Power Engineers and Power Systems Operators

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.

Regulations

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