Steam Plant Operator Stationary Plant & Machine Operators
SaveWhat Does a Steam Plant Operator Do?
Steam plant operators operate and maintain mechanical equipment such as stationary engines and boilers to provide utilities for domestic or industrial use. They monitor proceedings to ensure compliance with safety regulations, and perform tests to ensure quality.
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Where Do I Start?
Hydraulics
The power transmission systems that use the force of flowing liquids to transmit power.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become a Steam Plant Operator
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialHydraulics knowledge
The power transmission systems that use the force of flowing liquids to transmit power.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialThermodynamics knowledge
The branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy..
Recommended Books
1 book -
EssentialMechanics knowledge
Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialTypes Of Steam Engines knowledge
The different types of heat engines which use steam as working fluid and are used to produce motion, such as steam turbines and stationary steam engines, and their various components.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialConduct Routine Machinery Checks skill
Check machinery and equipment to ensure reliable performance during use and operations in worksites.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Automated Machines skill
Continuously check up on the automated machine's set-up and execution or make regular control rounds. If necessary, record and interpret data on the operating conditions of installations and equipment in …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Utility Equipment skill
Monitor equipment which provides utility services such as power, heat, refrigeration, and steam, in order to ensure they are functional, operate according to regulations, and to check for faults.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialMonitor Valves skill
Monitor and accordingly adjust the valves in order to allow a specific amount of liquids (such as ammonia sulfuric acid or viscous soap) or steam into the mixer or machine.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Maintenance On Installed Equipment skill
Perform the maintenance on installed equipment on-site. Follow procedures to avoid uninstalling equipment from machinery or vehicles.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialResolve Equipment Malfunctions skill
Identify, report and repair equipment damage and malfunctions; communicate with field representatives and manufacturers to obtain repair and replacement components.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialUse Testing Equipment skill
Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialAdjust Cylinder Valves skill
Adjust the tension on the cylinder valves or change the valves with torque wrench.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of 16 displayed)
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OptionalHeating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning And Refrigeration Parts knowledge
The different parts constituing heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems such as the different valves, fans, compressors, condensers, filters and other components.
Recommended Books
3 books -
OptionalAutomation Technology knowledge
Set of technologies that make a process, system, or apparatus operate automatically through the use of control systems.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalElectricity knowledge
Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalManufacturing Of Steam Generators knowledge
The manufacture of steam or other vapour generators, the manufacture of auxiliary plant for use with steam generators: condensers, economisers, superheaters, steam collectors and accumulators. The manufacture of nuclear reactors, …
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalArrange Equipment Repairs skill
Arrange for equipment repairs when necessary.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCollaborate With Engineers skill
Work closely and communicate with engineers on designs or new products.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMaintain Records Of Maintenance Interventions skill
Keep written records of all repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, including information on the parts and materials used, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalMonitor Water Quality skill
Measure water quality: temperature, oxygen, salinity, pH, N2, NO2,NH4, CO2, turbidity, chlorophyll. Monitor microbiological water quality.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Automated Process Control skill
Operate process control or automation system (PAS) used to control a production process automatically.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Hydraulic Machinery Controls skill
use correctly the controls of specialized machinery by turning valves, handwheels, or rheostats to move and control flow of fuels, water, and dry or liquid binders to machines.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Minor Repairs To Equipment skill
Conduct routine maintenance on equipment. Recognise and identify minor defects in equipment and make repairs if appropriate.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Personal Protection Equipment skill
Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Boiler skill
Operate sealed vessels which contain fluids which are heated or vaporised, not always up to boiling, for heating or power generation, such as in utilities. Ensure safe procedures by monitoring …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Stationary Steam Engine skill
Operate engines which are fixed in place and use power generated by steam to drive equipment, ensuring that the equipment is safe, and monitoring the equipment to identify faults and …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOperate Steam Turbine skill
Operate equipment which uses thermal energy, extracted from pressurised steam, to generate rotary motion. Ensure that the turbine is balanced, and operates according to safety regulations and legislation, by monitoring …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRepair Heating Equipment skill
Repair boilers, heat exchangers, fired heaters, tanks, reactors and other pressure vessels by use of welding techniques applied to cut and formed metal sheets.
Course recommendations coming soon.