Power Plant Operators, sometimes called Senior Power Plant Operators, are key members of the crew that operates an electrical power generating plant. They work under the direction of a shift supervisor, or other designated person in charge of the overall integration of the power plant into the electrical power distribution system. The critical plant operation is the phasing in of electric power from the generator to the power distribution panel. This is accomplished by controlling the generator output to exactly match the phase, frequency, and voltage of the electricity presently being supplied to the panel and then closing the switch to phase in the new power supply.
Operators control and direct the loading and phasing in of generators.
They also determine the operating status of their plant by inspection of records, log book entries, and discussion with other plant personnel. They may also operate equipment for starting, stopping, or regulating steam generating boilers, auxiliary pumping systems, and turbine generator units. Power Reactor Operators, also known as Nuclear Reactor Operators, must also understand the operation of nuclear reactors. Operators direct Assistant Control Operators, Plant Equipment Operators, or Auxiliary Operators in their work, train the apprentices who work on the shift and conduct local inspection and operations outside of the control room as necessary. They also observe various dials and gauges that indicate the output and the normal running conditions for the various systems and prepare records and reports.