Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.
• Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
• Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
• Control or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feedwater heaters, filters, or chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power.
• Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
• Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
• Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.
• Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.
• Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
• Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.

Further Information

• Electrical Power Plant Operator - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Electrical Power Plant Operator - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

There are many pathways you may explore to develop towards a career working in energy operations. 

Training & Development Pathways

Training can also help you progress and there are both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business and management which can support you in your career.

FET Centre Traineeship: Engineering operations & Technology,  Maintenance Technician in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 5 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Renewable Energy Technology and Control Systems, Engineering, Engineering Technology, Engineering (Pre-Apprenticeship) at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Engineering, Electrical, Lean Sigma Apprenticeships at NFQ levels 6-9 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Engineering, Electrical engineering, energy & sustainable energy engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Renewable Energy at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Postgraduate Study Options Engineering, Management NFQ level 9

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Engineering, Management NFQ level 9

Engineers Ireland

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €75k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Morgan McKinley /CPL/ Excel/ Clark

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite the strong employment growth rate for this occupation over the five-year period, employment only returned to pre-COVID-19 levels in 2022.

Although the green transition may result in an increased demand for elementary workers in energy and sewerage plant operations, the small numbers employed across the various roles in this occupation do not allow for detailed demand analysis.

• Electricity Supply Board (ESB)

  • Head Office, 27 Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2
  • 1850 372 757
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Wind Energy Ireland

  • Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
  • 045 899341
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here