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Power Station Operators observe, control, and keep records of the operation of various kinds of power plant and substation equipment. They ensure the efficient operation of equipment and detect any malfunction that arises. Power Plant Operators control boilers, turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment at generating plants to produce electricity.

JOB DUTIES 

Power Station Operators may:

Regulate equipment according to data provided by recording and indicating instruments or computers

Monitor gages to determine the effect of generator loading on other power equipment

Monitor computer-operated equipment

Adjust controls to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations

Note malfunctions of equipment, instruments, or controls

Correct abnormal conditions

Monitor and operate boilers, turbines, wells, and auxiliary power plant equipment

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Power Station Operators may specialize in these areas:

952.382-018 POWER-PLANT OPERATORS observe, control, and keep records of the operation of various kinds of power plant and substation equipment. They ensure efficient operation and detect malfunctions. Power Plant Operators control boilers, turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment at generating plants to produce electricity.

952.362-034 SWITCHBOARD OPERATORS control the central switchboard to distribute power output among generators and to regulate the flow of power to outgoing power lines.

952.362-026 SUBSTATION OPERATORS control pieces of equipment that regulate the flow of electricity through substations and over distribution lines to consumers.

952.167-014 LOAD DISPATCHERS coordinate the activities of personnel working in generating stations, substations, and lines of electric power systems to ensure production and distribution of electricity to meet demands.

952.362-018 HYDROELECTRIC-STATION OPERATORS control electrical generating units and related equipment at stations producing electricity by water power.

952.362-022 POWER-REACTOR OPERATORS control nuclear reactors that produce steam to generate electric power and coordinate the operation of auxiliary equipment.

952.367-014 SWITCHBOARD OPERATOR ASSISTANTS compile gage readings and perform other tasks as directed by the Switchboard Operator in electric generating plants. Those doing the same work in a substation may be called generation substation operator helpers.

952.362-042 TURBINE OPERATORS control steam-driven turbogenerators in electric or nuclear power generating stations.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Power Station Operators work with others under the direction of supervisors. Depending on their position, they may supervise assistants.

Generally, Power Station Operators work in power plants that are orderly, clean, well lighted, and well ventilated, but there is some noise from equipment. They may be subject to injury from heavy rotating machinery and high voltage circuits. Accidents have declined because of safe work practices and safety equipment.

Electric power plants and stations operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide power at all times. Employees may rotate shifts or be assigned permanent shifts. Some employees must work weekends and holidays.

Power Station Operators may belong to The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers or The Utility Workers of America. Operators who belong to unions must pay dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities that involve processes and machines

• Activities which are routine, concrete, and organized

You Should Be Able To:

• Work independently or as part of a team

• Evaluate information against measurable standards

• Attain set standards of accuracy

• Reason logically and communicate effectively

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If your power station has 4 large turbines which produce 100,000, 115,000, 98,000, and 120,000 kilowatts per hour, what is the average power output per turbine?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Because the calorie is a small unit, its larger multiple, the kilocalorie (kcal), is often used (1 kcal = 1000 cal). One kilocalorie is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree celsius.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write an explanation to your supervisor of any malfunctions that might be occurring.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to decide how to adjust the power supply between the generating stations and the substations to maximize the efficiency of the plant.

Power Station Operators may be required to take civil service exams for governmental positions. Power-Reactor Operators who operate the controls of a nuclear power plant must be licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOISCRIPT:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1200 ELECTRONICS , 1700 GOVERNMENT , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this MOIScript

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

052 ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY

Programs in Electrical and Electronics Technology provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment servicing electrical and electronics systems, appliances, and motors. Individuals who teach Electrical and Electronics Technology at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses within this program will vary but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

Although this occupation has apprenticeship programs available in Michigan, they are limited in number. See the Sources Of More Information below for name, address and phone number of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training.

You will also find a more extensive list of information sources in the "What Is An Apprenticeship?" document found under the MOIS Supports Menu Items.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com

POWER PLANT OPERATORS

Power plants generate electricity for ships, submarines, and military bases. The military uses many different types of power plants. Some are fueled by oil, others run on coal. Many ships and submarines have nuclear power plants. Power plant operators control power generating plants on land and aboard ships and submarines. They operate boilers, turbines, nuclear reactors, and portable generators.

What They Do

Power plant operators in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Monitor and operate control boards to regulate power plants

• Operate and maintain diesel generating units to produce electric power

• Monitor and control nuclear reactors that produce electricity and power ships and submarines

• Operate and maintain stationary engines, such as steam engines, air compressors, and generators

• Operate and maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, and condensers

• Inspect equipment for malfunctions

• Operate the steam turbines that generate power for ships

• Operate and maintain auxiliary equipment, including pumps, fans, condensers, and auxiliary boilers

Special Requirements

Nuclear specialties are open only to men and require successful completion of high school algebra.

Physical Demands

Power plant operators lift heavy parts or tools when maintaining power plants. They may also have to stoop and kneel and work in awkward positions while repairing.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include math and shop mechanics. Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in working with large machinery

• Interest in nuclear power

Work Environment

Power plant operators usually work indoors. They are subject to high temperatures, dust, and noise.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 12 to 25 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in operating power plants. Course content typically includes:

• Operation of pressure boilers

• Operation and maintenance of reactor control systems

• Operation and maintenance of mechanical systems on nuclear powered ships and submarines

Nuclear specialties have training programs that last 1 year or more, covering all aspects of nuclear power plant operations.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian power plant operators work for power companies, factories, schools, and hospitals. They perform duties similar to military power plant operators. Depending on the specialty, power plant operators may also be called boiler operators, stationary engineers, nuclear reactor operators, or diesel plant operators.

Opportunities

The services have about 11,700 power plant operators. On average, they need about 120 new power plant operators each year. After job training, power plant operators work under the close direction of supervisors. With experience, they may gain greater responsibility for plant operations and supervise other operators. Eventually, they may become superintendents of utilities for large bases or chiefs of ships' engineering departments.

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Since this work requires specialized training, there are limited opportunities for exploration in this field. Experience may be obtained in the military. Postsecondary education programs in electrical & electronics technology may offer co-op, internship, or related work experience opportunities.

               School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Power Station Operator employer

internships

volunteer work with a Power Station Operator employer

community service work with an agency

The most common method of finding a job as a Power Station Operator is by applying directly to such employers as power and light companies, large manufacturing companies, and city and state governments. Assistance may be available from local union offices of the Utility Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Works!

                You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Power Station Operators generally vary by employer and locality.

Nationally, the median weekly earnings for all types of Power Station Operators were $830 or $20.75 per hour in 1998.

Hourly earnings of Power Plant Operators working for government agencies in Michigan were (1999):

In addition to their regular pay, some Operators also receive cost-of- living allowances.

Power Plant Operators employed by a large utility company in the Detroit area earned the following base hourly rates in 1999:

Hourly rates for Operators employed by a large utility in the out-state area ranged from $16.43 to $21.00 in 1999. Nuclear Power Plant Operators earned from $19.31 to $26.44 per hour.

Power House Operators and Substation Operators working in the automotive industry in 1999 earned from $23.60 to $23.80 per hour.

Depending on the employer, most Power Station Operators receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by employers.

Power Station Operators usually begin as helpers, moving up to junior operator and Power Station Operator as openings occur. Promotions usually depend on the ability to learn the skills required of the advanced position. In a system of generating plants of different sizes, Operators may first get experience in smaller stations and then be promoted to larger stations. In larger power plants, Power Station Operators may advance to supervisory positions.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were about 77,600 Power Station Operators employed in 1996. Employment of Power Station Operators is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2006. The industry distribution for Power Station Operators looked like this:

Employment of Power Station Operators is expected to grow because of an increasing population demanding more energy and because of increased use by businesses. However, employment of Power Station Operators will not grow as fast as the growth in the production and use of electricity because of centralized operations and computerized control equipment. In addition, electrical utility companies have excess generating capacity and are generally limiting their construction programs. Opportunities will be best for workers who have postsecondary level education or training in electronics and computers.

There were approximately 3,050 Power Station Operators employed in Michigan. Most worked in urban areas with almost two-thirds employed in the Detroit area. Almost all Power Station Operators worked for electric light and power companies. The two largest power companies are Detroit Edison and Consumers Power. Others were employed by governmental agencies.

According to the 1990 Census, 8.8% of this occupation were female, and 10.2% were Black.

Employment of Power Station Operators in Michigan is expected to decline through the year 2005. An average of 70 annual openings is expected due to replacement of those who retire, die, leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

Energy conservation, a high reserve maintained to protect customer service from equipment failures, and adverse regulatory commission actions regarding rate increases and other regulations have limited commitments for new power generation equipment and, consequently, limited the need for additional Operators. In addition, modernization of existing plants, including computer control of operations, may further reduce the number of Operators needed.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Power Station Operator can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development