Power Engineers and Power Systems Operators
(NOC 9241)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesPower 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 Outlook
Average
Read more
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Size of the occupation in Nova Scotia: medium, with occasional job opportunities.
Demand: Approximately 45 opportunities are estimated for Halifax, and 60 outside Halifax. Employment growth will lead to a few new positions. High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to employment opportunities. There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation. Several positions will become available due to retirements.
Work hours: full-time, usually. Jobs are typically permanent positions.
Hourly Pay
$22.50
Minimum$33.17
Median$48.38
MaximumAnnual Pay
$21,277
Minimum$68,260
Median$118,760
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$20.80
Median$33.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
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.
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
$68,248 median annual incomeCape Breton
$68,170 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$77,793 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$59,192 median annual incomeSouthern
$64,519 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Utilities
Manufacturing
Health care and social assistance
Public administration
Wholesale trade
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
35-44
25-34
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$69,745 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$71,104 median annual incomeBachelor
$71,620 median annual incomeHigh school
$48,806 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
$80,833 median annual incomeCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,505 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,224 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$38,781 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of electrical, electronics and communication engineers. They include courses in electrical circuitry, prototype development and testing; systems analysis and testing, systems maintenance, instrument calibration, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
University ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of electrical, electronic and related communications systems and their components, including electrical power generation systems, and the analysis of problems such as superconductor, wave propagation, energy storage and retrieval, and reception and amplification.
Institutions providing this program
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Stationary Energy Sources Installer and Operator (Canada)
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students 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
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Individuals must hold a Certification of Qualification, be a registered apprentice, or hold a temporary work permit to legally work in this trade.