Will “Steam Plant Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

89% Chance of Automation

“Steam Plant 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.

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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 “Steam Plant Operator”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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