Power Engineer

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Stationary Engineers and Auxiliary Equipment Operators (7351) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Stationary Engineers and Auxiliary Equipment Operators (H221) 
• 2011 NOC: Power engineers and power systems operators (9241) 
• 2016 NOC: Power engineers and power systems operators (9241) 

Power engineers are in charge of the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of industrial equipment that produces power. This includes boilers, steam and gas turbines, generators, gas and diesel internal combustion engines, pumps, condensers, compressors, pressure vessels, and related controls. In large industrial or building complexes, they may be responsible for heating, air-conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, fire systems, and building control systems.

Duties vary from one position to another. In general, power engineers control, start up, shut down, and track the operation of boilers and related equipment. They may use automatic or manual controls, or computerized systems. They also:

• Ensure that safety codes and other applicable regulations are followed
• Monitor alarms, gauges, and other instruments associated with plant operations
• Troubleshoot and take corrective action to prevent equipment or system failures
• Isolate and lock out equipment mechanically and electrically for inspection and repair
• Ensure that equipment and processes operate at maximum efficiency
• Take chemical tests of boiler water and other process samples, interpret them, and determine appropriate chemical treatments
• Help to develop operation, maintenance, and safety procedures
• Prepare equipment for maintenance and inspection (using shut down, lock out, and restart) procedures
• Maintain a daily log of operation, maintenance, and safety activities
• Investigate and report on safety-related incidents
• Write reports about plant operation and advise on operational issues to improve plant performance
• Work with outside agencies, consultants, and contractors, such as advising designers on equipment operation details to achieve optimal performance

Industrial plants and building operations often are automated to enhance production efficiency and improve safety. In some plants, senior power engineers may work in the control room, analyzing problems and taking action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems. At times, they switch from automatic to manual controls to correct problems and ensure the safety of staff and equipment.

Working conditions vary in this occupation. In entry-level positions, power engineers may be exposed to high noise levels, temperatures, and humidity. They may encounter all types of outdoor weather conditions, as well as dust, grease, hazardous chemicals, or unpleasant odours. For example, those working in coal-fired power generating stations are exposed to coal dust and fly ash. In large plants, power engineers may have to enter confined spaces or inspect equipment located at extreme heights. Power engineers with more advanced training and experience often work in climate-controlled spaces or in offices.

Power engineers may have to lift heavy items, climb ladders, staircases, and scaffolds, and work at heights. This may be needed only on occasion, or as part of a routine. Safety precautions and procedures, such as use of respiratory protective equipment, are a standard part of operations to reduce risk of injury. Some plants do not allow smoking anywhere on site.

Power engineers often work shifts, weekends, holidays, and emergency overtime to accommodate continuous production.

Power engineers may find work in any industry in which boilers are used. For example, they may work in:

• Gas plants
• Power generating plants
• Heavy oil plants
• Petrochemical plants
• Pulp mills
• Plastics plants
• Breweries
• Food production plants
• Refineries
• Hospitals
• Hotels
• Schools and other institutions
• Office and apartment complexes

Job growth is affected by industry converting to technologies that do not require power engineers.

Power engineers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 9241: Power engineers and power systems operators. In Alberta, 78% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction [pdf]
• Manufacturing [pdf]
• Utilities [pdf]

The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• Trends and events affecting overall employment, especially in the industries listed above
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation

In Alberta, the H221: Stationary Engineers and Auxiliary Equipment Operators occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.4% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 60 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) website: www.absa.ca

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