plant operator

{{Short description|Employee who supervises an operating plant operations}}

{{Infobox Occupation

| name= Plant Operator

| image=RIAN archive 305015 Leningrad nuclear power plant.jpg

| caption=A panel operator at work in the control room of the Leningrad Nuclear Power Plant, 2008

| official_names=

| type= Semi-skilled

| activity_sector= Chemicals
Utilities
Petroleum

| competencies= Technical and HSE knowledge and skills

| formation=

| employment_field=

| related_occupation= Stationary engineer

| average_salary=

}}

A plant operator is an employee who supervises the operation of an industrial plant. The term is usually applied to workers employed in utilities, wastewater treatment plants, power plants or chemical plants such as gas extraction facilities, petrochemical or oil refineries.

Modern industrial plants are generally highly automated, with control of the plant's processes centralised in a control room from which valves, gauges, alarms and switches may be operated. Employees working in these environments are sometimes known as control room, panel or board operators - conversely, workers carrying out field operations may be known as 'outside operators'. Generally, operators are assigned to a particular unit, on which they are responsible for a certain function or area of equipment. Operators are also often responsible for ensuring work is being done in a safe manner, including managing 'permit to work' systems covering other workers.

File:Reed Roller Bit at Shell Oil refinery, Deer Park, Texas (9294246408).jpg Deer Park Refinery, 1940]]