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  3. Power Engineering Technologist and Stationary Steam Engineer

Power Engineering Technologist and Stationary Steam Engineer

NOC #92100

  • Environment Primarily indoor/office work
  • Education Post-secondary diploma
  • Average salary $61,000 to $109,000

Career profile

Power engineering technologists and stationary/steam engineers operate and maintain reactors, steam and gas turbines, boilers, generators, stationary gas and diesel internal combustion engines, auxiliary equipment or controls related to generating electrical power. They require a power engineering certification to operate any of these systems at any plant or facility that operates using pressurized equipment. This includes gas plant operations, steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) operations, mining extraction operations, upgrading operations, co-generation/utilities, oilfield waste management plants etc. The responsibilities of these operators vary based on the class of certification a worker carries (e.g., 3rd Class certificate).

Oil and gas services, Pipelines, Oil sands, Exploration & production, Offshore

In this occupation activities may include:

  • Understanding the safety, environmental and regulatory responsibilities that go along with the job, such as hazard identification, equipment lock out and emergency response procedures
  • Monitoring the levels of boiler water, chemicals and fuel, and making adjustments to maintain the required levels
  • Analyzing problems and taking the appropriate action to ensure the continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems
  • Operating stationary engines, boilers and auxiliary equipment, such as pumps and compressors, to supply and maintain steam or heat for marine vessels or pneumatic tools
  • Testing or coordinating the testing of boiler water quality and taking necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits

Education

  • A high school diploma (or equivalent) and then progression through the different power or stationary engineering classifications is typically required. Receiving provincial or territorial power or stationary engineering certification requires work experience and the completion of written exams.

Certifications

  • Standard and emergency first aid
  • Asbestos Safety
  • H2S Alive®
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
  • Fall protection
  • Confined space entry
  • Respirator fit testing
  • Aerial lift training

Licensing

  • Power of stationary engineering certification is compulsory for all operators working with pressurized vessels/equipment across Canada.
  • To receive a provincial or territorial power engineering or stationary engineering certificate, Power Engineers require a post-secondary training program in stationary or power engineering and several years of work experience in the field.

  • Shiftwork/variable work hours
  • Primarily indoor work
  • Physical work
  • Safety-sensitive environment
  • Work away from home/in camps
  • Lower-risk tolerant culture

Safety is a top focus and you understand the significance of the systems that you control, operate and maintain.

  • Troubleshooting
  • Production and processing
  • Operation monitoring
  • Mechanical
  • Public safety and security
  • Operation and control
  • Engineering and technology
  • Production and processing
  • Systems evaluation
  • Systems analysis
  • Quality control analysis