Power Engineers and Power Systems Operators

Nature of work

Power engineers, also known as stationary engineers, supervise, operate, and maintain machinery and boilers. These machines provide steam, power, heat, refrigeration, and other utility services to industrial and commercial facilities. Power systems operators monitor and use computerized switchboards and related equipment in electrical control centres to control the distribution of electrical power in transmission networks. They work for power generation plants, electrical power utilities, manufacturing plants, hospitals, universities, and government and commercial organizations.

Job duties

Power engineers:

• Run automated or computerized control systems, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment like 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 carry out corrective action and minor repairs to prevent equipment or system failure.
• Clean and lubricate generators, turbines, pumps and compressors and do 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 help in the development of operation, maintenance and safety procedures.

Power systems operators:

• Use 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 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

• Mechanical and electrical aptitude
• Good vision, hearing, and hand-eye coordination
• Manual dexterity
• Communication skills in person and in writing
• Organizational and decision-making skills
• The ability to read and interpret blueprints and other plant drawings
• The ability to work safely and efficiently
• The ability to work with others in a team environment
• Attention to detail
• Ability to follow instructions and work with minimal supervision

Job requirements

• High school or equivalent (usually).
• Power systems operators need to complete over three years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in electrical and electronic technology.
• Power engineers need a college training program in stationary or power engineering and several years of work experience in the field or the completion of an apprenticeship program for 4th, 3rd, or 2nd power engineers.
• Trade Qualifier option, see Trade Regulations for Power Engineers.
• Power engineer trade certification according to class (4th, 3rd, 2nd or 1st class) is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
• To work in the Power Engineer trade, an individual requires a license or permit under the regulatory authority in Nova Scotia, the Technical Safety Division.

Other considerations

• Working conditions vary in this occupation. In entry-level positions, power engineers may be exposed to high noise levels, temperatures, and humidity. They may encounter all types of outdoor weather conditions, as well as dust, grease, hazardous chemicals, or unpleasant odours.
• In large plants, power engineers may have to enter confined spaces or inspect equipment located at extreme heights. Power engineers with more advanced training and experience often work in climate-controlled spaces or in offices.
• Power engineers may need to lift heavy items, climb ladders, staircases, and scaffolds, and worm at heights.
• Power engineers often work shifts, weekends, holidays, and emergency overtime to accommodate continuous production.
• Job growth is affected by industry converting to technologies that do not require power engineers.
• Advancement from lower to higher classes for power engineers is dependent on further training and experience. Advancement to senior positions is possible with experience.

Regulations

Contacts