Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 8182
Steam plant operator
Steam plant operators operate and maintain mechanical equipment such as stationary engines and boilers to provide utilities for domestic or industrial use. They monitor proceedings to ensure compliance with safety regulations, and perform tests to ensure quality.
Check yourself in a minute: steam plant operator
Rate 5 of the 12 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
monitor utility equipment
resolve equipment malfunctions
conduct routine machinery checks
use testing equipment
perform maintenance on installed equipment
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (12)
hydraulicshydraulicsThe power transmission systems that use the force of flowing liquids to transmit power.thermodynamicsthermodynamicsThe branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy.types of steam enginestypes of steam enginesThe different types of heat engines which use steam as working fluid and are used to produce motion, such as steam turbines and stationary steam engines, and their various components.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.monitor utility equipmentmonitor utility equipmentMonitor equipment which provides utility services such as power, heat, refrigeration, and steam, in order to ensure they are functional, operate according to regulations, and to check for faults.resolve equipment malfunctionsresolve equipment malfunctionsIdentify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions. Communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.conduct routine machinery checksconduct routine machinery checksCheck machinery and equipment to ensure reliable performance during use and operations in worksites.use testing equipmentuse testing equipmentUse equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.perform maintenance on installed equipmentperform maintenance on installed equipmentPerform the maintenance on installed equipment on-site. Follow procedures to avoid uninstalling equipment from machinery or vehicles.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...adjust cylinder valvesadjust cylinder valvesAdjust the tension on the cylinder valves or change the valves with torque wrench.monitor valvesmonitor valvesMonitor and accordingly adjust the valves in order to allow a specific amount of liquids (such as ammonia sulfuric acid or viscous soap) or steam into the mixer or machine.
Optional (16) — show
heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration partsheating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration partsThe different parts constituing heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems such as the different valves, fans, compressors, condensers, filters and other components.electricityelectricityThe principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.automation technologyautomation technologySet of technologies that make a process, system, or apparatus operate automatically through the use of control systems.manufacturing of steam generatorsmanufacturing of steam generatorsThe manufacture of steam or other vapour generators, the manufacture of auxiliary plant for use with steam generators: condensers, economisers, superheaters, steam collectors and accumulators. The man...operate automated process controloperate automated process controlOperate process control or automation system (PAS) used to control a production process automatically.repair heating equipmentrepair heating equipmentRepair, by use of welding techniques applied to cut and formed metal sheets, boilers, heat exchangers, fired heaters, tanks, reactors and other pressure vessels, and others.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.use personal protection equipmentuse personal protection equipmentMake use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.arrange equipment repairsarrange equipment repairsArrange for equipment repairs when necessary.operate boileroperate boilerOperate sealed vessels which contain fluids which are heated or vaporised, not always up to boiling, for heating or power generation, such as in utilities. Ensure safe procedures by monitoring the blo...operate steam turbineoperate steam turbineOperate equipment which uses thermal energy, extracted from pressurised steam, to generate rotary motion. Ensure that the turbine is balanced, and operates according to safety regulations and legislat...collaborate with engineerscollaborate with engineersWork closely and communicate with engineers on designs or new products.operate hydraulic machinery controlsoperate hydraulic machinery controlsUse correctly the controls of specialized machinery by turning valves, handwheels, or rheostats to move and control flow of fuels, water, and dry or liquid binders to machines.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.monitor water qualitymonitor water qualityMeasure water quality: temperature, oxygen, salinity, pH, N2, NO2,NH4, CO2, turbidity, chlorophyll. Monitor microbiological water quality.operate stationary steam engineoperate stationary steam engineOperate engines which are fixed in place and use power generated by steam to drive equipment, ensuring that the equipment is safe, and monitoring the equipment to identify faults and risks.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a steam plant operator do?
Steam plant operators operate and maintain mechanical equipment such as stationary engines and boilers to provide utilities for domestic or industrial use. They monitor proceedings to ensure compliance with safety regulations, and perform tests to ensure quality.
What skills does a steam plant operator need?
A steam plant operator needs 12 essential skills, including hydraulics, thermodynamics, types of steam engines, mechanics, monitor utility equipment.
Will AI replace steam plant operator jobs?
The AI disruption score for steam plant operator is 31/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: monitor automated machines, maintain records of maintenance interventions, monitor utility equipment. Most resilient: electricity, collaborate with engineers, perform minor repairs to equipment.
AI Replacement Risk
31/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
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