The two types of electric power generation technicians can most readily be distinguished by their place in the power generation and distribution process. Power plant operators control the machinery that generates electricity. They control equipment that distributes power among generators, combine the current for several generators, and regulate the flow of electricity into power lines. When power requirements change, they start or stop generators and connect or disconnect them from circuits. Their most important task is to make sure that electricity is flowing from the plant properly and at the correct voltage.
Power distributors and dispatchers control the flow of electricity through transmission lines to users. They operate current converters, voltage trans-formers, and circuit breakers. Their job requires them to anticipate power needs, such as those caused by a change in weather, and call control room operators to start or stop boilers and generators to bring electric production into power with need. Power dispatchers are also responsible for handling emergencies, such as those caused by substation damage, transformer failures, or power line problems-most often caused by downed trees. They also operate substations where they can step-up or step-down voltage and operate equipment to control the flow of electricity in and out of substations.
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The minimal educational requirement for a job as an electric power generation technician is a high school diploma. Many entry-level technicians are trained on the job, but a strong background in high school mathematics and science is preferred by employers. Most trainees are first assigned as assistants, power plant laborers, or power line construction workers and are later evaluated for operator and distributor positions. Future assignments generally depend on the results of aptitude tests, work performance, and the availability of openings. Workers selected for technician positions receive extensive in-house and classroom training provided by the employer. Several years of training and experience are required to become a fully qualified control room operator or power distributor. Some two-year colleges and technical institutes offer certificates and training in electric plant operation. Graduates generally bypass the plant apprenticeship period and are hired directly as plant operator or power distributor trainees. In addition to the initial training period, all operators and power distributors are given periodic refresher courses and information on new operation technologies and techniques.
Special Certification
Outside of in-house training programs, there are no special certifications or licensing requirements for this occupation.
Setting
Electric power generation technicians work at plants around the country in both rural and urban areas. Urban areas have more employment opportunities because power demand is highest in these locations. Operators and distributors who work in control rooms generally sit or stand at a control station. While this work is not physically demanding, it requires a great amount of attention. At older generation stations, controls are not central
Petroleum Refinery Operator Chemical Plant Operator Science Technician Solar Collector Technicianized, so operators work throughout the plant operating and monitoring valves, switches, and gauges. Operators working outside the control room may be exposed to danger from electric shock, falls, or burns.
Technicians work 40-hour weeks, but because plants are operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they are required to work nights and weekends, usually on a rotating schedule. Workers periodically rotate to a different daily shift so that less desirable shifts are shared by all operators. These schedule shifts can be fatiguing because of the change in sleeping and living patterns.
Employment Statistics And Major Employers
In the early 1990s about 43,000 electric power generation technicians were employed in the United States. Overall, employment opportunities for electric power generation technicians is expected to grow slightly slower than the average for all occupations up to the years to come. Because of vigorous electric plant construction projects during the past several years, the construction of new plants and upgrading of older facilities is expected to slow during the next several years. In addition, newer plants are constructed with a far greater number of automated systems that require the services of fewer technicians. As educational requirements are moderate and wages and job benefits are high, competition for jobs is keen. Most job openings will occur as workers leave the work force or transfer to other occupations.
More than 90% of these individuals work for public and private electric utility companies and government agencies that produce electricity. In the federal government, technicians work at Department of Energy facilities, located primarily in the southeastern United States. The Bureau of Reclamation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which runs many hydroelectric plants at dam sites primarily in the Southwest and far West, hire these technicians. In addition, some technicians are employed by private companies that run their own power generation plants.
Salary Statistics
Compared to the salaries of technicians in related industries, the weekly earnings of electric power generation technicians are relatively high. In 1992, the weekly median earnings for these workers was about $750. According to information derived from union contracts, weekly wages for power plant operators ranged from $510 to $802, while weekly wages for senior power plant operators ranged from $565 to $910.
In the federal government, salaries are based on the General Schedule (GS); however, salaries depend heavily upon education, experience, and type of work performed. For entry-level technicians with a two-year degree, salaries range from $14,603 to $19,562 per year.
