They also operate and monitor equipment in substations. This equipment changes voltage up and down as well as the flow of electricity in and out of substations. Power Plant Operators is in the Manufacturing and Processing Career Cluster. Because power is needed 24 hours a day, operators must be at the plant all day. Thus operators and others work the day, evening, or night shift.
Workers rotate shifts every few weeks so that they share the less desirable shifts.
Working rotating shifts can be stressful and fatiguing because of the constant change in sleeping and living patterns. This occupation is not physically difficult but the constant attention can be mentally tiring. Operators who work outside the control room may be exposed to danger from electric shock and radiation. They may also work in noisy conditions. Nuclear power plant operators are subjects to random drug and alcohol tests.