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Occupation Information
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Power Generation Plant Operator
Operator (Power Generation Plant)Hydro-electric Station Operator )



Duties and Tasks
Specialisations
Quick Facts
Work Conditions
Personal Requirements
Related Industries
Labour Market
Related Jobs
Earnings
Related Courses
Further Information
State Specific Information

Occupation Video
 

Using a computer to monitor the power plant
Using a computer to monitor the power plant

Power generation plant operators control and operate a range of machinery and instruments used for generating electric power. 

Fact Sheet

Duties and Tasks

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
  • 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
  • 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 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 can specialise as hydroelectric power station operators and power generation turbine room operators.

Info Icon Quick Facts

Learning Area Industrial Arts  
Mathematics  
Physics  
Work Demand Including good vision for detail  
Including mainly indoor work  
Including reading or writing  
Including sitting for long periods  
Work Field Metal, Electrical and Automotive  
Work Interest Practical or Mechanical  
Skill Level Skilled Trade Jobs  
Quick Facts

Work Conditions

They work in control rooms, operating a controlling console, and also out in the plant. Shift work is required.

Personal Requirements

  • logical and thorough approach to work
  • good at mechanical activities
  • able to accept responsibility and make decisions.

Related Industries

Electricity Supply

Labour Market

Information

Australian JobOutlook for Chemical, Gas, Petroleum and Power Generation Plant Operators

Vacancies

Australian JobSearch for Power Generation Plant Operators (ALL AUSTRALIA)
Work Opportunities websites

Related Jobs

Mineral Processing Operator
Petroleum and Gas Plant Operator

Earnings

View text version of earnings

Occupation Earnings Graph

Occupation Mean Weekly Earnings Graph

How Much?

Related Courses

New South Wales / ACT
Queensland
Western Australia

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Further Information

AGL
Aurora Energy Pty Ltd
Australian Industry Group
ElectroComms and Energy Utilities Industry Skills Council Ltd
Hydro Tasmania
Major Industries Training Advisory Council (NT)
Power Water Corporation
The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy Inc
Verve Energy

State Specific Information

New South Wales / ACT
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

Monitoring power pressure
Monitoring power pressure

Occupation Video - Power Generation Plant Operator

Video courtesy of the NSW Department of Education and Training