Profession hydroelectric plant operator

Hydroelectric plant operators operate and maintain the equipment used in the production of energy from the movement of water. They monitor the measuring equipment, assess the production needs, and adapt the water flow to meet these needs. They also perform repairs and maintenance duties.

Would you like to know what kind of career and professions suit you best? Take our free Holland code career test and find out.

Personality Type

Knowledge

  • Electric current

    Flow of electric charge, carried by electrons or ions in a medium such as an electrolyte or a plasma.

  • Electricity

    Understand the principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.

  • Electrical power safety regulations

    The compliance with safety measures which need to be taken during the installation, operation, and maintenance of constructions and equipment which function in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power, such as the appropriate safety gear, equipment handling procedures, and preventive actions.

  • Hydroelectricity

    The generation of electrical power through the usage of hydropower, which uses gravitational force of moving water, and the benefits and negative aspects of using hydropower as a renewable source of energy.

  • Electric generators

    The principles and operations of devices that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as dynamos and alternators, rotors, stators, armatures, and fields.

  • Hydraulics

    The power transmission systems that use the force of flowing liquids to transmit power.

Skills

  • Maintain hydraulic systems

    Perform routine maintenance and repairs on systems which use pressurised fluids to provide power to machines and equipment.

  • Maintain electrical equipment

    Test electrical equipment for malfunctions. Take safety measures, company guidelines, and legislation concerning electrical equipment into account. Clean, repair and replace parts and connections as required.

  • Monitor electric generators

    Monitor the operation of electric generators in power stations in order to ensure functionality and safety, and to identify need for repairs and maintenance.

  • Operate hydraulic pumps

    Operate hydraulic pumping systems.

  • Operate hydraulic machinery controls

    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.

  • Wear appropriate protective gear

    Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.

  • Apply health and safety standards

    Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.

Optional knowledge and skills

renewable energy technologies liaise with engineers ensure compliance with electricity distribution schedule provide advice to technicians resolve equipment malfunctions replace large components read engineering drawings develop strategies for electricity contingencies technical drawings install hydraulic systems respond to electrical power contingencies coordinate electricity generation arrange equipment repairs maintain records of maintenance interventions electricity consumption ensure safety in electrical power operations ensure equipment maintenance

Source: Sisyphus ODB