Overview
Power engineers operate and maintain reactors, turbines, boilers, generators, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment to generate electrical power and to provide heat, light, refrigeration and other utility services for commercial, institutional and industrial buildings and other work sites. Power systems operators monitor and operate switchboards and related equipment in electrical control centres to control the distribution of electrical power in transmission networks. They are employed by power generation plants, electrical power utilities, manufacturing plants, hospitals, universities and government and commercial establishments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Power engineers
Operate automated or computerized control systems, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment such as reactors, boilers, turbines, generators, pumps, compressors, pollution control devices and other equipment to generate electrical power and to provide light, heat, ventilation and refrigeration for buildings, industrial plants and other work sites
Start up and shut down power plant equipment, control switching operations, regulate water levels and communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate transmission loads, frequency and line voltages
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
Respond to emergency situations if required
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 on plant operation and non-compliance
May assist in the development of operation, maintenance and safety procedures.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$64,800
$84,884
$125,136
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
1,414expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Power engineers require a college training program in power engineering and several years of work experience. An exam is mandatory to move from one class to the other.
Power engineers require a provincial or territorial power engineering certificate according to class. There are five classes in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia while there are four classes in Newfoundland/Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut territories.
Additional information
There is little mobility between nuclear power generation station operators and other classic or alternative power generation station operators.
Progression from lower to higher classes for power or stationary engineers is dependent on further training and experience.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as First class power engineer in B.C.
- First Class Power Engineer Certification
First Class Power Engineer Certification
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To work as a first class power engineer in B.C., you will need Technical Safety B.C. certification demonstrating that you have completed the necessary technical training and work experience.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.