Engineering ServicesISCO 3131
Steam turbine operator
Steam turbine operators operate and maintain machinery which generates power. They ensure the safety of the operations and monitor operations to detect problems, and react to emergency situations.
Check yourself in a minute: steam turbine operator
Rate 5 of the 11 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
ensure compliance with environmental legislation
use personal protection equipment
identify hazards in the workplace
conduct routine machinery checks
use testing equipment
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (11)
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.ensure compliance with environmental legislationensure compliance with environmental legislationMonitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation....use personal protection equipmentuse personal protection equipmentMake use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.identify hazards in the workplaceidentify hazards in the workplacePerform safety audits and inspections on workplaces and workplace equipment. Ensure that they meet safety regulations and identify hazards and risks.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.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...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 (19) — show
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.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.resolve equipment malfunctionsresolve equipment malfunctionsIdentify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions. Communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.create incident reportscreate incident reportsFill in an incident report after an accident has happened at the company or facility, such as an unusual event which caused an occupational injury to a worker.react to mining emergenciesreact to mining emergenciesQuickly respond to emergency calls. Provide appropriate assistance and direct first response team to incident scene.manage emergency proceduresmanage emergency proceduresReact quickly in case of emergency and set planned emergency procedures in motion.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...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...ensure equipment coolingensure equipment coolingMake sure the machines and installations are properly supplied with air and coolants in order to prevent overheating and other malfunctions.collaborate with engineerscollaborate with engineersWork closely and communicate with engineers on designs or new products.manage fuel inventorymanage fuel inventorySubmit fuel orders in time. Make sure fuel is delivered before reserves are depleted.enforce fuel storage regulationsenforce fuel storage regulationsEnforce fuel storage regulations, in accordance with governmental and environmental policies and regulations.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.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.
steam plant operator7 shared essential skillsrefrigeration air condition and heat pump technician5 shared essential skillsalternative fuels engineer4 shared essential skillsheating and ventilation service installer4 shared essential skillsheating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration engineering technician4 shared essential skillsagricultural machinery technician3 shared essential skillsconstruction equipment technician3 shared essential skillsforge equipment technician3 shared essential skills
Frequently asked questions
What does a steam turbine operator do?
Steam turbine operators operate and maintain machinery which generates power. They ensure the safety of the operations and monitor operations to detect problems, and react to emergency situations.
What skills does a steam turbine operator need?
A steam turbine operator needs 11 essential skills, including thermodynamics, types of steam engines, mechanics, ensure compliance with environmental legislation, use personal protection equipment.
Will AI replace steam turbine operator jobs?
The AI disruption score for steam turbine operator is 37/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: maintain records of maintenance interventions, create incident reports, monitor automated machines. Most resilient: electricity, react to mining emergencies, manage emergency procedures.
AI Replacement Risk
37/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
SectorEngineering Services
ISCO GroupScience and engineering associate professionals
Essential Skills11
Is steam turbine operator right for you?
Take the free 10-minute Career Portrait to see which career direction fits your motivations and strengths.
Take the free test