Will “Powerhouse Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

89% Chance of Automation

“Powerhouse Operator” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #529 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

Care to share? Click for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or XING. 👍

Job Description

Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment, such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 51-8021.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 61,410.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 29.00
Currently, there are 33,720 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Powerhouse Operator”

Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.
Clean and lubricate boilers and auxiliary equipment and make minor adjustments as needed, using hand tools.
Receive instructions from steam engineers regarding steam plant and air compressor operations.
Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.
Activate valves to maintain required amounts of water in boilers, to adjust supplies of combustion air, and to control the flow of fuel into burners.
Fire coal furnaces by hand or with stokers and gas- or oil-fed boilers, using automatic gas feeds or oil pumps.
Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels.
Check the air quality of ventilation systems and make adjustments to ensure compliance with mandated safety codes.
Operate mechanical hoppers and provide assistance in their adjustment and repair.
Supervise the work of assistant stationary engineers, turbine operators, boiler tenders, or air conditioning and refrigeration operators and mechanics.
Provide assistance to plumbers in repairing or replacing water, sewer, or waste lines, and in daily maintenance activities.
Investigate and report on accidents.
Adjust controls and/or valves on equipment to provide power, and to regulate and set operations of system or industrial processes.
Test electrical systems to determine voltages, using voltage meters.
Weigh, measure, and record fuel used.
Monitor and inspect equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, safety devices, and meters to detect leaks or malfunctions and to ensure that equipment is operating efficiently and safely.
Contact equipment manufacturers or appropriate specialists when necessary to resolve equipment problems.
Ignite fuel in burners, using torches or flames.
Perform or arrange for repairs, such as complete overhauls, replacement of defective valves, gaskets, or bearings, or fabrication of new parts.
Install burners and auxiliary equipment, using hand tools.
Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems.
Switch from automatic to manual controls and isolate equipment mechanically and electrically to allow for safe inspection and repair work.
Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment such as pumps, compressors, and air-conditioning equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools.
Develop operation, safety, and maintenance procedures or assist in their development.
Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work.

Related Technology & Tools

Power drills
Manifold test gauges
Straight screwdrivers
Filter masks
Programmable logic controllers PLC
Grapple cranes
Phillips head screwdrivers
Adjustable wrenches
Dropping pipettes
Power meters
Combustion analyzers
Electronic temperature sensors
Opacity meters
Dial indicators
Dial calipers
Grease guns
Voltmeters
Ladders
Ohmmeters
Safety gloves
Micrometers
Socket wrench sets
Two way radios
Pneumatic pumps
Metal cutting dies
Tapping machines
Locking pliers
Precision levels
Hand pipe threaders
Steam cleaning equipment
Safety glasses
Descalers
Rotary hammers
Hydraulic boom trucks
pH indicators
Electronic remote reading thermometers
Oxyacetylene welding equipment
Gas brazing equipment
Power saws
Drill presses
Protective ear plugs
Hydraulic press frames
Oil guns
Turbidimeters
Pressure gauges
Layout squares
Conductivity meters
Ratchets
Scaffolding
Claw hammers
Self-contained breathing apparatus
Thermocouples
Graduated glass cylinders
Metal cutting taps
Pipe wrenches
Digital multimeters
Infrared guns
Bourdon tubes
Forklifts
Water column gauges
Pipe cutters
Electric drain augers
Pressure transmitters
Equipment cleaning scrapers
Hydrometers
Amp meters
Shielded arc welding tools
Colorimeters
Industrial platform scales
Sandblasters
Sling psychrometers
Personal computers
Bench lathes

Data entry software
Microsoft Office
Spreadsheet software
Building management system software
Statistical software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
Word processing software
Web browser software
Database software
Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Graphics software
Email software