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Career Details : Auxiliary Equipment Operators, Power

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Description

Control and maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feedwater heaters, filters, and chlorinators, that supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, and auxiliary power for turbines, generators, boilers, and other power-generating plant facilities.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

Tasks

  • Assists in making electrical repairs.
  • Tends portable or stationary high-pressure boilers that supply heat or power for engines, turbines, and steam-powered equipment.
  • Replenishes electrolyte in batteries and oil in voltage transformers and resets tripped electric relays.
  • Cleans and lubricates equipment and collects oil, water, and electrolyte samples for laboratory analysis to prevent equipment failure or deterioration,
  • Reads gauges to verify that units are operating at specified capacity, and listens for sounds warning of mechanical malfunction.
  • Opens and closes valves and switches in sequence upon signal from other worker to start or shut down auxiliary units.
  • Tightens leaking gland and pipe joints and reports need for major equipment repairs.

    Related Careers

    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Degree of Automation
    • Indoors
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Consequence of Error
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
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