Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Did You Know:
- Workers usually acquire their skills through a formal apprenticeship program or through on-the-job training.
- Licensure is required in many states and is a prerequisite for many job openings.
- Employment is projected to grow more slowly than average, and applicants may face competition for jobs.
Industry Areas
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
- Local Government (OES Designation)
Day-to-Day Tasks
- Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment such as pumps, compressors, and air-conditioning equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools.
- Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.
- Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.
Overall Kind of Work
Most large office buildings, malls, warehouses and other commercial facilities have extensive heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems that keep them comfortable all year long. Industrial...
Work Environment
Military
Power plant operators usually work indoors. They are subject to high temperatures and noise.
Status
What is the difference between enlisted and officer?
Enlisted:Enlisted members enter the Military with a high school diploma (in some cases a GED), at a minimum. They are employed in almost every type of military career, often in hands-on roles.
Officers: Officers either enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater or served previously as enlisted members, and are generally employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require intensive training.
Officer
Enlisted
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
2,408 Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators in the military
Service Branches
Power Plant Operators work in the following services:
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People: 
Things: 
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills:
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
Math & Science Skills:
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity:
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure: