Power Engineers and Power Systems Operators
(NOC 9241)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesPower engineers, also known as stationary engineers, operate and maintain reactors, turbines, boilers, generators, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment to generate electrical power and to provide heat, light, refrigeration and other utility services for commercial, institutional and industrial plants and facilities. Power systems operators monitor and operate computerized switchboards and related equipment in electrical control centres to control the distribution of electrical power in transmission networks. They are employed by power generation plants, electrical power utilities, manufacturing plants, hospitals, universities and government and commercial establishments.
Job Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Power Engineers and Power Systems Operators most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.
The median employment income for 69% of Power Engineers and Power Systems Operators who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $73,932. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$16.00
Minimum$26.00
Median$41.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$21,277
Minimum$68,260
Median$118,760
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$12.00
Minimum$18.75
Median$30.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Power engineers, also known as stationary engineers, operate and maintain reactors, turbines, boilers, generators, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment to generate electrical power and to provide heat, light, refrigeration and other utility services for commercial, institutional and industrial plants and facilities. Power systems operators monitor and operate computerized switchboards and related equipment in electrical control centres to control the distribution of electrical power in transmission networks. They are employed by power generation plants, electrical power utilities, manufacturing plants, hospitals, universities and government and commercial establishments.
Job duties
Power engineers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate automated or computerized control systems, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment such as reactors, boilers, turbines, generators, pumps, compressors, pollution control devices and other equipment to generate electrical power and to provide light, heat, ventilation and refrigeration for buildings, industrial plants and other work sites.
- Start up and shut down power plant equipment, control switching operations, regulate water levels and communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate transmission loads, frequency and line voltages.
- Monitor and inspect plant equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, meters and other instruments to measure temperature, pressure and fuel flow, to detect leaks or other equipment malfunctions and to ensure plant equipment is operating at maximum efficiency.
- Analyze and record instrument readings and equipment malfunctions.
- Troubleshoot and perform corrective action and minor repairs to prevent equipment or system failure.
- Clean and lubricate generators, turbines, pumps and compressors and perform other routine equipment maintenance duties using appropriate lubricants and hand, power and precision tools.
- Maintain a daily log of operation, maintenance and safety activities, and write reports on plant operation.
- May assist in the development of operation, maintenance and safety procedures.
Power systems operators perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate and monitor computerized switchboards and auxiliary equipment in electrical control centres to control the distribution and to regulate the flow of electrical power in the transmission network.
- Coordinate, schedule and direct generating station and substation power loads and line voltages to meet distribution demands during daily operations, system outages, repairs and importing or exporting of power.
- Monitor and visually inspect station instruments, meters and alarms to ensure transmission voltages and line loadings are within prescribed limits and to detect equipment failure, line disturbances and outages.
- Issue work and test permits to electrical and mechanical maintenance personnel, assist maintenance and technical personnel to locate and isolate system problems, and assist during routine system testing.
- Complete and maintain station records, logs and reports
Sample job titles
- auxiliary plant operator
- plant maintenance stationary engineer
- power engineer
- power station operator - electrical power systems
- power system operator
- refrigeration plant operator
- stationary engineer
- stationary power engineer
Skills
This work requires accuracy, attention to detail, good mechanical aptitude, and mathematical ability. You must be alert, reliable, and capable of working with minimal supervision. Verbal communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills are needed, as well as the ability to follow instructions. You should be agile, coordinated, and in good physical condition.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school is usually required.
- Power engineers require a college training program in stationary or power engineering and several years of work experience in the field.
- Power engineers require a provincial or territorial power engineering or stationary engineering certificate according to class.
- Stationary engineer trade certification according to class (4th, 3rd, 2nd or 1st class) is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
- Power systems operators require completion of a three- to five-year power system operator apprenticeship program or over three years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in electrical and electronic technology.
- Control room operators at nuclear power plants require licensing from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
Other considerations
People in these jobs are usually required to do shiftwork. The wage rate for apprentices is usually a percentage of the journeyperson rate, increasing upon completion of each stage of the apprenticeship program. There is little mobility between nuclear power generation station operators and other classic or alternative power generation station operators. Progression from lower to higher classes for stationary or power engineers is dependent on further training and experience. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Cape Breton
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Southern
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Utilities
Health Care and Social Assistance
Public Administration
Food and Beverage Product Manufacturing
Paper Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
$67,760 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$65,409 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$63,155 median annual incomeHigh school
$43,615 median annual incomeUniversity certificate or diploma
$69,512 median annual incomeCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,358 median annual incomeLess than high school
$21,011 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$36,968 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$37,356 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,852 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Electrical, electronic and communications engineering technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of electrical, electronics and communication engineers. These programs include courses in electrical circuitry, prototype development and testing; systems analysis and testing, systems maintenance, instrument calibration, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 550, 1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-3737
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Stationary energy sources installer and operator (Canada)
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, repair, operate, and maintain large power sources that could include generating electricity and heat.
Institutions providing this program
21 Woodlawn Road
Dartmouth, NS B2W 2R7
(902) 491-4900
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Certificate of Qualification (Mandatory): This job is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Certification is required to work in this job.