How to become 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.
Personal requirements of a Power Generation Plant Operator
- 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.
Duties & Tasks of a Power Generation Plant Operator
Power generation plant operators: • 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.
Working conditions for a Power Generation Plant Operator
They work in control rooms, operating a controlling console, and also out in the plant. Shiftwork is required.
Avg. weekly wage:
$2,023
Future growth:
Stable
Employment by state:
ACT ACT 0.7%
NSW NSW 19.1%
NT NT 3.8%
QLD QLD 28.4%
SA SA 4.3%
TAS TAS 1.3%
VIC VIC 23.7%
WA WA 18.8%
Hours worked:
42.5
Unemployment:
Lower unemployment
Gender split:
Male 98.7%
Female 1.3%
Education level:
Not completed Year 12: 19.1%
Highest qualification is secondary school: 21.3%
Highest qualification is a Certificate 3 or 4: 25.5%
Highest qualification is a Diploma or Advanced Diploma: 22.7%
Highest qualification is a Bachelor degree: 11.3%
Age brackets:
15-19 - 0%
20-24 - 0%
25-34 - 15.6%
35-44 - 24.2%
45-54 - 40.8%
55-59 - 9%
60-64 - 6.5%
65 and Over - 3.9%
*The data above is sourced from the Department of Employment’s Job Outlook website.
Personal requirements of a Power Generation Plant Operator
- 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.
Duties & Tasks of a Power Generation Plant Operator
Power generation plant operators: • 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.
Working conditions for a Power Generation Plant Operator
They work in control rooms, operating a controlling console, and also out in the plant. Shiftwork is required.
Avg. weekly wage:
$2,023
Future growth:
Stable
Employment by state:
ACT ACT 0.7%
NSW NSW 19.1%
NT NT 3.8%
QLD QLD 28.4%
SA SA 4.3%
TAS TAS 1.3%
VIC VIC 23.7%
WA WA 18.8%
Hours worked:
42.5
Unemployment:
Lower unemployment
Gender split:
Male 98.7%
Female 1.3%
Education level:
Not completed Year 12: 19.1%
Highest qualification is secondary school: 21.3%
Highest qualification is a Certificate 3 or 4: 25.5%
Highest qualification is a Diploma or Advanced Diploma: 22.7%
Highest qualification is a Bachelor degree: 11.3%
Age brackets:
15-19 - 0%
20-24 - 0%
25-34 - 15.6%
35-44 - 24.2%
45-54 - 40.8%
55-59 - 9%
60-64 - 6.5%
65 and Over - 3.9%
*The data above is sourced from the Department of Employment’s Job Outlook website.
