Power Plant Operators have the very important job of making sure customers have enough electricity or gas to meet their daily needs. If you like helping others, being a power plant operator may be the job for you! Overall, you would be in charge of operating and controlling the machines that generate power in coal, natural gas, nuclear and other power plants. Skills required for Power Plant Operators:

• 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.

Power Plant Operators also need to:

• Be curious about how things work.
• Solve problems, and not be afraid to ask questions.
• Concentrate for a long period of time without being distracted.
• Be on your feet for long periods of time.
• Work under noisy conditions (hearing protection provided).

High School Education
All entry level jobs require a High School diploma. To view a list of courses you should take in High School, click below:


Post-High School Education and Training
A two-year degree is optional. On-the-job training is required for this profession. To view a list of available degree and training programs in your area, use the Google Map locator by clicking below: