# Tasks & work activities — steam turbine operator

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-8013.00 (Power Plant Operators) — manual nearest-occupation mapping via ISCO group 3131; the official ESCO crosswalk has no entry for this ESCO occupation.

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
- **[Supplemental]** Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.
- **[Core]** Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
- **[Core]** Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.
- **[Core]** Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
- **[Core]** Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
- **[Core]** Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
- **[Core]** Control or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feedwater heaters, filters, or chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power.
- **[Core]** Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.
- **[Supplemental]** Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.
- **[Core]** Record and compile operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs, or reports.
- **[Core]** Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.
- **[Supplemental]** Collect oil, water, or electrolyte samples for laboratory analysis.
- **[Core]** Make adjustments or minor repairs, such as tightening leaking gland or pipe joints.
- **[Core]** Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
- **[Supplemental]** Place standby emergency electrical generators on line in emergencies and monitor the temperature, output, and lubrication of the system.
- **[Supplemental]** Receive outage calls and request necessary personnel during power outages or emergencies.
- **[Supplemental]** Examine and test electrical power distribution machinery and equipment, using testing devices.
- **[Core]** Operate or maintain distributed power generation equipment, including fuel cells or microturbines, to produce energy on-site for manufacturing or other commercial purposes.
- **[Supplemental]** Operate, control, or monitor equipment, such as acid or gas carbon dioxide removal units, carbon dioxide compressors, or pipelines, to capture, store, or transport carbon dioxide exhaust.
- **[Supplemental]** Operate, control, or monitor gasifiers or related equipment, such as coolers, water quenches, water gas shifts reactors, or sulfur recovery units, to produce syngas or electricity from coal.
- **[Supplemental]** Operate, control, or monitor integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) or related equipment, such as air separation units, to generate electricity from coal.
- **[nan]** Analyze the layout, instrumentation, or function of electrical generation or transmission facilities.
- **[nan]** Diagnose or troubleshoot problems with gas collection systems.
- **[nan]** Monitor well fields periodically to ensure proper functioning and performance.
- **[nan]** Operate landfill gas, methane, or natural gas fueled electrical generation systems.
- **[nan]** Prepare and submit compliance, operational, and safety forms or reports.
- **[nan]** Repair or replace gas piping.
- **[nan]** Trace electrical circuitry to ensure compliance of electrical systems with applicable codes or laws.
- **[nan]** Verify that well field monitoring data conforms to applicable regulations.

## Detailed work activities

- Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids.
- Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
- Clean production equipment.
- Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
- Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
- Exchange information with colleagues.
- Inspect equipment or systems.
- Lubricate production equipment.
- Maintain production or processing equipment.
- Maintain sustainable energy production equipment.
- Monitor conditions at energy-producing landfills.
- Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
- Monitor lubrication of equipment or workpieces.
- Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
- Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
- Operate energy distribution equipment.
- Operate energy production equipment.
- Operate natural gas generation equipment.
- Operate pumping systems or equipment.
- Record operational or production data.
- Repair production equipment or tools.
- Replace worn equipment components.
- Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
- Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.
- Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.