Explore unit group

Version:
NOC 2006 Version 1.0

7352 – Power Systems and Power Station Operators

Power systems operators monitor and operate switchboards and related equipment in electrical control centres to control the distribution of electrical power in transmission networks. Power station operators operate reactors, turbines, boilers, generators and other related equipment in electrical generating stations and substations. They are employed by electric power utilities and by some large manufacturing facilities.

Profile

Index of titles Example job titles

  • Apprentice power dispatcher
  • Apprentice power dispatcher - electrical power systems
  • Area dispatch chief operator
  • Area load centre dispatcher
  • Automated substation operator - electrical power systems
  • Central-control-room operator - electrical power systems
  • Central-office power control room operator - electrical power systems
  • Chief operator, area dispatch
  • Chief operator, area dispatch - electrical power systems
  • Control room operator - electrical power systems
  • Control room operator, trainee - electrical power systems
  • Conversion substation operator - electrical power systems
  • Diesel generating station operator - electrical power systems
  • Diesel plant operator - electrical power systems
  • Diesel station operator
  • Distribution control operator
  • Distribution control operator - electrical power systems
  • Distribution system dispatcher apprentice - electrical power systems
  • Distribution system operator
  • Electrical generating systems technician (power stations) - military
  • Electrical power systems operator
  • Electrical station operator
  • Electrical station operator - electrical power systems
  • Electrical station power distribution inspector
  • Feeder switchboard apprentice operator - electrical power systems
  • Feeder switchboard operator - electrical power systems
  • Generating station main operator
  • Generating station operator
  • Generating station operator - electrical power systems
  • Generating station switchboard operator
  • Generation substation operator - electrical power systems
  • Hydro-electric generating station operator
  • Hydro-electric power plant operator
  • Load dispatcher - electrical power systems
  • Load dispatcher apprentice - electrical power systems
  • Nuclear generating station field operator
  • Nuclear generating station operator
  • Nuclear generating station operator - electrical power systems
  • Nuclear reactor control room operator - electrical power systems
  • Nuclear reactor operator
  • Nuclear reactor operator - electrical power systems
  • Nuclear station control room operator
  • Power control room operator - electrical power systems
  • Power dispatcher
  • Power dispatcher - electrical power systems
  • Power dispatcher - generating station
  • Power plant operator
  • Power plant operator - electrical power systems
  • Power reactor operator - electrical power systems
  • Power station operator - electrical power systems
  • Power substation operator
  • Power switchboard operator - electrical power systems
  • Power switchboard operator apprentice - electrical power systems
  • Power system operator
  • Power system operator - offshore drilling
  • Rectifier operator - electrical power systems
  • River control operator
  • Station operator - electrical power systems
  • Steam turbine operator - electrical power systems
  • Substation inspector - electrical power systems
  • Substation operator
  • Substation operator - electrical power systems
  • System control centre operator - electrical power systems
  • System controller - electrical power systems
  • System operator - electrical power systems
  • Apprentice power dispatcher
  • Chief operator, area dispatch
  • Diesel station operator
  • Distribution control operator
  • Generating station operator
  • Nuclear reactor operator
  • Power dispatcher
  • Power plant operator
  • Power system operator

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Power systems operators perform some or all of the following duties:
    • Monitor and operate 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
    • Co-ordinate, 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, and 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.
  • Power station operators perform some or all of the following duties:
    • Operate reactors, turbines, boilers, generators, condensers and auxiliary equipment in hydro, thermal and nuclear power plants to generate electrical power
    • Start up and shut down power plant equipment, control switching operations, regulate water levels and communicate with systems operators to regulate and co-ordinate transmission loads, frequency and line voltages
    • Monitor and visually inspect power plant equipment and equipment indicators to detect operating problems and make adjustments or minor repairs as required
    • Complete and maintain station records, logs and reports.

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is required for power systems and power station operators.
  • 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.
  • Trade certification is available, but voluntary for power system operators in Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick.
  • Power station operators require an apprenticeship program in stationary or power engineering or Several years of work experience in the trade and some high school, correspondence or college courses in stationary or power engineering.
  • Power station operators require a provincial or territorial power engineering or stationary engineering certificate according to class.
  • Control room operators at nuclear power plants require licensing from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

Additional information

  • Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Exclusions

Breakdown summary

Broad occupational category
7 – Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators and Related Occupations
Skill level
B – Occupations usually require college education or apprenticeship training.
Major group
73 – Trades and Skilled Transport and Equipment Operators
Minor group
735 – Stationary Engineers and Power Station and System Operators
Version
NOC 2006 Version 1.0