Power Plant Operators
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
Tasks Include:
- Monitor and inspect power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
- Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power, or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.
- Operate or control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, and reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
- Regulate equipment operations and conditions such as water levels, based on data from recording and indicating instruments or from computers.
- Take readings from charts, meters and gauges at established intervals, and take corrective steps as necessary.
- Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, and other power plant equipment, and connect or disconnect equipment from circuits.
- Inspect records and log book entries, and communicate with other plant personnel, in order to assess equipment operating status.
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The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 14.0; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: + 2.8%
National: + 2.7%
Education
Associate's Degree
Job Zone:
Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Highest ($50,000 and up)
Average Earnings:
National
$58,340.00
State
$52,315.73
Regional



