Engineering ServicesISCO 3131
Power plant control room operator
A power plant control room operator is a person who answers for the safe and proper functioning of a power plant, of transmission substations and of the related management structures. The operator repairs and keeps in service the machinery and equipment in use, so that the plant runs efficiently and so that emergencies, such as an interruption in the electricity supply, are dealt with effectively.
Check yourself in a minute: power plant control room operator
Rate 5 of the 22 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
resolve equipment malfunctions
monitor gauge
troubleshoot
manage emergency procedures
close circuit breaker
About power plant control room operator
The plant is run from instruments. The operator monitors the condition of the equipment, monitors the instrument readings, uses the remotely operated devices, and works from a knowledge of electric current, which is what makes a reading mean something rather than merely be within range.
Switching is the act with the largest consequences. The operator closes and opens breakers, which connects or disconnects parts of an electrical system, and in a power plant that is not a routine keystroke: the sequence, the isolation and the state of the network all have to be right first.
Emergencies are the reason the role is staffed continuously. The operator manages the emergency procedures, troubleshoots, and ensures compliance with the safety regulations. An interruption in supply has to be handled in minutes and in a defined order, with people in the plant and on the network depending on the decisions being taken correctly by whoever happens to be on shift.
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (22)
electric currentelectric currentFlow of electric charge, carried by electrons or ions in a medium such as an electrolyte or a plasma.electrical power safety regulationselectrical power safety regulationsThe compliance with safety measures which need to be taken during the installation, operation, and maintenance of constructions and equipment which function in the generation, transmission, and distri...power plant instrumentationpower plant instrumentationThe equipment and instruments used for the monitoring and controlling processes in power plants. This requires proper operation, calibration, and regular maintenance.electronicselectronicsThe functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.electric generatorselectric generatorsThe principles and operations of devices that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as dynamos and alternators, rotors, stators, armatures, and fields.resolve equipment malfunctionsresolve equipment malfunctionsIdentify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions. Communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.ensure compliance with safety legislationensure compliance with safety legislationImplement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.monitor gaugemonitor gaugeOversee the data presented by a gauge concerning the measurement of pressure, temperature, thickness of a material, and others.troubleshoottroubleshootIdentify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.manage emergency proceduresmanage emergency proceduresReact quickly in case of emergency and set planned emergency procedures in motion.close circuit breakerclose circuit breakerSynchronize incoming generating units with units already in operation. Close the circuit breaker at the exact instant of coincidence between both unit types.use remote control equipmentuse remote control equipmentUse a remote control to operate equipment. Watch the equipment closely while operating, and use any sensors or cameras to guide your actions.wear appropriate protective gearwear appropriate protective gearWear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.respond to electrical power contingenciesrespond to electrical power contingenciesSet in motion the strategies created for responding to emergency situations, as well as respond to unforeseen problems, in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, such as p...maintain power plant machinerymaintain power plant machineryMaintain and repair power plant machinery and equipment to prevent operational problems and ensure all machines perform sufficiently.monitor automated machinesmonitor automated machinesContinuously check up on the automated machine's set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment...write production reportswrite production reportsMake up and complete shift schedules and production reports in a timely manner.monitor equipment conditionmonitor equipment conditionMonitor the correct functioning of gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.coordinate remote communicationscoordinate remote communicationsDirect network and radio communications between different operational units. Receive and transfer further radio or telecom messages or calls. These might include messages from the public, or the emerg...conduct inter-shift communicationconduct inter-shift communicationCommunicate relevant information about the conditions in the workplace, progress, events, and potential problems to the workers in the next shift.adapt energy distribution schedulesadapt energy distribution schedulesMonitor the procedures involved in the distribution of energy in order to assess whether energy supply must be increased or decreased depending on changes in demand, and incorporate these changes into...monitor electric generatorsmonitor electric generatorsMonitor the operation of electric generators in power stations in order to ensure functionality and safety, and to identify need for repairs and maintenance.
Optional (23) — show
electricity consumptionelectricity consumptionThe different factors which are involved in the calculation and estimation of electricity consumption in a residence or facility, and methods in which electricity consumption can be lowered or made mo...natural gasnatural gasThe various facets of natural gas: its extraction, processing, constituents, uses, environmental factors, etc.smart grids systemssmart grids systemsSmart grids are a digital electricity network. The system involves the electronic digital control of production, distribution and use of electricity, information management of the components and energ...nuclear energynuclear energyThe generation of electrical energy through the use of nuclear reactors, by converting the energy released from nuclei of atoms in reactors which generate heat. This heat subsequently generates steam ...fossil fuelsfossil fuelsThe types of fuels which contain high doses of carbon and include gas, coal, and petroleum, and the processes by which they are formed, such as the anaerobic decomposition of organisms, as well as the...electricityelectricityThe principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.automation technologyautomation technologySet of technologies that make a process, system, or apparatus operate automatically through the use of control systems.test procedures in electricity transmissiontest procedures in electricity transmissionPerform tests on powerlines and cables, as well as other equipment used for the transmission of electrical power, in order to ensure the cables are well insulated, the voltage can be controlled well, ...maintain records of maintenance interventionsmaintain records of maintenance interventionsKeep written records of all repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, including information on the parts and materials used, etc.ensure safety in electrical power operationsensure safety in electrical power operationsMonitor and control operations on an electrical power transmission and distribution system in order to ensure that major risks are controlled and prevented, such as electrocution risks, damage to prop...maintain electrical equipmentmaintain electrical equipmentTest electrical equipment for malfunctions. Take safety measures, company guidelines, and legislation concerning electrical equipment into account. Clean, repair and replace parts and connections as r...oversee power equipment operationoversee power equipment operationOversee the operation of power equipment. Verify that the equipment is in safe, operating condition.arrange equipment repairsarrange equipment repairsArrange for equipment repairs when necessary.ensure compliance with electricity distribution scheduleensure compliance with electricity distribution scheduleMonitor the operations of an electrical energy distribution facility and electricity distribution systems in order to ensure that the distribution goals are met, and the electricity supply demands are...supervise electricity distribution operationssupervise electricity distribution operationsSupervise the activities of an electricity distribution facility and the operation of electrical energy distribution systems, such as power lines, in order to ensure compliance with legislation, effic...develop strategies for electricity contingenciesdevelop strategies for electricity contingenciesDevelop and implement strategies which ensure that swift and efficient actions can be taken in the event of a disruption in the generation, transmission, or distribution of electrical energy, such as ...coordinate electricity generationcoordinate electricity generationCommunicate the current demand of electricity generation to electricity generation workers and facilities in order to ensure that the generation of electrical power can be increased or decreased accor...respond to nuclear emergenciesrespond to nuclear emergenciesSet in motion the strategies for reacting in the event of equipment malfunctions, errors, or other events which may lead to contamination and other nuclear emergencies, ensuring that the facility is s...react to events in time-critical environmentsreact to events in time-critical environmentsMonitor the situation around you and anticipate. Be ready to take quick and appropriate action in case of unexpected events.perform minor repairs to equipmentperform minor repairs to equipmentConduct routine maintenance on equipment. Recognise and identify minor defects in equipment and make repairs if appropriate.ensure equipment maintenanceensure equipment maintenanceEnsure that the equipment required for operations is regularly checked for faults, that routine maintenance tasks are performed, and that repairs are scheduled and performed in the case of damage or f...read electricity meterread electricity meterInterpret the measuring instruments which measure the consumption and reception of electricity in a facility or residence, record the results in a correct manner.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a power plant control room operator do?
Power plant control room operators are responsible for the safe and proper operation of power plants, switchyards and associated control structures. They repair and maintain the involved machinery and equipment to ensure the plant's efficient operation and to tackle emergency situations such as blackouts.
What skills does a power plant control room operator need?
A power plant control room operator needs 22 essential skills, including electric current, electrical power safety regulations, power plant instrumentation, electronics, electric generators.
Will AI replace power plant control room operator jobs?
The AI disruption score for power plant control room operator is 39/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: electricity consumption, read electricity meter, write production reports. Most resilient: electricity, electric generators, react to events in time-critical environments.
AI Replacement Risk
39/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
SectorEngineering Services
ISCO GroupScience and engineering associate professionals
Essential Skills22
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