Plant Sciences | University of Missouri-Columbia

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 51-8013.00

Skills

Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlCritical ThinkingSpeakingActive ListeningMonitoringComplex Problem SolvingReading Comprehension

Knowledge

MechanicalPublic Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageProduction and ProcessingChemistry

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityDeductive ReasoningNear VisionOral ExpressionInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingPerceptual SpeedWritten ComprehensionFlexibility of Closure

Tasks

Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels
Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using cont

Technology

Facilities management softwareIndustrial control softwareElectronic mail softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareData base user interface and query software

Tools

AbsorbersAdjustable hand wrenchesAdjustable widemouth pliersAir compressorsAir filtration maskAir heatersAir samplersAll terrain vehicles ATVAnalog panel metersAnnunciatorsAttemperatorsBackhoesBelt conveyorsBlowersBoiler gauge glasses

Work Values

SupportRelationshipsIndependenceWorking ConditionsAchievementRecognition

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium51-8013.00	Power Plant Operators	title_inference	—	—	—

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: proficient (Level 3)(based on Bachelor's Degree)

Generator output stability — autonomously control and fine-tune phase, frequency, and voltage across varying load conditions to match panel requirements throughout a full shift.
Abnormal plant conditions — apply critical thinking and deductive reasoning to diagnose complex equipment problems and implement corrective actions without supervisor direction.
Full range of power generating equipment — operate boilers, turbines, generators, and reactors across all load states using control boards and semi-automatic systems independently.
Startup and shutdown evolutions — lead the complete sequencing of generators, turbines, and auxiliary pumping equipment safely under both planned and emergency conditions.
Distributed energy systems including microturbines and fuel cells — operate and maintain on-site generation assets to meet commercial or manufacturing energy demands.
Regulatory compliance actions — evaluate meter and chart data, identify deviations, and execute required corrective or reporting actions within mandated timeframes.
Auxiliary system integrity — monitor and maintain pumps, compressors, condensers, chlorinators, and filters to ensure uninterrupted supply of water, fuel, lubricants, and air.
Equipment repair and maintenance — troubleshoot mechanical failures, coordinate or perform repairs, and verify restored operation meets plant performance standards.
Industrial control and analytical software — use advanced system features to trend operational data, identify efficiency gaps, and support shift performance reviews.
Cross-shift coordination — communicate technical findings and handover information precisely to oncoming crews to maintain continuity of safe plant operations.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.