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Power plant operator skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical power plant operator skills. We ranked the top skills for power plant operators based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 8.8% of power plant operator resumes contained plant equipment as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a power plant operator needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 power plant operator skills for your resume and career

1. Plant Equipment

The equipment that has a capital nature and can be easily moved from personal property is called plant equipment. Unlike fixed equipment, plant equipment is temporarily added to the structure of a building. These can be appliances, power tools, forklifts, vehicles, etc. Plant equipment plays a vital role in plant maintenance and ensures that the area has minimum breakdowns and the plant is fully functional at the lowest possible cost

Here's how power plant operators use plant equipment:

Observed operation of plant equipment and processes for normal operation and identified developing problems.
Conducted preventive/conditional maintenance of plant equipment and systems and performed plant start-ups and shutdowns.

2. Steam Boilers

Here's how power plant operators use steam boilers:

Monitored and operated two 1200 PSI steam boilers, a 45 MW turbine generator, and associated equipment.
Operated and maintained super steam boilers, main engines, and associated propulsion equipment.

3. Auxiliary Equipment

Auxiliary Equipment will differ depending on the work environment, but it is often recognized as machinery that promotes efficiency within a company. Auxiliary equipment can complete work without employee input or direct communication. This equipment can range from something as simple as conveyor belts and bulk storage to more complex machines that assist with oil extraction.

Here's how power plant operators use auxiliary equipment:

Managed and completed necessary maintenance on propulsion machinery, turbo generators, auxiliary equipment, and outside machinery.
Dispatched orders or instructions to personnel through radio-telephone or intercommunication systems to coordinate auxiliary equipment operation.

4. Plant Operations

Here's how power plant operators use plant operations:

Assisted in ongoing plant operations to ensure reactor power demands and maintenance needs were expeditiously met without hindering overall power requirements.
Perform troubleshooting operations, process controls in the production process of generating electric power for plant operations.

5. Cooling Towers

Here's how power plant operators use cooling towers:

Maintained water chemistry on all cooling towers on Auburn site by performing testing, calibration and repair of chemical systems.
Perform preventive maintenance on the boilers, feed water pumps, condenser pumps, cooling towers and diesel generators.

6. Condensers

Here's how power plant operators use condensers:

Controlled and maintained auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors and condensers.
Cleaned and repaired condensers and steam traps and checked valves and air compressors.

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7. Heat Exchangers

A heat exchanger is used to transfer heat from one medium to another. The heat exchanger is used in both the heating and cooling process.

Here's how power plant operators use heat exchangers:

Directed repairs on valves, pumps, heat exchangers and saved the Navy over $100,000 in contractor costs.
Operate the plant water treatment equipment including filters, RO unit, heat exchangers and chemical feed systems.

8. Preventative Maintenance

Here's how power plant operators use preventative maintenance:

Supervised corrective and preventative maintenance actions and testing of reactor plant systems during both shipyard overhaul and operational conditions.
Performed duties and supervised plant mechanics conducting preventative maintenance or repairs on generator sets and plant ancillary equipment.

9. Switches

Here's how power plant operators use switches:

Instrument Proficiency: Power Monitoring Equipment Control and Alarm Circuits Controllers Electrical Test Instrumentation Pressure and Temp switches Power Generations
Operate breakers, air switches, & relays.

10. Equipment Operation

Equipment operation is the process of managing and maintaining industrial equipment. This involves installing, maintaining, testing, modifying, operating, and managing the equipment's life cycle. Examples of specialized equipment include pressure vessels, industrial pipes, and rotating machinery. Engineering associations such as the EEMUA help companies to be well-versed in equipment operations.

Here's how power plant operators use equipment operation:

Investigate and report any anomalies, take corrective action to maintain efficient equipment operation.
Monitor equipment and maintain records of equipment operational status.

11. Pipe Joints

Here's how power plant operators use pipe joints:

Make adjustments or minor repairs such as tightening leaking gland and pipe joints; report any needs for major repairs.

12. Air Compressors

An air compressor is a power tool used to convert power into potential energy, which is generally stored in the form of compressed air. Air compressors have several methods of pushing more air into a cylinder, thereby increasing the pressure. The compressor stops when the pressure reaches its upper limit and remains in the tank until demand occurs.

Here's how power plant operators use air compressors:

Operate, maintain, and repair boilers, chillers, air compressors, generators, and all auxiliary machinery.
Operate vacuum pumps and systems, air compressors for various styles including screw compressors and reciprocating compressors.

13. Assess Equipment

Here's how power plant operators use assess equipment:

Inspect records and log book entries, and communicate with other plan personnel in order to assess equipment operating status.
Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.

14. Safety Procedures

Safety procedures are a set of standardized procedures, that ensures minimal to no risk to people, resources, and the work environment. A company follows the step-by-step safety procedures as it they not only keep the customers and the employees safe, but also help in avoiding legal claims.

Here's how power plant operators use safety procedures:

Operated nuclear power reactors and boilers using knowledge of process, and following safety procedures.
Full knowledge of routine procedures, operating systems, safety procedures, and fire safety.

15. Control Board

A control board is a board that comprises buttons, switches, and other electronic parts.These boards are set-up in any place that uses electricity, e.g., houses, restaurants, hotels, industries, etc.

Here's how power plant operators use control board:

Operate or control power generating equipment including generators by using control boards.
Monitor and record switchboard or control board readings to ensure that electrical or steam distribution equipment is operating properly.

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List of power plant operator skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a power plant operator resume and required skills for a power plant operator to have include:

Plant Equipment
Steam Boilers
Auxiliary Equipment
Plant Operations
Cooling Towers
Condensers
Heat Exchangers
Preventative Maintenance
Switches
Equipment Operation
Pipe Joints
Air Compressors
Assess Equipment
Safety Procedures
Control Board
Ladders

Ventilation
Control Room
Mechanical Equipment
Emergency Situations
HVAC
Log Book Entries
Boiler Water
Steam Turbine
Routine Maintenance
Control Systems
Water Softeners
Blowers
Water Systems
Mechanical Systems
Water Chemistry
Plant Systems

Water Treatment Plant
SCADA
Corrective Maintenance
LOTO
Turbine Generators
PLC
General Maintenance
Compile Operational Data
Electrical Equipment
Corrective Action
Perform Routine Maintenance
Steam Generators
Centrifugal Chillers
Water Pumps
Reverse Osmosis
Diesel Generators

Updated January 8, 2025

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.

Updated January 8, 2025

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