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Hydro Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Serena, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... hydro, wind and solar facilities, with the generating capacity to power the equivalent of 27 ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Normal, IL · On-site

$191K/yr

... hydro, wind and solar facilities, with the generating capacity to power the equivalent of 27 ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Champaign, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... hydro, wind and solar facilities, with the generating capacity to power the equivalent of 27 ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Delavan, IL · On-site

$191K/yr

... hydro, wind and solar facilities, with the generating capacity to power the equivalent of 27 ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

San Jose, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... hydro, wind and solar facilities, with the generating capacity to power the equivalent of 27 ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

Constellation Energy

Senior Reactor Operator

Urbana, IL · On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

... hydro, wind and solar facilities, with the generating capacity to power the equivalent of 27 ... They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment ...

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All JobsHydro Operator JobsHydro Operator Jobs in Illinois

Hydro Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$12

$20

$43

How much do hydro operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydro operator in Illinois is $20.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hydro operator?

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 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 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.

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Hydro Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydro Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,057 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Senior Field Engineer, Pump Systems (Power Generation)

Hydro - US Facilities

Chicago, IL • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Senior Field Engineer, Pump Systems (Power Generation)

Do you instinctively trace failures to their root cause? Can you step onto a power plant deck, read the situation, and guide a team through a high‑energy pump installation with confidence? At Hydro Inc.—the world’s largest independent pump rebuilder headquartered in Chicago—you’ll champion reliability for customers who count on us. Since 1969, our purpose has been simple: elevate pumping system performance through objective engineering, craftsmanship, and rapid field response.

The Mission

Lead the field. Serve the customer. Strengthen the system.

In this home‑based role, you will be the face of Hydro on site—owning installations, commissioning activities, and issue resolution while cultivating long‑term partnerships. Expect extensive travel across the U.S. and, at times, internationally.

How You’ll Operate
  1. Oversee & Execute: Direct on‑site pump installations and start‑ups; perform installation and troubleshooting for new customers and extensions for existing ones.
  2. Educate & Enable: Train customer operators, sales colleagues, and internal staff; serve as the immediate link to Hydro and act in the company’s best interest.
  3. Diagnose & Improve: Resolve issues quickly; spot improvement opportunities in products and services; collect product/business intel and feed qualified leads to Sales.
  4. Document & Deliver: Complete accurate service, expense, and weekly time reports; maintain clear, timely communication.
  5. Commit & Travel: Remain on‑call 24/7 except during planned absences; expect extended deployments with typical productivity/travel of 80–100%.
What You’ve Mastered
  • High‑energy pumps and pumping applications, with proven sales capabilities
  • Hands‑on work with OEM pumps across multiple brands
  • Clear written and verbal communication; strong analysis and judgment
  • Team collaboration, patience, and customer stewardship in any circumstance
  • Microsoft Office and Adobe tools
Your Background
  • 5+ years in field or shop environments working on high‑energy pumps and related equipment
  • Cross‑OEM exposure (major plus)
  • Aftermarket sales and/or field service experience (plus)
Role Details
  • Home‑based with extensive overnight travel; international assignments as needed
  • Job Type: Full‑time
  • Expected hours: No less than 40 per week
  • Schedule: Monday to Friday; extended hours as required
  • Willingness to travel: 75% preferred (project demands may reach 80–100%)
  • Physical requirement: Some heavy lifting
Rewards

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, 401(k) with matching contribution, paid time off, and much more.

Before You Apply
  • Do you have knowledge of multistage pumps?
  • Are you comfortable being on‑call 24/7 except during planned absences?
  • Are you ready for frequent overnight and occasional international travel?

If your answer is yes, and you’re ready to drive reliability where it matters most, we’d like to meet you.