Power Utilities Technician

 

Career Profile
Power plant operators control and monitor boilers, turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment in power-generating plants. Operators distribute power demands among generators, combine the current from several generators, and monitor instruments to maintain voltage and regulate electricity flows from the plant. When power requirements change, these workers start or stop generators and connect or disconnect them from circuits. Operators in plants with automated control systems work mainly in a central control room. In older plants, the controls for the equipment are not centralized, and auxiliary equipment operators work throughout the plant, operating and monitoring valves, switches, and gauges.

 

Job Outlook
Due to the aging population of workers in this field and the nation-wide emphasis on security, the need for power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers is expected to increase over the next ten years. These high-paying jobs will be attractive to individuals looking to move up in a field that historically has had very low turnover rates in staff.

 

Salary
Starting salary estimates are set roughly at between $14.22 and $16.59 per hour.

Power Utilities Technician

 

Disqualifiers/Barriers

• Must submit to a background check. Drug and assault related offenses are carefully scrutinized.
• Felony and Misdemeanor Offenses
• Driving record has to be acceptable

Important Skills

• High school diploma or GED. One year of related work experience may substitute for one year of the required education with a maximun substitution of four years.
• Texas class "C" drivers license
• Able to perform tasks such as bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting fifty pounds or greater.
• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

 

Power Utilities Technician

 

Educational Programs

Austin Community College

 

License/Certification
Trainees will receive a certificate from ACC upon completion of the required training and internships.

 

Length of Training/Requirements
The Electric Utility Technician certification consists of a one year or three semester curriculum. A part-time internship is built into the curriculum. The Employer Partners will provide additional training and hands on projects.

 

Location of Classes
Lectures and labs are held at the Riverside Campus of Austin Community College located at 1020 Grove Blvd. The internships will be on-site with the Employer Partners.

 

Power Utilities Technician

 

Lower Colorado River Authority

 

Austin Energy