Stationary Engineers and Auxiliary Equipment Operators

HOW TO GET THERE

Typical pathway

A typical path for a Canadian secondary-school student is to finish high school courses in math, physics, electricity and other technical subjects, then enter a power engineering or related college program. Some students may start in a technical diploma or certificate program, while others gain experience through entry-level work around boilers, pumps, generators or other building systems. After that, early work often includes learning to monitor equipment, keep logs, do routine maintenance and help with minor repairs under supervision. Requirements can vary by employer, province and the type of plant or building.

THE WORK

What you may do

Legacy duties

• Operate automated or computerized control systems, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment such as boilers, turbines, generators, pumps, compressors, pollution control devices and other equipment to provide heat, ventilation, refrigeration, light and power for buildings, industrial plants and other work sites
• Monitor and inspect plant equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, meters and other instruments to measure temperature, pressure and fuel flow, to detect leaks or other equipment malfunctions and to ensure plant equipment is operating at maximum efficiency
• Analyze and record instrument readings and equipment malfunctions
• Troubleshoot and perform corrective action and minor repairs to prevent equipment or system failure
• Clean and lubricate generators, turbines, pumps and compressors and perform other routine equipment maintenance duties using appropriate lubricants and hand, power and precision tools
• Maintain a daily log of operation, maintenance and safety activities, and write reports about plant operation
• May assist in the development of operation, maintenance and safety procedures.

SKILLS TO BUILD

Skills used in this Career