What’s it like to be a Power Generation Plant Operator?
Power generation plant operators control and operate a range of machinery and
instruments used in the electricity supply industry (ESI) for generating
electric power. This may involve mechanical, electrical or chemical processes.
They work in control rooms, operating a controlling console, and also out in
the plant. Shiftwork is required.
How much can I expect to earn?
Full-time employed Power Generation Plant Operator earn an average of $1781
per week. The [average annual salary for this job is $92612 excluding super.]
Personal requirements
logical and thorough approach to work
able to follow procedures and committed to safe work practices
good at mechanical and/or electrical activities
able to accept responsibility and make decisions.
This job also involves:
Good vision for detail
These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It
covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place
unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with
detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good
hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.
Mainly indoor work
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than
three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed
area protected from the weather.
Reading or writing
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may
be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as
letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or
writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and
symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing
skills.
Sitting for long periods
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs are usually performed sitting
down at a desk, counter, workbench or other location for periods of at least
two hours at a stretch.
This occupation offers jobs at the following skill levels:
Skilled Trade Jobs
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however
further part-time study usually at Certificate III level, and on-the-job
training offered as an apprenticeship, is required.
Study requirements
At school, you can study these subject(s) to get a good foundation for this
occupation:
Industrial Arts
School subjects that include some aspect of INDUSTRIAL ARTS provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases an industrial arts-related subject is
a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Mathematics
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a
pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Physics
School subjects that include some aspect of PHYSICS provide a useful
background to these jobs. In some cases a physics-related subject is a pre-
requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Duties and tasks of a Power Generation Plant Operator
Power generation plant operators may perform the following tasks:
control the flow of fuel to boilers and make sure that the machinery is working properly
control the flow of water in hydroelectric power stations and ensure that the machinery is working correctly
operate control instruments to switch off lines or equipment and to connect alternative circuits
check instruments and switchboards to make sure that all systems are working efficiently to detect line disturbances and to check the flow of power
find faults and perform basic repairs in mechanical, electrical and process control equipment and coordinate specialist repairs
shut down or start up boilers or turbines to decrease or increase power output
operate power switches for safety of crews and to avoid interruptions during repairs
undertake safe work procedures to isolate plant machinery and equipment for maintenance and repair
compile records and reports on equipment performance, instrument readings and switching operations
clean, lubricate and repair equipment
control processes and equipment associated with inputs for power generation such as fuel, chemicals and water
control processes and equipment associated with management of by-products to minimise their environmental impact
respond to emergencies such as fire and environmental hazards.
Specialisations
Power generation plant operators may specialise as hydroelectric power station
operators or power generation turbine room operators.