Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.

Other names for Power Plant Operators: Auxiliary Equipment Tender, Auxiliary Operator, Auxiliary Power Equipment Operator, Boiler Operator, Booster Operator, Booster Plant Operator, Booster Pump Operator, Control Center Operator, Control Operator, Control Room Operator, Diesel Plant Operator, Electric Operator, Equipment Operator, Generator Operator, High Pressure Firer, Hydro Plant Operator, Hydro Station Operator, Hydroelectric Operator, Hydroelectric Station Operator, Operations and Maintenance Gas Turbine Technician, Operations and Maintenance Technician (O & M Technician), Plant Control Operator, Power Generating Plant Operator, Power Operator, Power Plant Operator, Power Plant Technician, Power Station Operator, Powerhouse Attendent, Powerhouse Operator, Powerhouse Tender, Rectifier, Rectifier Operator, Station Operator, Station Tender, Stationary Engineer, Steam Turbine Operator, Turbine Operator, Turbine Room Attendant, Turbo Electric Operator, Turbo Operator, Unit Operator,

• Record and compile operational data, completing and maintaining forms, logs, and reports.
• Open and close valves and switches in sequence upon signals from other workers, in order to start or shut down auxiliary units.
• Collect oil, water, and electrolyte samples for laboratory analysis.
• Make adjustments or minor repairs, such as tightening leaking gland and pipe joints; report any needs for major repairs.
• Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, and voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
• Place standby emergency electrical generators on line in emergencies and monitor the temperature, output, and lubrication of the system.
• Receive outage calls and call in necessary personnel during power outages and emergencies.
• Examine and test electrical power distribution machinery and equipment, using testing devices.
• Replenish electrolytes in batteries and oil in voltage transformers, and reset tripped electric relays.
• 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.
• Control and maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feedwater heaters, filters, and chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, and auxiliary power.
• Clean, lubricate, and maintain equipment such as generators, turbines, pumps, and compressors in order to prevent equipment failure or deterioration.
• Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate transmission loads and frequencies, and line voltages.