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Power Generation Plant Operator

399213 · Medium

Career data Verified

Chemical plant operators control the operations and machinery of a chemical plant.

Most common salary $64k – $118k
Upper salary up to $165k
Training 0-1 year

Description

Operates boilers, turbo-generators and associated plant to generate electrical power.

Typical work tasks

Operates power generation plant controls to produce required load; monitors operation of power generation plant and interpreting instrument readings; authorising procedures to isolate high-voltage and low-voltage electrical apparatus and plant; writes reports and maintains records on equipment performance, instrument readings and switching operations; carrying out routine operating tests.

Typical work environment

  • Works indoors in hydroelectric or other types of power station, or at substations.
  • Works in a noisy environment with a range of power generating or switching machinery and equipment. Wears appropriate protective clothing and equipment including gloves, ear and eye protection when necessary.

Typical physical and mental demands

  • Medium physical work.
  • Stands frequently on concrete floors and walks about work areas to inspect and test equipment, materials and the general installation.
  • Sits at control room switchboard and uses computerised control systems to monitor and make required adjustments to the power generating capacity or to control the flow of electricity via a substation.
  • Occasionally stretches up and across when working on equipment and adjusting machines.
  • Squatting, crouching or kneeling movements are not a significant component of the job.
  • Bending is required occasionally.
  • Twisting of the body or neck is not a significant component of the job.
  • There is an occasional requirement for lifting and carrying equipment and tools to complete manual work on-site.
  • Repetitive hand and arm movements except for data entry.
  • Driving is not required.
  • Mental skills necessary include practical, technical and problem-solving skills.
Entry signal Model estimate

Requires a substantial formal qualification.

Entry barrier Formal qualification
Licence / registration No licence required
ANZSCO skill level 3
Next-day ready No

Unverified — this label is model-generated and not yet clinician-reviewed. Confirm against the WTDS before relying on it.

How this was determined (model-generated): Power gen operator: snippet is generic L4/3yrs boilerplate with no named licence; the 'registration required' claim is unsupported, so licence is none not may_be_required.

Entry Requirements

  • A New Zealand Register Level 4 qualification or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.
  • Registration or licensing is required.

Further Comments

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.