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Plant Operator, Stationary Engineer, Steam 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:
| Starting | $33.72 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $39.18 |
| Top | $42.09 |
Interest in controlling and operating automated and computerized control systems, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment
Interest in analyzing information from instrument readings to detect leaks and other equipment malfunctions; may assist in the development of operation, maintenance and safety procedures
Interest in recording instrument readings, in monitoring and inspecting computer terminals, plant equipment, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, meters and other instruments to measure temperature, pressure and fuel flow, in ensuring plant equipment is operating at maximum efficiency and in maintaining a daily log of operation, maintenance and safety activities
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
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:
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 need:
Power engineers should enjoy controlling and operating manual and automated systems. They should also enjoy analyzing information and solving problems. They should be comfortable with rules and organized methods for their work.
Different training and experience are required depending on an individual’s duties and scope of practice. For details, see Certification Requirements.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Power engineers supervise, operate and maintain power plants, heating plants and thermal liquid heating systems. They also may sketch, construct, install, repair or provide advice regarding power or heating plants.
Under Alberta’s Safety Codes Act [pdf] and Power Engineers Regulation [pdf], you must hold an appropriate certificate from the Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) to supervise a power plant, heating plant or thermal heating system. You need different types of certification to operate and maintain different types of boilers. Certification is not required to assist in the operation of a power or heating plant under the supervision of a certified Power Engineer.
There are 5 standardized levels of certification, advancing from 5th Class certificate to 1st Class certificate. Each level has different training and employment experience requirements. There also are 4 provincial levels of certification. These include:
In addition to work experience, you must normally complete an approved course to challenge 4th and 5th Class Certificate of Competency examinations. For official, detailed information about certification requirements, visit the ABSA website.
Power engineers who are certified by and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for certification in Alberta if certified power engineers in the 2 jurisdictions have similar responsibilities and competencies. For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the ABSA website.
To learn about certification for internationally educated power engineers, see Power Engineer Certification Process.
Alberta Boilers Safety Association
9410 20 Ave NW
Edmonton, Alberta T6N 0A4
Canada
Call: 780-437-9100
Fax: 780-437-7787
Email: generalinq@absa.ca
Website: www.absa.ca
Power engineers may find work in any industry in which boilers are used. For example, they may work in:
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:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
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.
Earnings for power engineers vary according to the level of their certification, the responsibilities of the position, and the location and size of the employing organization.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $23.45 | $41.82 | $33.72 | $34.44 |
| Overall | $26.77 | $56.12 | $39.18 | $36.45 |
| Top | $29.13 | $61.81 | $42.09 | $39.13 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Manufacturing | $89,306 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $82,770 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $78,634 |
| Public Administration | $74,728 |
| Educational Services | $71,244 |
Alberta Boilers Safety Association (ABSA) website: www.absa.ca
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Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.