Occupation information for Power Plant Operators Washington

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description

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

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details

Currently Employed: 370

Projected Annual Job Openings: 30

Typical Hourly Wage: $51.53 - $65.18

Typical Annual Salary: $107,180 - $135,570

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typical training

Typical education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent

Typical work experience needed for a job in this occupation: No work experience

Typical on-the-job training once you have a job in this occupation: More than 1 year on-the-job training

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typical job duties

Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.
Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
Control or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feedwater heaters, filters, or chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power.
Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
Operate, control, or monitor equipment, such as acid or gas carbon dioxide removal units, carbon dioxide compressors, or pipelines, to capture, store, or transport carbon dioxide exhaust.
Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.
Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.
Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.

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