O*NET-SOC 51-8013.00

Power Plant Operators

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

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3

Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.Core12328
Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.Core12318
Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.Core12316
Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.Core12319
Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.Core12314
Operate or maintain distributed power generation equipment, including fuel cells or microturbines, to produce energy on-site for manufacturing or other commercial purposes.Core19914
Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.Supplemental12315
Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.Core12325
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.Core12321
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.Supplemental19915
Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.Core12317
Operate, control, or monitor gasifiers or related equipment, such as coolers, water quenches, water gas shifts reactors, or sulfur recovery units, to produce syngas or electricity from coal.Supplemental19916
Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.Core12320
Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.Core12322
Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.Supplemental12323
Record and compile operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs, or reports.Core12324
Operate, control, or monitor integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) or related equipment, such as air separation units, to generate electricity from coal.Supplemental19917
Receive outage calls and request necessary personnel during power outages or emergencies.Supplemental12330
Collect oil, water, or electrolyte samples for laboratory analysis.Supplemental12326
Examine and test electrical power distribution machinery and equipment, using testing devices.Supplemental12331
Place standby emergency electrical generators on line in emergencies and monitor the temperature, output, and lubrication of the system.Supplemental12329
Make adjustments or minor repairs, such as tightening leaking gland or pipe joints.Core12327
Analyze the layout, instrumentation, or function of electrical generation or transmission facilities.23612
Diagnose or troubleshoot problems with gas collection systems.23613
Monitor well fields periodically to ensure proper functioning and performance.23614
Operate landfill gas, methane, or natural gas fueled electrical generation systems.23615
Prepare and submit compliance, operational, and safety forms or reports.23616
Repair or replace gas piping.23617
Trace electrical circuitry to ensure compliance of electrical systems with applicable codes or laws.23618
Verify that well field monitoring data conforms to applicable regulations.23619

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 26 examples in 11 categories, 7 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Facilities management software

Computerized maintenance management system CMMS

Industrial control software

Continuous emissions monitoring systems CEMS
Distributed control system DCS
Emerson Ovation
Gas field monitoring system software
General Electric Mark VI Distributed Control System DCS
General Electric Mark VI Integrated Control System ICS
Interlock shutdown systems
Safety instrumented system SIS software
Siemens Power Plant Automation SPPA
Siemens Teleperm
Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
Teknik Segala OSI Plant Information PI System
Yokogawa FAST/TOOLS

Electronic mail software

Email software
Microsoft OutlookHot TechnologyIn Demand

Analytical or scientific software

Landfill gas analysis software
Landtec System Software LFG Pro

Data base user interface and query software

Microsoft AccessHot Technology
Operational Data Store ODS software

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft ExcelHot TechnologyIn Demand

Office suite software

Microsoft Office softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand

Presentation software

Microsoft PowerPointHot TechnologyIn Demand

Word processing software

Microsoft WordHot Technology

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

SAP softwareHot Technology

Internet browser software

Web browser software

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitor lubrication of equipment or workpieces.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Monitor conditions at energy-producing landfills.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspect equipment or systems.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Performing General Physical Activities

Clean production equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Handling and Moving Objects

Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Controlling Machines and Processes

Operate pumping systems or equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Operate energy production equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Operate natural gas generation equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Operate energy distribution equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Replace worn equipment components.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Repair production equipment or tools.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

Lubricate production equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Maintain production or processing equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Maintain sustainable energy production equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

Record operational or production data.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Exchange information with colleagues.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 25

Distinct tools0

Level mix

No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.