Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Generator Operator

💰 $28 - $48 per hour

Skilled TradesOperationsMaintenanceFacilitiesEnergy

🎯 Role Definition

As a Generator Operator, you are the frontline guardian of our organization's continuous power supply. You will be responsible for the hands-on operation, monitoring, and comprehensive maintenance of our standby and prime power generator systems. This critical role involves performing routine preventative maintenance, diagnosing and resolving complex mechanical and electrical issues, and ensuring all equipment is in a constant state of readiness. You will be instrumental in executing load bank testing, managing fuel systems, and maintaining meticulous records to guarantee compliance and reliability, ensuring our operations remain uninterrupted during any power-related event.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Maintenance Technician
  • Industrial Electrician or Apprentice
  • Diesel Mechanic

Advancement To:

  • Lead Generator Technician / Senior Operator
  • Power Plant Supervisor
  • Facilities Maintenance Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Industrial Electrician
  • HVAC Technician
  • Critical Facilities Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Operate, monitor, and maintain prime and standby power generation systems, including diesel, natural gas, and propane generators, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
  • Perform routine preventative maintenance tasks, such as changing oil, replacing filters (air, fuel, oil), and checking coolant systems, adhering strictly to manufacturer specifications.
  • Conduct comprehensive inspections and diagnostics on generator sets, automatic transfer switches (ATS), paralleling switchgear, and associated electrical distribution equipment.
  • Respond immediately to system alarms and failures, applying advanced troubleshooting techniques to diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical faults to minimize operational downtime.
  • Execute complex load bank testing protocols to verify generator performance, capacity, and operational readiness under simulated full-load conditions.
  • Maintain meticulous and accurate logs of all operational data, including engine runtime hours, fuel consumption, maintenance activities, and any observed system anomalies.
  • Safely perform manual and automatic switching and paralleling of generators with the utility grid or other units to effectively manage electrical loads and ensure system stability.
  • Monitor and manage bulk fuel storage and delivery systems, coordinate fuel replenishment, and perform quality testing to ensure a reliable and clean fuel supply.
  • Utilize a variety of diagnostic software and specialized tools, such as digital multimeters, insulation testers, and thermal imaging cameras, to identify and resolve system faults.
  • Read and interpret complex electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, mechanical blueprints, and technical manuals to support troubleshooting, repairs, and installations.
  • Ensure all work is performed in strict compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA safety standards, NFPA 110, and EPA environmental guidelines.
  • Calibrate and adjust generator controls, voltage regulators, and engine governors to maintain precise power output and system stability.
  • Oversee the operation and maintenance of auxiliary support systems, including cooling towers, fuel polishing skids, and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) battery backups.
  • Coordinate and oversee third-party vendors and specialized contractors for major equipment overhauls, warranty repairs, or complex system upgrades.
  • Document all maintenance and repair activities thoroughly in a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for accurate asset history and trend analysis.
  • Actively participate in emergency response drills and demonstrate proficiency in executing Emergency Operating Procedures (EOPs) for critical power failure scenarios.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment within generator rooms, electrical vaults, and maintenance workshops.
  • Perform major and minor repairs on diesel and natural gas engines, including the replacement of injectors, water pumps, turbos, and other critical components.
  • Install, commission, and test new generator sets and related power distribution equipment according to project specifications and engineering design documents.
  • Provide detailed written and verbal reports to facility management on equipment condition, operational performance, and recommendations for system improvements.
  • Manage a critical inventory of spare parts, specialized tools, and essential consumables, ensuring their availability for both scheduled maintenance and emergency repairs.
  • Perform routine maintenance, testing, and replacement of generator starting batteries and control power systems to ensure reliable starting capability.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the broader facilities team with general maintenance tasks and projects as required.
  • Actively participate in all required safety meetings and training programs, championing a culture of safety.
  • Provide technical support and informal training to other facility staff on the basics of the power generation system.
  • Escort and monitor on-site vendors to ensure they adhere to company safety policies and procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • In-depth proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing diesel and natural gas engine systems.
  • Strong knowledge of AC/DC electrical theory, 3-phase power, and industrial control circuits.
  • Demonstrated experience working with Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) and paralleling switchgear.
  • Advanced ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, and P&IDs.
  • Thorough understanding of relevant codes and standards, including NEC, NFPA 70E, and NFPA 110.
  • Hands-on experience performing and documenting periodic load bank testing.
  • Familiarity with generator control platforms such as Deep Sea, Woodward, or Caterpillar EMCP.
  • Competency in using advanced electrical diagnostic tools, including multimeters, megohmmeters, and power quality analyzers.
  • Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for work order tracking.
  • Knowledge of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures and other critical safety protocols.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, especially under pressure.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to precision in all tasks.
  • Clear and effective verbal and written communication for logging, reporting, and team collaboration.
  • Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision while also functioning as a key team member.
  • A strong personal commitment to workplace safety and procedural adherence.
  • Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and maintenance schedules.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or certificate from a technical/vocational school.
  • Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) certification.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Diesel Technology
  • Electrical Technology
  • Power Generation Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of direct, hands-on experience in servicing and operating commercial or industrial power generation systems.

Preferred: Experience in critical environments such as data centers, hospitals, or large-scale manufacturing facilities. Factory-level training on major generator brands (e.g., Caterpillar, Cummins, Kohler) is highly desirable.

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