51-8013.00Apprenticeship

Power Plant Operators

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

Career Cluster:Energy & Natural Resources
Job Family:Production
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Industry:Utilities
Build Resume

Technology Tools

Microsoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP software

Key Tasks

  • 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.
  • Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.
  • 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.
  • Operate, control, or monitor equipment, such as acid or gas carbon dioxide removal units, carbon dioxide compressors, or pipelines, to capture, store, or transport carbon dioxide exhaust.
  • Operate, control, or monitor gasifiers or related equipment, such as coolers, water quenches, water gas shifts reactors, or sulfur recovery units, to produce syngas or electricity from coal.
  • 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.
  • Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.
  • Record and compile operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs, or reports.
  • Operate, control, or monitor integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) or related equipment, such as air separation units, to generate electricity from coal.
  • Receive outage calls and request necessary personnel during power outages or emergencies.
  • Collect oil, water, or electrolyte samples for laboratory analysis.
  • Examine and test electrical power distribution machinery and equipment, using testing devices.
  • 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 or pipe joints.
  • Diagnose or troubleshoot problems with gas collection systems.
  • Prepare and submit compliance, operational, and safety forms or reports.
  • Repair or replace gas piping.
  • Verify that well field monitoring data conforms to applicable regulations.
  • Operate landfill gas, methane, or natural gas fueled electrical generation systems.
  • Trace electrical circuitry to ensure compliance of electrical systems with applicable codes or laws.
  • Monitor well fields periodically to ensure proper functioning and performance.
  • Analyze the layout, instrumentation, or function of electrical generation or transmission facilities.

Skills

Operations Monitoring
75%
Operation and Control
72%
Critical Thinking
69%
Speaking
60%
Active Listening
56%
Complex Problem Solving
56%
Monitoring
56%
Reading Comprehension
53%
Quality Control Analysis
53%
Judgment and Decision Making
53%
Coordination
50%
Troubleshooting
50%
Repairing
50%
Writing
50%
Equipment Maintenance
50%
Time Management
47%
Systems Analysis
47%
Active Learning
47%
Social Perceptiveness
47%
Equipment Selection
41%
Service Orientation
35%
Learning Strategies
35%
Management of Personnel Resources
31%
Systems Evaluation
31%
Instructing
28%
Persuasion
28%
Mathematics
25%
Science
25%
Negotiation
25%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Management of Financial Resources
22%
Operations Analysis
19%
Programming
19%
Technology Design
19%
Installation
16%

Knowledge

Mechanical
75%
Public Safety and Security
67%
English Language
66%
Production and Processing
60%
Chemistry
56%
Physics
52%
Engineering and Technology
50%
Design
46%
Education and Training
45%
Administration and Management
44%
Telecommunications
40%
Computers and Electronics
36%
Law and Government
35%
Mathematics
34%
Administrative
33%
Personnel and Human Resources
27%
Building and Construction
26%
Transportation
25%
Psychology
22%
Customer and Personal Service
20%
Communications and Media
18%
Medicine and Dentistry
17%
Therapy and Counseling
15%
Biology
14%
Philosophy and Theology
11%
Geography
11%
Sociology and Anthropology
10%
History and Archeology
10%
Sales and Marketing
8%
Economics and Accounting
8%
Fine Arts
6%
Foreign Language
6%
Food Production
0%

Build a Resume for Power Plant Operators

Create a professional, ATS-optimized resume tailored to this career path.

Create Resume

Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
75%
Oral Comprehension
75%
Deductive Reasoning
72%
Near Vision
69%
Oral Expression
66%
Perceptual Speed
56%
Inductive Reasoning
56%
Information Ordering
56%
Far Vision
53%
Manual Dexterity
53%
Flexibility of Closure
53%
Written Comprehension
53%
Selective Attention
53%
Auditory Attention
50%
Reaction Time
50%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
50%
Category Flexibility
50%
Speech Recognition
50%
Finger Dexterity
50%
Speech Clarity
50%
Control Precision
50%
Time Sharing
50%
Written Expression
50%
Visualization
47%
Visual Color Discrimination
47%
Hearing Sensitivity
44%
Multilimb Coordination
44%
Rate Control
44%
Response Orientation
44%
Fluency of Ideas
41%
Extent Flexibility
38%
Depth Perception
38%
Speed of Closure
38%
Originality
38%
Trunk Strength
35%
Memorization
28%
Number Facility
28%
Stamina
28%
Sound Localization
25%
Night Vision
25%
Static Strength
25%
Mathematical Reasoning
25%
Peripheral Vision
25%
Spatial Orientation
25%
Dynamic Strength
25%
Glare Sensitivity
25%
Gross Body Equilibrium
25%
Wrist-Finger Speed
25%
Gross Body Coordination
25%
Speed of Limb Movement
19%
Explosive Strength
16%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
78%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
76%
Getting Information
72%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
72%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
70%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
70%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
65%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
64%
Processing Information
64%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
64%
Training and Teaching Others
64%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
64%
Documenting/Recording Information
63%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
60%
Thinking Creatively
58%
Working with Computers
56%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
55%
Performing General Physical Activities
55%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
55%
Handling and Moving Objects
52%
Coaching and Developing Others
52%
Analyzing Data or Information
52%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
52%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
52%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
52%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
50%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
49%
Scheduling Work and Activities
48%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
48%
Developing and Building Teams
47%
Assisting and Caring for Others
47%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
44%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
40%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
36%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
35%
Performing Administrative Activities
33%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
29%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
29%
Selling or Influencing Others
27%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
19%
Staffing Organizational Units
17%

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

100%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

91%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

91%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

90%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

90%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

89%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

89%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

89%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

89%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

82%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

82%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

81%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

80%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

80%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

79%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

78%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

78%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

77%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

76%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

75%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

74%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

74%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

73%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

70%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

69%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

69%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

66%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

66%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

66%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

65%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

64%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

64%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

61%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

59%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

56%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

50%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

50%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

50%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

49%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

49%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

49%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

47%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

46%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

45%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

43%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

42%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

36%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

35%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

33%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

28%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

27%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

22%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

22%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

18%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

11%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

5%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

4%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

60%

Associate's degree

14%

Bachelor's degree

13%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

94

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

68

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

27

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

16

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

6

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

0

Work Styles

Cautiousness
91%
Attention to Detail
89%
Dependability
88%
Stress Tolerance
75%
Self-Control
71%
Integrity
68%
Perseverance
57%
Achievement Orientation
47%
Adaptability
40%
Self-Confidence
39%
Cooperation
37%
Intellectual Curiosity
25%
Initiative
20%
Sincerity
8%
Optimism
1%

Work Values

Support
78%
Relationships
67%
Independence
45%
Working Conditions
42%
Achievement
39%
Recognition
28%

Ready to pursue a career as Power Plant Operators?

Create a professional resume that highlights the right skills and experience for this role.

Build Your Resume Now
Power Plant Operators | ResumeShip