Occupation power production plant operator

Power production plant operators control, operate and maintain machinery to generate electric power.

Tasks

• Control and monitor boilers, turbines, generators and auxiliary equipment in power-generating plants.
• Control the flow of electricity from a central point by operating and monitoring valves, switches and gauges.
• Control processes and equipment for managing by-products.
• Coordinate and schedule power loads and line voltages.
• Compile records and reports, e.g. on equipment performance, instrument readings and switching operations.
• Control and maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feed water heaters, filters and chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air and auxiliary power.
• Clean and lubricate equipment such as generators, turbines, pumps and compressors.
• Communicate with systems operators, e.g. to regulate and coordinate transmission loads and frequencies, and line voltages.
• Start or stop generators and connect or disconnect them to and from circuits.
• Respond to emergencies such as fire and environmental hazards.

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