: A power plant operator is in charge of running the equipment needed to generate electricity, including boilers, turbines, gauges and controls, pumps, fans, and more. This person is also responsible for cleaning, lubricating and maintaining equipment to prevent failures or excessive wear and tear. The operator oversees readings and makes observations to detect any equipment problems and takes action to correct those problems. He or she adjusts controls to respond to requested levels of electrical power, and starts and stops generation equipment as needed. This person often works with other individuals and organizations from multiple sites to coordinate regional electrical generation. Needed skills and education: A power plant operator is someone

Skills

who is a “doer” and likes physical activities and projects. The operator needs to be a problem solver and respond quickly to equipment failures and operational issues. He or she needs to work well with others and provide oversight and guidance on a wide range of issues to a variety of individuals. Education levels can vary from having a high school degree, to college degrees and even post-graduate master’s degrees. While all power plant operators have substantial on-the-job training, many companies now require at least some post-high school education, including 2-year asso