Process Plant Technology | Montana State University Billings

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: developing (Level 2)(based on Associate's Degree)

Generator output — adjust phase, frequency, and voltage controls with limited supervision to maintain stable electricity supply to distribution panels.
Charts, meters, and gauges — take scheduled regulatory readings and initiate corrective actions within established operating parameters during a standard shift.
Control boards and semi-automatic equipment — operate to manage boilers, turbines, and generators through routine load changes with minimal direction.
Auxiliary equipment including compressors, condensers, and feedwater heaters — maintain and adjust independently to sustain proper plant support functions.
Equipment malfunctions — apply basic troubleshooting steps to identify the source of operating problems and escalate non-routine issues appropriately.
Valve and switch sequences — execute startup and shutdown procedures for auxiliary units from memory, cross-checking against written procedures as needed.
Distributed power generation equipment such as fuel cells and microturbines — operate under general supervision to produce on-site energy for facility use.
Shift logs and compliance documentation — complete accurately using industrial control software and word processing tools at the end of each operating cycle.
Oral communication with shift supervisors — relay equipment status and emerging concerns clearly and promptly during handover briefings.
Routine preventive maintenance tasks — perform on pumps, filters, and fans according to scheduled maintenance plans with occasional supervisor check-ins.

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.