English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.. Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.. Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.. 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.. Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming..

Hydroelectric Plant Technicians (ONET code: 51-8013.04)

Typical Tasks:

Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.
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.

Search for Jobs on CareerOneStop:

	Search for Power Plant Operators Jobs
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	Search for Hydroelectric Plant Technicians Jobs

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Education & Training:

Long-term on-the-job training (more than 12 months)

Wage Information:

Region	Average Annual	Average Hourly	Entry Level (hourly)	Mid-Range (hourly)
Statewide	$95,017.00	$45.68	$33.24	$36.84 - $53.46
Bridgeport/Stamford	$97,583.00	$46.91	$35.92	$39.08 - $53.31
Hartford	$91,831.00	$44.15	$32.42	$36.39 - $53.46
New London/Norwich	$88,800.00	$42.69	$33.12	$35.16 - $52.51

Not sure which Region applies to you?
Select a town to see its region highlighted in the table above:

Occupation Outlook:

Region	Employment		Average Annual Growth Rate	Average Annual Job Openings
Region	2022	2032	Average Annual Growth Rate	Average Annual Job Openings
State of Connecticut	260	210	-0.2%	14

Chart of Growth Rate and Annual Openings

Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

Key:

N/A = Not Applicable, ***** = Over $60.00 per hour, ##### = Over $124,821

Similar Occupations:

State of Connecticut Department of Labor - Office of Research, 200 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield, CT 06109