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Hydro Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A Hydro Operator B is a qualified operator who is responsible for normally operating one (1) or more hydro plants in their area of responsibility. They shall be knowledgeable of the power plants ...

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Essel is seeking a skilled Hydro Vac Operator to join our operations team. This role involves operating hydro excavating equipment to safely and efficiently expose underground utilities, excavate ...

Essel is seeking a skilled Hydro Vac Operator to join our operations team. This role involves operating hydro excavating equipment to safely and efficiently expose underground utilities, excavate ...

Essel is seeking a skilled Hydro Vac Operator to join our operations team. This role involves operating hydro excavating equipment to safely and efficiently expose underground utilities, excavate ...

Hydro Operator Utility

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$23.50 - $24.60/hr

Hydro Operator About Us You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part of the places where we live, work, and play - all day, every day. Zekelman is a family of companies ...

Hydro Operator Utility

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$23.50 - $24.60/hr

Hydro Operator About Us You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part of the places where we live, work, and play - all day, every day. Zekelman is a family of companies ...

FlexSteel - Hydro Operator - I

Baytown, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

The Level 1 Hydro Operator is an entry-level position responsible for supporting and performing basic operational tasks related to hydrostatic testing in pipe production. This role is part of a ...

FlexSteel - Hydro Operator - I

Baytown, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

The Level 1 Hydro Operator is an entry-level position responsible for supporting and performing basic operational tasks related to hydrostatic testing in pipe production. This role is part of a ...

3rd shift Hydro Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

The Hydro Operator is responsible formaintaining this process by reading charts/computer systems, taking severalsamples, and switching valves/controls so the oil/steam/gas is going to theappropriate ...

3rd shift Hydro Operator

Louisville, KY · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

3rd shift Hydro Operator Making Better Happen Our story goes back more than 150 years, tothe windy coast where Sweden and Denmark meet. From our success in Scandinavia, we've growninto the world ...

3rd shift Hydro Operator

Louisville, KY

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

The Hydro Operator is responsible formaintaining this process by reading charts/computer systems, taking severalsamples, and switching valves/controls so the oil/steam/gas is going to theappropriate ...

Join our team and earn a $2,000 new hire bonus; those with related experience earn $3,000 Position Summary This role is primarily responsible for running a Hydro Vac truck, working in a safe manner ...

Hydro Control Operator

WA · On-site

$63.11/hr

Responsibilities A Hydro Control Operator (HCO) is an Operator on shift at the Merwin project who: (a) is in charge of the project and dispatches duties; (b) monitors flows and adjusts generation for ...

Responsibilities A Hydro Control Operator (HCO) is an Operator on shift at the Merwin project who: (a) is in charge of the project and dispatches duties; (b) monitors flows and adjusts generation for ...

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$13

$21

$44

How much do hydro operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydro operator in the United States is $21.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hydro Operator vs Water Treatment Operator?

AspectHydro OperatorWater Treatment Operator
CertificationsHydropower plant certifications, safety trainingWater treatment certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentHydropower plants, dams, hydroelectric facilitiesWater treatment plants, municipal facilities
Industry UsageEnergy, utilities, renewable resourcesPublic health, municipal services, environmental management

While both roles involve operating water-related systems, a Hydro Operator primarily manages hydroelectric power facilities, focusing on energy production and dam operations. In contrast, a Water Treatment Operator handles water purification processes for municipal or industrial water supplies. Both roles require safety certifications and technical skills but serve different industry needs and environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Hydro Operators in their daily work?

Hydro Operators often encounter challenges such as responding quickly to changes in water flow and demand, troubleshooting mechanical or electrical issues with turbines and generators, and maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. They must remain vigilant to ensure the safe and efficient operation of hydroelectric equipment, especially during periods of extreme weather or peak energy demand. Collaborating effectively with maintenance teams and control room staff is essential to address unexpected issues and prevent downtime.

What Is the Job of a Hydro Operator?

A hydro or hydro-vac operator performs non-destructive excavation around sensitive components, such as utility cables and pipelines. In this career, your duties are to excavate using high pressure water blasting equipment and excavate debris using a special vacuum. Your responsibilities as a hydro operator also include maintaining paperwork to document your hydro-vac jobs, conducting regular inspections of your truck and vacuum, and performing routine maintenance and any needed repairs on your hydro-vac equipment. You must be safety conscious to avoid injury to yourself or others, as the equipment you operate can be dangerous.

What are Hydro Operators?

Hydro Operators are professionals responsible for controlling and monitoring the operation of hydroelectric power plants. They manage the flow of water through turbines to generate electricity efficiently and safely, making adjustments based on demand and environmental conditions. Hydro Operators also perform regular inspections, maintain equipment, and respond to emergencies or system malfunctions to ensure continuous and reliable power generation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hydro Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydro Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, knowledge of power plant operations, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, turbine controls, and regulatory compliance software is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications ensure the reliable and safe operation of hydroelectric plants, supporting energy production and environmental standards.
What cities are hiring for Hydro Operator jobs? Cities with the most Hydro Operator job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Hydro Operator jobs? The top employers for Hydro Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Hydro Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydro Operator jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Hydro Operator jobs? For Hydro Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Hydro Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 9% Temporary, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,433 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Hydro Operator B

$48.06/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 hours ago


PacifiCorp rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

POWER YOUR GREATNESS

PacifiCorp is seeking customer-centric candidates to grow and sustain our commitment to a culture of customer service excellence, environmental sustainability, inclusion & belonging.

Responsibilities

A HYDRO OPERATOR B is in charge of a generating plant of total capacity under 100 MW. A Hydro Operator B is a qualified operator who is responsible for normally operating one (1) or more hydro plants in their area of responsibility. They shall be knowledgeable of the power plants, water impoundments, water conduits, and switching in their operating area, as prescribed by the Company. A Hydro Operator B will operate power plants and associated facilities, perform switching orders and tag clearances on equipment. This includes generators, turbines, penstocks, and other associated equipment. A Hydro Operator B will perform all duties assigned that are the normal duties on a hydro project within the classification and qualifications, including substation inspections, station and line switching, routine station check and servicing equipment as required, log maintenance, and for reporting activities to the responsible Hydro Control Operator. The Hydro Operator may perform maintenance on slip rings and commutators and replace brushes, not to exceed ten percent (10%) within a sixty (60) day period, and cleans electrical equipment during annual maintenance after it has been inspected by a Station Wireman.

Upon completion of all required training, the employee will be paid at the Hydro Operator B (fully qualified) rate. 

Requirements
  • High School Diploma or GED 
  • Power plant operation and maintenance experience 
Preferences
Benefits

At PacifiCorp, we understand that living a healthy lifestyle isn’t just about your physical health — your mental, financial, and social wellbeing also play an important role. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to help you live a more balanced lifestyle

Our benefits include: 


•    Medical, dental, and vision insurance
•    401k with match fixed contributions, including a Roth and saving option. For union employees, matching           contributions vary by union. For nonunion,

PacifiCorp makes a fixed contribution equal to 4% of your eligible pay each year for new hires. In addition, PacifiCorp matches 100% of the first 6% you contribute. 


•    Life insurance
•    Additional voluntary benefits, including pet insurance
•    Tuition Assistance
•    Mass Transit Pass for employees in our Portland and Salt Lake City Offices.

Work Life Balance


•    Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) - Time off varies by employee type (Union or Non-Union)
•    Paid short-term disability leave and long-term disability insurance
•    Paid Parental Leave
•    Paid Bereavement Leave 
•    Employee Assistance Program supporting mental and emotional wellbeing

For more information, please visit: https://careers.pacificorp.com/content/New-Benefits-Page/?locale=en_US

Additional Information

Req Id: 114608 
Company Code: PacifiCorp #PM25
Primary Location: Bend,  Oregon (100% Onsite) 
Department: Power Supply 
Schedule: Full-Time
Personnel Subarea: IBEW Local 125
Hiring Range: $48.06 per hour 


Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without an accommodation.


PacifiCorp is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.


Unless otherwise required by law, all offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening including for marijuana. While marijuana is legal in several states, including Oregon, a positive test for positions in Oregon may disqualify a candidate. The company complies with the laws of Washington and California and only obtains and considers positive tests for marijuana in safety-sensitive positions or those covered by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations.


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