Power Plant Operators

Career summary

Power plant operators control and monitor power plant machines such as:

• Boilers
• Wells
• Turbines
• Generators

Power plant operators adjust controls to distribute power demands among the generators. They make sure the plant follows safety rules and minimizes environmental impact. They also monitor the instruments that regulate the flow of electricity from the plant.

When consumer power needs change, operators start or stop the generators. Many operators use computers to keep records of switching operations and track the loads on generators and lines. They often use computers to prepare reports of unusual incidents and reports of malfunctions or repairs.

Operators in plants with automated control systems work mainly in a central control room. Others work throughout the plant checking valves, switches, and gauges.

In nuclear power plants, operators control equipment that affects the nuclear reactor. They oversee the operation of all the controls in the control room. They may test for different amounts or types of radiation. If there is an accident, they manage the clean-up effort.

For power plants that change coal to gas or liquid, operators may use equipment to remove carbon dioxide or recover sulfur. They may operate the gasification equipment that changes the coal to a liquid fuel.

Power distributors and dispatchers

Power distributors and dispatchers control the flow of electricity through the transmission lines. Some factories have power plants on site. Operators at these places may work on fuel cells or small generators called micro turbines.

Power distributors and dispatchers operate equipment that controls the flow of power. They operate:

• Converters
• Transformers
• Circuit breakers

Power dispatchers monitor the equipment and record readings at specialized computers. They anticipate consumer power needs and call control room operators to start or stop boilers and generators. They handle emergencies such as line failures. They route current around the affected areas.

Dispatchers operate and monitor the equipment in substations. They control the flow of power in and out of the substations.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Chemical Plant Operators
• Engineering Technicians
• Environmental Engineering Technicians
• Gas and Oil Plant Operators
• Geothermal Technicians
• Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
• Hydroelectric Production Managers
• Information Security Analysts
• Manufacturing Production Technicians
• Science Technicians
• Ship Engineers
• Stationary Engineers
• Surveying and Mapping Technicians

Military careers

• Power Plant Operators

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to power plant operators.

• Oversee power plant operations. Follow rules for efficiency, safety, and impact on the environment.
• Check gauges that show the flow of electricity from the power plant.
• Start or stop generators, and connect or disconnect them from circuits.
• Use computers to keep records of switching operations, or loads on generators, lines, and transformers. Give others permission to make adjustments to different equipment.
• Prepare reports of incidents, break downs, or maintenance during a shift. May use computers to write reports.
• Work in central control room in automated plants. Work throughout the plant in older plants. Work on site with smaller generators at factories.
• Operate equipment that controls the reactor in nuclear power plants.
• May supervise the operation of all controls as senior reactor operator.
• Operate converters, voltage transformers, and circuit breakers that control the flow of power to substations. May run the systems to remove carbon dioxide or to change coal into gas.
• Monitor equipment and record readings at a pilot board (map of the power line grid system). Test for types and amounts of radiation to ensure correct containment.
• Predict changes in power needs. Call control room operators to start or stop boilers or generators.
• Handle emergencies by routing current around affected areas.
• Operate and monitor equipment in substations to control the flow of power in and out.
• May test and maintain plant equipment like thermal coatings and cooling systems.
• Identify the correct methods used to clean up different problems at the power plant.

Common work activities

Power plant operators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Evaluate information against standards
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Document and record information
• Process information
• Control machines and processes
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Use computers
• Analyze data or information
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Teach others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Coach others
• Schedule work and activities

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, power plant operators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of job-required social contact. They work with coworkers throughout the day.
• Are greatly responsible for the health and safety of coworkers.
• Are responsible for the work outcomes of other workers, especially senior reactor operators and power dispatchers.
• Talk with others by telephone, e-mail, and in person. They also write letters and memos, but less frequently.
• Usually work as part of a team.
• Occasionally are placed in conflict situations, especially when power is down.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors, but may on rare occasions work outdoors. Indoor locations may not have heating or air conditioning.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions.
• Sometimes wear protective or safety attire. Nuclear power plant operators nearly always wear specialized, protective gear.
• Are sometimes exposed to loud sounds and distracting noise levels.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous electrical equipment, especially those who work directly with power-generating equipment.
• Are on rare occasions exposed to radiation when working in nuclear plants.
• May share work space with others.
• Sometimes must work in high places.
• Sometimes must work where the lighting is very bright or very dim.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details of the job are performed very exactly and that everything is done. Errors could cause serious safety hazards.
• Determine some of their daily tasks and goals independently, but may seek input from a supervisor.
• Often make decisions that significantly impact coworkers, their company, and customers. They usually make decisions without consulting a supervisor.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Must meet strict weekly and monthly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work 40 hours a week. Schedules are typically established.
• Usually work one of three daily eight-hour shifts, or one of two 12-hour shifts on a rotating basis.
• May work weekends and holidays.

Physical demands

Power plant operators frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for power plant operators to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for power plant operators to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.

Skills and abilities

Power plant operators need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand written information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.

Perceive and visualize

• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Nuclear Technology
• Process Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Electrical and Power Transmission

Training

To work as a power plant operator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete long-term, on-the-job training; and
• pass exams to work in a nuclear power plant.

Education after high school

No formal training is required for most power plant operators. However, those who want to operate nuclear power plants would benefit from studying nuclear technology. Completing one of these programs will help you pass the Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRA) exams. You must pass these exams to work in a nuclear power plant.

On-the-job training

Power plant operators learn their skills on the job from experienced operators. You need many years of training to be a fully qualified control room operator.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be power plant operators. Training lasts from 12 to 25 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#added as this is on the list of L&I app occupations 4/8/08 lh. Checked info 3/24/09 & 3/23/11, 4/2013, 1/4/17, 4/4/19 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. You should consider taking Algebra and Geometry as your math courses and Chemistry and Physics as your science courses.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers seek high school graduates for entry-level jobs. They prefer applicants who have strong math and science skills. College courses or experience in mechanical or technical jobs may be helpful. For reactor operators, experience in other power plants or with Navy nuclear propulsion plants is helpful. Employers increasingly require computer experience, since computers are used to keep records.

Licensing/certification

Nuclear power reactor operators are licensed by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Licensing requires passing a written test and medical examination every two years and a practical test annually. A reactor operator who wants to become a supervisor of a nuclear control room must obtain a senior operator's license.

For more information, contact the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission .

#2/10/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Nuclear Power Reactor Operators 
• Power Distributors and Dispatchers 
• Power Plant Operators 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information available for nuclear power reactor operators.

Wages for power plant operators vary by the area of specialization. Wages also vary by employer and area of the country. The operator's level of experience and responsibility also affect wages. Senior or chief operators usually earn about ten to 15 percent more than regular operators. In addition, over half of all power plant operators belong to a union. Union members tend to earn higher wages than non-union workers.

Full-time power plant operators usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Utility companies
• Local, state, and federal government-sponsored power plants

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is declining. Utilities are restructuring operations to reduce costs and compete effectively. As a result, they are reducing the number of jobs at all levels. In addition, the increasing use of automatic controls in new plants should require fewer operators. However, new laws limiting the length of shifts may lead some facilities to hire more operators.

Job openings will occur as current workers retire or leave this occupation for other reasons.

Other resources

Careers in the Nuclear Industry 
(from the Nuclear Energy Institute)

Chelan County PUD Apprenticeships 

Nuclear Careers 
(from the American Nuclear Society)

Nuclear Energy Institute 
1201 F Street NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20004
202.739.8000

US Nuclear Regulatory Commission 
Office of Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20555-0001
800.368.5642

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupations

• Nuclear Power Reactor Operators (51-8011.00) 
• Power Distributors and Dispatchers (51-8012.00) 
• Power Plant Operators (51-8013.00) 

O*Net job zones 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Diesel-plant Operator (952.382-010) 
• Feeder-switchboard Operator (952.362-014) 
• Hydroelectric-station Operator (952.362-018) 
• Load Dispatcher (952.167-014) 
• Motor-room Controller (820.662-010) 
• Power Operator (952.382-014) 
• Power-plant Operator (952.382-018) 
• Power-reactor Operator (952.362-022) 
• Substation Operator (952.362-026) 
• Substation Operator Apprentice (952.362-030) 
• Switchboard Operator (952.362-034) 
• Switchboard Operator (952.362-038) 
• Switchboard Operator Assistant (952.367-014) 
• Turbine Operator (952.362-042) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising
• Realistic/Investigative/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Professional