Job Responsibilities
Responsible for natural gas power plant operations including
plant startup, casualty and repair operations. Coordinating with
regional load dispatching and corporate marketing to meet demand
schedules and line capacity requirements. Complex position
requiring not only technical aptitude but ability to understand
complete systems operations in integration.
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Job Requirements
Most in the field have some military power plant operations
experience. However some colleges are offering courses and
degrees in power plant operations. Specifically Navy gas
turbine specialty or nuclear power plant operations are of great
interest to employers in this field.
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Uppers
Plant operations and maintenance work is always changing. The job provides lots
of opportunities for a high quality life including time off and good pay. Work
is steady and often plentiful depending on the area of country that you want to
become employed. The technology in the field is accelerating and this provides
many rewards for people interested in learning new technical skills.
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Downers
Often this position involves rotating shift work and some
overtime during typical periods of vacations. Spring and fall
outages (planned maintenance shutdowns) typically require many
long hours. Some employers seperate maintenance and operations
functions and this can lead to some tedious work at times.
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Lifestyle
This position usually involves rotating shiftwork. Although this might seem bad
it often includes only working 14 days a month. This can be a real boon for
workers who enjoy time off and have hobbies or family that can take advantage of
this situations. Most companies provide some type of working uniform so that
employees don't ruin their clothing (this can be a great benefit in this
position). Companies are usually closely knit families (Especially in gas
turbines) as there are fewer employees and many employees have multiple
functions. Working hours are typically 12 hour shifts for operations teams and
10 hour shifts for maintenance teams. Rotating shift schedules vary.
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Compensation
Pay is typically range from 18 to 40 dollars per hour.
Production and safety bonus' are common and stock purchase
programs are available at some companies. Typically 401(k)
programs and medical benefits are better than average for
manufacturing industry and vacation is typically more generous
because of the rotating shift schedule. Don't forget about
educational benefits as the industry typically pays on the
higher end for employees seeking to continue their knowledge.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Military power plant experience is a huge help. Although craft
skills (electrician, millwright etc.) can attain these
positions, the competition with military personnel is very
high. The future of these position is quite secure. With
environmental regulations and power hungry economies increasing
these eco-friendly and highly reliable power plants will
continue to be commissioned.
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