O*NET Career Intelligence

Power Plant Operators

SOC 51-8013.00

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

Green Occupation Zone 2 Production

Skills

Knowledge

Job Zone

Yes

Green

Top Skills 8

Operation Monitoring

4.0

Critical Thinking

3.9

Operation and Control

3.9

Speaking

3.5

Active Listening

3.4

Quality Control Analysis

3.4

Monitoring

3.2

Troubleshooting

3.2

Knowledge Areas 8

Mechanical

3.2

English Language

2.8

Public Safety and Security

2.8

Production and Processing

2.7

Mathematics

2.7

Physics

2.7

Computers and Electronics

2.6

Education and Training

2.6

Key Tasks

1Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.

2Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.

3Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.

4Control or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feedwater heaters, filters, or chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power.

5Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.

Also Known As

Asphalt Plant Operator Assistant Plant Control Operator Auxiliary Equipment Tender Auxiliary Operator Auxiliary Power Equipment Operator Batch Plant Operator Booster Operator Booster Plant Operator Booster Pump Operator Carbon Capture Power Plant Engineer