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What does a generator operator do?

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read

A generator operator performs repair and other critical services on all generator sets. They use logical troubleshooting steps to identify the cause of generator failure or any other problem and determine the correct action by inspecting the failed parts. These professionals use the required engine technical skills when inspecting, disassembling, conducting failure analysis, assembling, diagnosing, and testing the engine performance. Besides transporting and disposing of hazardous materials, generator operators also test oil, fuel coolant, and batteries for analysis.

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Generator operator responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real generator operator resumes:

  • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
  • Work with calipers, gauges and scales.
  • Rig up and rig down wireline equipment at location with no supervision.
  • Maneuver lifting devices around and under load pallets, and secure cargo for transport or shipment destination.
  • Perform oilfield service operations, rig up tools operate equipment maintain inventory and work with persons from all around the world.
  • Certify Halliburton wireline crane operator.
  • Package pallets according to procedure policy.
  • Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.
  • Balance deposits, cash drawers, and safe according to daily totals record by POS main computer.
  • Regenerate ion exchange resins and other media utilizing PLC control equipment for backwash chemical addition and rinsing.

Generator operator skills and personality traits

We calculated that 14% of Generator Operators are proficient in Hand Tools, Data Entry, and Quality Standards. They’re also known for soft skills such as Leadership skills, Management skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Generator Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Hand Tools, 14%

    Utilize a variety of pneumatic and hand tools to assemble products according to daily schedule.

  • Data Entry, 12%

    Automated data entry increasing data integrity and speed of entry saving $25,000 yearly.

  • Quality Standards, 10%

    Produced technical impacts to quality standards.

  • Hazardous Materials, 7%

    Serviced commercial generators and heavy equipment * Handled hazardous materials

  • Calipers, 7%

    Measure completed work pieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.

  • CDL, 6%

    Work with explosives and high pressure equipment and have a class A CDL license to drive equipment.

Most generator operators use their skills in "hand tools," "data entry," and "quality standards" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential generator operator responsibilities here:

Leadership skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a generator operator to have is leadership skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources." Generator operators often use leadership skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "unload trucks accomplishments leadership skills used leadership"

Problem-solving skills. generator operators are also known for problem-solving skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to generator operator responsibilities, because "top executives need to identify and resolve issues within an organization." A generator operator resume example shows how problem-solving skills is used in the workplace: "ensured that product quality met customer specifications trouble shoot and resolved problems maintained a cleaned workspace. "

Time-management skills. For certain generator operator responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "time-management skills." The day-to-day duties of a generator operator rely on this skill, as "top executives do many tasks concurrently to ensure that their work gets done and that the organization meets its goals." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what generator operators do: "perform assigned tasks in order to obtain production deadlines while keeping with in safety standards. "

Communication skills. A commonly-found skill in generator operator job descriptions, "communication skills" is essential to what generator operators do. Generator operator responsibilities rely on this skill because "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." You can also see how generator operator duties rely on communication skills in this resume example: "maintain inventory of telecommunications hardware including warranty and hazardous materials status which assisted with the auditing process. "

All generator operator skills

The three companies that hire the most generator operators are:

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Compare different generator operators

Generator operator vs. District manager

District managers oversee the operations of a group of stores or areas covered by the assigned district. They are responsible for ensuring that the sales, marketing, quality control, and people management of their community align with the company's direction. They review the district's financial statement, draft ways to improve the district's key metrics, and mitigate any challenges that may come their way. They are also responsible for hiring store or area managers and training them to ensure that they will be significant contributors to the organization.

We looked at the average generator operator salary and compared it with the wages of a district manager. Generally speaking, district managers are paid $65,428 higher than generator operators per year.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between generator operators and district manager. For instance, generator operator responsibilities require skills such as "hand tools," "data entry," "quality standards," and "hazardous materials." Whereas a district manager is skilled in "customer service," "multi-unit," "customer satisfaction," and "payroll." This is part of what separates the two careers.

District managers earn the highest salaries when working in the pharmaceutical industry, with an average yearly salary of $119,906. On the other hand, generator operators are paid more in the energy industry with an average salary of $36,305.On average, district managers reach similar levels of education than generator operators. District managers are 3.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Generator operator vs. Manager

Managers are responsible for a specific department, function, or employee group. They oversee their assigned departments and all the employees under the department. Managers are responsible that the department they are handling is functioning well. They set the department goals and the steps they must take to achieve the goals. They are also in charge of assessing the performance of their departments and their employees. Additionally, managers are responsible for interviewing prospective candidates for department vacancies and assessing their fit to the needs of the department. Managers also set the general working environment in the department, and they are expected to ensure that their employees remain motivated.

A career as a manager brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a generator operator. In fact, managers salary is $27,170 higher than the salary of generator operators per year.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, generator operator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "hand tools," "data entry," "quality standards," and "hazardous materials." Meanwhile, a manager has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "payroll," "food safety," and "financial statements." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Managers may earn a higher salary than generator operators, but managers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $71,781. On the other hand, generator operators receive higher pay in the energy industry, where they earn an average salary of $36,305.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Managers tend to reach similar levels of education than generator operators. In fact, they're 4.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Generator operator vs. Service manager

Service managers are employees who oversee the departments related to providing services to customers. They ensure that service delivery agreements are met by employees in the department. Service managers meet with stakeholders to set service delivery metrics and department goals. They then create strategies to reach these metrics and goals. They are responsible for cascading such goals and metrics to their employees and ensuring that the employees understand what they need to do. Service managers should have a deep understanding and appreciation of the company and its business so that they can create strategies that are in line with the company's identity. They should also be familiar with the customer profiles of the company. Service managers are also responsible for creating department reports and sharing these with stakeholders.

On average, service managers earn higher salaries than generator operators, with a $42,528 difference per year.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, generator operators are more likely to have skills like "hand tools," "data entry," "quality standards," and "hazardous materials." But a service manager is more likely to have skills like "pos," "performance reviews," "cash handling," and "food handling."

Service managers make a very good living in the technology industry with an average annual salary of $81,922. On the other hand, generator operators are paid the highest salary in the energy industry, with average annual pay of $36,305.Most service managers achieve a higher degree level compared to generator operators. For example, they're 5.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Generator operator vs. Customer service manager

Customer service managers are in charge of overseeing a group of customer service associates. They ensure that key metrics are met by the employees. These metrics usually include average handling time and customer satisfaction ratings. They also give coaching to employees who might need additional guidance in reaching team goals. Customer service managers are expected to have had experience on the operations floor to balance their role as a strategic leader and a people manager. They should have customer service skills, decision-making skills, and communication skills.

Customer service managers tend to earn a higher pay than generator operators by an average of $30,006 per year.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A generator operator uses "hand tools," "data entry," "quality standards," and "hazardous materials." Customer service managers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "strong customer service," "payroll," "customer satisfaction," and "customer complaints. "customer service managers enjoy the best pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $57,488. For comparison, generator operators earn the highest salary in the energy industry.In general, customer service managers hold similar degree levels compared to generator operators. Customer service managers are 1.7% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of generator operator

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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