How to Become a Power Plant Operator: Career Guide

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How to Become a Power Plant Operator: Career GuideLearn how to become a power plant operator. Research the job duties and the education and licensingrequirements and find out how to start a career in the energy production field.

Power Plant Operator InformationThe U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that powerplant operators usually work at plants that produce electricitythrough such means as generators, water turbines or nuclear

reactors. Operators monitor pieces of equipment, document energy production rates and check gaugereadings periodically. Throughout the course of a shift, power plant operators may make adjustments orrepairs on equipment to make sure everything runs safely and efficiently.

At a bare minimum, power plant operators require the equivalent of high school diplomas to find entry-levelpositions. According to the BLS, some employers prefer applicants who have vocational certificates orundergraduate degrees related to power plant technology fields. As of December 2012, job postings forpower plant operators on CareerBuilder.com showed that many employers favored related work experience,including military and civilian experience at power plants or power stations. The table below indicates someof the career qualifications necessary for becoming a power plant operator:

Common Requirements

Degree Level High school diploma (required),* undergraduatedegree or certificate (recommended)**

Degree Field Power plant technology**

Licensure Operators who work with nuclear reactors requirelicensing*

Experience 2-5 years' experience operating equipment,supervising personnel, checking readouts anddocumenting plant activities**

Key Skills Capable of remaining attentive, advancedunderstanding of mechanics, strong problem solvingskills,* able to multitask, comfortable working withothers and capable of communicating clearly**

Computer Skills Knowledgeable with computerized equipmentdiagnoses systems*

Technical Skills Able to monitor and repair boilers, generators, waterturbines and other power plant equipment**

Additional Requirements Able to pass background checks, if required, andwilling to submit to drug screenings*

Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), **December 2012 job postings on CareerBuilder.

Step 1: Get Vocational or Undergraduate TrainingTechnically, power plant operators may not need anything beyond high school diplomas to find employment,per the BLS. Nevertheless, power plant operator job listings on CareerBuilder during December 2012indicated that employers preferred applicants with extensive knowledge or experience in the powergenerating industry. One way to gain such knowledge and training includes completing either vocational orundergraduate programs related to power plant technology.

Schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in power plant technology, and many of theseprograms prepare students for careers at several different types of power plants, including water treatmentfacilities, thermal power, nuclear power and fossil fuel power plants. Typical coursework in these programsincludes electrical equipment, power plant systems, heat transfers, material properties, energy technology,

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power generation and safety protocols. Students may also take several courses in mathematics, physicsand computer sciences.

Success Tip:

Step 2: Take Aptitude TestsNot all employers use aptitude tests to verify job applicants' skill levels. However, according to the BLS,some employers may have potential workers take the Plant Operator (POSS) and Power Plant Maintenance(MASS) exams, and both exams are offered by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). Each exam includesquestions concerning reading comprehension skills, mechanical assembly, mathematics and mechanicalconcepts. The POSS exam also includes questions that verify an individual's ability to interpret tables andgraphs.

Success Tip:

Step 3: Begin On-The-Job Power Plant TrainingApplicants who pass aptitude tests are often hired to start on-the-job training at power plants, according tothe BLS. The initial training process can involve years of study and hands-on learning before professionalsare deemed truly competent. During the training period, operators often learn about each piece oftechnology at the facility. Professionals who hold degrees or certificates in power plant technology maycomplete shorter training programs, since they probably already received technical training while in school.Nevertheless, each facility uses different equipment and has different goals, so new employees must bewilling to listen and comply with all training protocols.

Step 4: Build ExperienceJob postings for power plant operators on CareerBuilder.com in December 2012 showed that employerswanted applicants who had 2-5 years' experience in the field, which implies that these particular employerswere looking for candidates who had already completed the initial training mentioned above. Most of thesesame employers also stated that they wanted professionals with several years' experience on particularpieces of equipment. For example, thermal power plant employers would probably prefer applicants withextensive knowledge of thermal energy generating equipment.

Step 5: Obtain Necessary LicensesThe BLS indicated that only nuclear reactor power plant operators need licenses, and these professionalsmust pass exams to become licensed through the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Power plantoperators at other types of power generating facilities do not usually require any type of licensing. The BLSpoints out that some operators may elect to become licensed as firefighters for safety reasons. Otheroperators may choose to become licensed engineers, especially if required by employers.

Step 6: Keep Licenses CurrentAs of 2012, the BLS showed that NRC's license renewal process for nuclear reactor power plant operatorsincluded renewing licenses every six years. However, the NRC required licensed professionals to passupdated exams on a yearly basis. Licensed professionals were also expected to submit to medical examsevery two years. Licensing and license renewals through the NRC are only valid at one site. So, if a workerwanted to be an operator at multiple locations, he or she would have to be licensed at each facility andmaintain said licensing. License renewal requirements for firefighters and engineers vary by state and mayinclude completing continuing education credits.

Complete a power plant internship. Several associate degree programs offer students internshipopportunities at power plants. An internship in this field may help individuals figure out if they want towork at nuclear power plants, for example, versus hydro-electric power plants. Most interns shadowprofessional power plant operators to learn about the daily tasks of the job. Interns may also have to writereports to document what they learned during their internships.

Sign up for preparation programs. The EEI often works with colleges and technical schools to provideprograms that may help individuals prepare for aptitude tests. For example, EEI's Career AssessmentDiagnostic Instrument (CADI) program helps students figure out which technical areas they excel at andin which technical fields they require more study.

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How to Become a Power Plant Operator: Career Guide

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How to Become a Power Plant Operator: Career Guide

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How to Become a Power Plant Operator: Career Guide

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How to Become a Power Plant Operator: Career Guide

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