3 answers
Alorna
Student
Saucier, Mississippi
4
Questions
Asked
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What do employers look for in a power plant operator?
I want to become a Power Plant Operator. What are common skills, certifications or achievements that would make me a good pick for an employer?
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3 answers
Billy Peacock
Power Grid Operator
19
Answers
Little Rock, Arkansas
Updated
Billy’s Answer
Great question!
Many employers will be looking for prior related mechanical experience. A power plant includes a lot of other equipment to make electricity, not just the generator. Other equipment includes pumps, compressors, blowers, valves, motors, etc.
If you have experience working on or operating those kind of things, that will get the attention of somebody looking to hire a power plant operator. If you have any experience running diesel or natural-gas generators, that will also go a long way in getting you the job. Navy experience often translates extremely well in this field, and you'll find a lot of ex-military folks working in this industry as a result.
Many employers will be looking for prior related mechanical experience. A power plant includes a lot of other equipment to make electricity, not just the generator. Other equipment includes pumps, compressors, blowers, valves, motors, etc.
If you have experience working on or operating those kind of things, that will get the attention of somebody looking to hire a power plant operator. If you have any experience running diesel or natural-gas generators, that will also go a long way in getting you the job. Navy experience often translates extremely well in this field, and you'll find a lot of ex-military folks working in this industry as a result.
Monica Zhang
2
Answers
Updated
Monica’s Answer
the employers normally like the employee with Innovation ability, team player and can complete the job in time.
think more and find innovation
study more and ask more
be a team player instead of lonely.
Monica recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate your support, Monica
Alorna
Joe Portillo
I & E Tech
19
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Great choice ! It’s a good job in my opinion. As far as skills , I would say that you could have some basic mechanical skills as operators are the first to tackle problems in the power plant. The more complex problems are handled by maintenance .
For knowledge , I would suggest taking classes in plant operations at a community college or even I&E /mechanical courses . Operators have to understand concepts of flow , pressure and heat. They are the eyes , ears and hands for the control room out in the plant. I think that at the least a beginning operator should understand steam ,condensation and how heat is transferred into mechanical energy.
Hope that this is helpful and good luck.
For knowledge , I would suggest taking classes in plant operations at a community college or even I&E /mechanical courses . Operators have to understand concepts of flow , pressure and heat. They are the eyes , ears and hands for the control room out in the plant. I think that at the least a beginning operator should understand steam ,condensation and how heat is transferred into mechanical energy.
Hope that this is helpful and good luck.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your answer greatly.
Alorna